GTT adds universal CPE to SD-WAN

July 30, 2019 - GTT launched four uCPE platform options to suit small sites up to larger-scale data centers, and enhancing its SD-WAN proposition. The move strengthens GTT’s SD-WAN service, because its uCPE platforms support centralized management of software updates across the service provider’s extensive global IP backbone. GTT offers VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud and SilverPeak Unity Boost for optimization. The service provider also supports Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet on its uCPE devices for virtualized network security. Offering SD-WAN as a VNF feature running on top of a uCPE device is advanced in the market. 

GTT's uCPE for SD-WAN gives agile management of remotely connected business sites, such as factories, retail outlets, sales kiosks, and offices, etc., without those sites needing complex and expensive on-site hardware deployment and management.

The combination of its uCPE with SD-WAN, network assets (600 global PoPs) and relations with thousands of third party last-mile access providers results in a compelling offer targeting multinational prospects.

The uCPE devices need to be shipped to client sites thus a reliable global logistical support fabric is a must. Customers that heavily invested in certain major IP router suppliers may be protective of investments, which can introduce an element of resistance to the take up of GTT’s uCPE proposal. 

Next steps for GTT - the company can consider how it can differentiate from rivals, since the look and feel of its SD-WAN and uCPE proposal is somewhat similar to SD-WAN plus uCPE available from a several competitors, including for example Colt and Verizon.

Clavem Research suggests that a strong and proven cloud networking heritage (‘from the ground to the cloud’ – a former Interoute moniker) and global IP backbone and capacity holds the keys to a differentiated service.

GTT can continue to develop the richness of its SD-WAN (for example service wrap, management portal, uCPE form factors, and a broad VNF menu), and tell prospects that few service providers can match its rich network coverage and engineering skills, as well as early move into supporting migration to the cloud on behalf of enterprise customers.
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