AT&T FlexWareSM adds robust security applications

AT&T is adding new network connectivity options and new security applications to AT&T FlexWareSM. The operator is also increasing availability to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

AT&T FlexWare is a platform that simplifies the delivery and deployment of software-based network functions. Businesses can easily and flexibly manage their networks, reduce total costs of ownership and avoid being locked into proprietary hardware-based solutions.

In less than a year after launching, over 2,000 FlexWare devices have been sold globally across a wide variety of businesses, both large and small.

AT&T FlexWare now gives the benefits of network function virtualization (NFV) to businesses with a broader range of connection types.

With this release, AT&T FlexWare now is enabled with the full scope of connectivity options from AT&T as well as other service providers. These options include Ethernet, VPN (MPLS), dedicated internet as well as broadband.  These options make it possible for AT&T FlexWare to easily integrate with virtually any network across the globe.

As more mission-critical data moves across networks, security becomes even more vital. We’ve added 3 new virtual security options to AT&T FlexWare to give businesses more choices. In addition to Fortinet self-managed and AT&T-managed firewall options, we worked with leading companies to deliver these new software-defined security options:

• Palo Alto Networks® Next-Generation Security Platform (AT&T- or self-managed)
• Juniper Networks vSRX Virtual Firewall (self-managed)
• Check Point vSEC (self-managed)

The added features and options are supported in countries and territories where FlexWare is available, which now number over 200.** The geographic expansion underscores our commitment to speed the global adoption of NFV.

“Businesses spend billions annually on hardware worldwide. The potential savings, options and flexibility associated with moving to a virtualized edge platform are significant,” says Roman Pacewicz, senior vice president, Offer Management and Service Integration, AT&T Business.

“It’s game changing when network functions like routers or firewalls are moved to a virtual model. Businesses can be more agile while driving down costs.”

The increased availability of FlexWare comes with high reliability. In the U.S., FlexWare has redundancy options, including wireless backups, if primary communication networks are disabled.