AT&T FlexWare gets new features, expands to 200 countries

AT&TTelecom operator AT&T will expand AT&T FlexWare that now comes with new network connectivity options and security applications to more than 200 countries.

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

In less than a year after launching, AT&T has sold over 2,000 FlexWare devices globally across large and small businesses.

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

AT&T FlexWare 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.

In addition to Fortinet self-managed and AT&T-managed firewall options, AT&T worked with three companies to deliver new software-defined security options. These new companies include Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Security Platform (AT&T- or self-managed); Juniper Networks vSRX Virtual Firewall (self-managed) and Check Point vSEC (self-managed).

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

Meanwhile, Ericsson said it is rolling out availability of AT&T FlexWare across its corporate network. Locations include the U.S., Latin America, Middle East, and Europe. Virtualizing its network services with AT&T FlexWare lets Ericsson adapt its network to changing business needs in near real-time, while lowering its total cost of network ownership.

“We are building a modernized network for global connectivity to be able to support the Digital Transformation within Ericsson,” said Johan Torstensson, chief information officer and head of IT, Ericsson.