China Telecom Global Unveils SD-WAN Service with Versa Networks

China Telecom Global Limited, a global enabler of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and enterprise network technologies, has launched its SD-WAN service portfolio in partnership with Versa Networks.

This service offering aims to provide greater connectivity, flexibility and cost-savings for businesses around the world.

CTG is one of the first telecom service providers to launch a SD-WAN service globally. As part of China Telecom, CTG leverages on the Group's strengths in cable and wireless assets, delivering unparalleled connectivity to its customers with the flexibility of establishing a hybrid network with MPLS VPN.

In addition, CTG's SD-WAN service is unique in that it enables direct and secure access to public cloud services such as Microsoft Azure and Amazon via backbone networks. The service will also be accessible via mobile devices. Furthermore, by leveraging on Versa's carrier-grade NFV software, CTG offers an on-the-go network diagnostics solution to its customers who are now able to easily check the quality of its connectivity.

"Today we are delighted to offer a new industry benchmark in enterprise network services for the new business world," said Joe Han, Executive Vice President, China Telecom Global. "CTG's industry experience, along with the strengths of China Telecom, enables a fast, seamless, secure and on-the-go experience for our customers. SD-WAN is the future for businesses -- especially SMEs -- seeking greater access, capacity, speed and control. Together with Versa Networks, we are committed to the evolution of SD-WAN."

The explosion in data generation and usage, as well as the continued evolution of cloud-based technologies has resulted in the rapid adoption and interest in SD-WAN. As a specific application of SDN technology, SD-WAN technology is utilised to connect enterprise networks over large distances. The benefits of the SD-WAN service offering are multi-fold; not only does it improve Internet connectivity, it also increases flexibility via cloud control which allows options of scaling up/down of connectivity based on specific times of the day, thus minimising the expensive investment in routing hardware.

"CTG is a pioneer in their vision for enterprise network services and we are delighted to be selected as their partner moving forward," said Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa Networks. "Our partnership enables customers to implement a fast, fully scalable and agile service as they continue to address business and technological challenges."

This service offering is now available and it will grow to over 30 global cloud gateways (PoPs) by the end of 2017 across Asia Pacific, Europe and North America, providing seamless coverage for its users. To date, nodes have been set up in Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Mumbai.

CTG will also extend the service coverage to major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen by leveraging China Telecom's domestic resources.