Level 3 sees an opportunity to leverage its SDN-based network to deliver SD-WAN services, but when it does it wants to stand out from the competition.
Travis Ewert, SVP of global network software development at Level 3 Communications, told FierceTelecom that when it does launch its SD-WAN service it wants to provide something that competitors can’t offer.
“We’ll have a version that not only has more of a pure-play software-based solution, but also weaving in some of these on-demand capabilities, but also other capabilities,” Ewert said. “We’re working through a pilot and readiness for early deployment now and the intent for us to not do a me-too offering but something that we think is going to be differentiated.”
The service provider, which has built out a large SDN-based network infrastructure, has not revealed exactly when they will offer it.
Today, Level 3 offers a hybrid WAN service that allows customers to connect locations over various access mechanisms.
Being one of several companies to launch an SD-WAN service, Level 3’s concerns aren’t unfounded. Over the past few months, a number of traditional telcos, managed service providers and CLECs, including CenturyLink, Verizon, EarthLink, and MetTel have either announced a specific SD-WAN service or laid out plans.
Analysts have taken a bullish outlook on SD-WAN. A recent IDC report has forecast SD-WAN to grow at a CAGR of 90 percent from 2015 to 2020, with global revenues of $6 billion.
One of the initial attractions of SD-WAN is that a large enterprise can use multiple service connections -- broadband, cable, or wireless-based LTE -- to create a massive Mesh-VPN between all branches of the corporate network. While still a nascent concept, SD-WAN offers a resilient and secure network at a lower cost than traditional solutions.
Regardless of the competitive landscape, Ewert said SD-WAN has great promise for Level 3.
“If you do that one right it becomes your managed edge model,” Ewert said. “Whether it’s delivered over on-net or off-net facilities, SD-WAN service is the future of the service delivery edge.”
Related articles:
Level 3's Storey: We'll do more to make smaller customers more profitable
Level 3 taps Cisco’s NSO for NaaS solution
BTIG opens Level 3 with ‘Buy’ rating, cites free cash flow and recurring revenue
Entner: SD-WAN poised to revolutionize the data connectivity market