Orange adds Riverbed SD-WAN technology to its networks

The aim of the new kit is to enable Orange customers to simplify the management of their hybrid networks and add efficiency to their cloud applications. According to Orange this is a key part of the Orange network-as-a-service strategy, and the solution will be available globally.

Orange intends to integrate Riverbed’s SteelConnect technology into its hybrid network portfolio. The partners are working together to develop a virtual network function (VNF) that customers will be able to deploy on universal customer premise equipment (uCPE) at their site. Full compatibility will be maintained with existing services as enterprises transition applications to the cloud.

The first Orange pilot customers will be connected during the second quarter 2017 using managed SteelConnect appliances. The VNF of the service is scheduled to be available at the end of 2017. This will provide full virtualization and orchestration managed through an easy-to-use ‘self-care’ portal to administer and prioritize applications.

“This will provide our customers with yet more choice and simplicity in how they manage their infrastructure,” said Pierre-Louis Biaggi, vice president, Connectivity Business Unit, Orange Business Services.