Sprint today launched VeloCloud software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) services to provide automation, security, and improved performance for its cloud applications across distributed locations.

The deployment builds on the provider’s previous announcement from October when it said it planned to roll out SD-WAN services in early 2017.

Sprint brought several SD-WAN providers into its lab and settled on VeloCloud because of how quickly it could take the services to market, said Don Briscoe, group product marketing manager for Sprint Business. Additionally, VeloCloud’s orchestration, monitoring, and ability to onboard cloud applications stuck out to the provider.

Sprint’s SD-WAN dashboard provides customers with real-time visibility into the performance of their entire WAN including their business applications.

For connectivity, Sprint’s SD-WAN allows enterprises to use new or existing Sprint MPLS or broadband Internet connectivity, or they can bring their own broadband from other providers, Briscoe said.

The services are managed by Sprint across various transport vendors. Using multiple management tiers, customers are able to pick the level of needed support.

Additionally, Sprint’s SD-WAN integrates with the carrier's suite of converged products offered within its wireline business, including global MPLS, managed routers, data, direct Internet access, voice-over IP (VoIP), SIP Trunking, SIP Cloud Toll Free, Workplace-as-a-Service, WiFi, and security services, Briscoe said. Those services are packaged and optimized by its SD-WAN offering.

Sprint is currently deploying VeloCloud’s SD-WAN in the United States and plans for international expansion in late third-quarter.

VeloCloud has been on somewhat of a roll lately with its customer wins. The vendor has scored deals with AT&T, TelePacific, GTT, Windstream, Vonage, MetTel, EarthLink, Telstra, MegaPath, CHT Global, Global Capacity, and NetOne.