Secure software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) has revolutionised the network experience for businesses. It is optimised for a cloud-first world and is an ideal solution to provide businesses greater flexibility, improve productivity and increase network reliability and performance, the companies say.

They say the combined TPG Telecom and Fortinet secure SD-WAN offering provides businesses the controls they need to protect their environment, people, customers, and data by delivering SD-WAN, security, Wi-Fi, self-service, and reporting in a single service with no hidden extras.

Fortinet regional director Australia New Zealand and the Pacific Islands Jon McGettigan said, “TPG Telecom was looking for a solution that would let it scale at pace. This ethos is ingrained in Fortinet’s DNA. Fortinet’s secure SD-WAN solution combined with TPG Telecom’s automated next-generation network means customers can capitalise on the strengths of both organisations. By solving customer challenges quickly and effectively, Fortinet and TPG Telecom can help Australian organisations dive into the future of business-enabling technology that will rely on 5G networks.”

TPG Telecom group executive enterprise and government Jonathan Rutherford said, “TPG Telecom is excited to partner with Fortinet to deliver our SD-WAN solution. Businesses are increasingly working in a fast-changing environment that requires agility and the ability to adapt, with many looking to scale their digital transformation as they embrace hybrid working environments post-COVID. We recognise our customers don't just need the flexibility and cost savings that SD-WAN delivers but also the assurance that it is an incredibly secure way of working.”

By combining Fortinet’s market-leading secure SD-WAN solution with TPG Telecom’s automated, reliable network, this partnership delivers customers flexibility, cost savings, improved business services, and stronger network security. Importantly, it will let customers leverage the 5G network for new and emerging technologies, the companies say.

The companies say the key benefits of the solution include:

• Network security and visibility. Solves important network security challenges faced by business customers and offers end-to-end network visibility and service reliability, which SD-WAN technology vendors alone cannot do.
• Co-management capabilities. Optional co-management capabilities let customers transition while giving IT departments control over critical functions such as security and network.
• Fast deployment. Adding a new site comes with a three-day wireless implementation target for existing customers. Network changes and ad hoc user requests can be processed in minutes or hours, not days or weeks, through TPG Telecom’s automated next-generation network.

TPG Telecom says it chose to partner with Fortinet because of Fortinet’s innovation and market position as the leading secure SD-WAN vendor with a technology roadmap that will let TPG Telecom add higher-value services over time, such as new 5G-capable solutions. Fortinet also has a proven track record when it comes to ability to execute, which matches TPG Telecom’s focus on agility and processes that let it deliver for customers.

TPG Telecom said it has been a Fortinet customer for more than 12 years with Fortinet solutions heavily used in TPG Telecom’s core network. Fortinet’s agility, ability to deliver new sites in just days, and high-capacity solutions complement TPG Telecom’s high-capacity fibre services. As security continues to be critical to business growth and continuity, the secure SD-WAN solution offered by TPG Telecom with Fortinet’s support will give customers the confidence to transform.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 1 December 2021.