The service provider Windstream today announced the availability of its software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) managed service. Windstream chose VeloCloud as the vendor for its SD-WAN technology.

Windstream is offering the service to its mid-to large-sized enterprises. With SD-WAN, they can experience less downtime and latency in their WANs.

The SD-WAN can dynamically route traffic over a combination of private and public access types. Customers maintain control over this hybrid network from a centralized location rather than being required to manage various routers, switches, and firewalls. And there is no need for customers to replace their existing hardware.

Windstream's SD-WAN service converges voice, data, and video applications on the same IP backbone. Its business policies dynamically prioritize traffic to optimize bandwidth. The service also provides a central location for network monitoring.

The operator’s first SD-WAN customer is Kona Grill, which will use the technology to connect its 45 locations across 25 states. "We chose Windstream's SD-WAN solution because it integrates a hybrid network, leading technology from VeloCloud and a full suite of voice and data solutions,” said Glen Holroyd, director of IT at Kona Grill, in a prepared statement.

AT&T is also a VeloCloud customer. It announced its own SD-WAN managed service in November 2016. In its case, AT&T is offering both a network-based system for customers that already use AT&T MPLS connections, as well as an on-premises SD-WAN service where customers don’t necessarily need an AT&T MPLS connection. The on-premises SD-WAN could be a way for AT&T to expand its footprint out of its own regions.