GlobeNewswire Inc | Dec 1, 2021 08:00AM EST

December 01, 2021

What you need to know:

-- Verizon Business is bolstering its Network as a Service digitization strategy with the addition ofnewCiscomanagedSD WANservices, including support for 5G connectivity. -- The solutions leverage Verizons 4G and 5G networks, and provide enterprises with an enhanced ability to scale, remain agile and future-proof operations.

NEW YORK, Dec. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon Business is enhancingitsNetwork as a Service (NaaS) digitization strategy with the addition of CiscomanagedSD WAN services, includingoptions for4G/5G connectivity.Automation, artificial intelligence, 5G andReal Time Enterprise (RTE)1presentnew requirements and complexities, which test the limits of legacyinformation technology (IT)infrastructures. With these new solutions, enterprises can leverage Verizons 4G and 5G networks, as well as thenetwork as a service strategy, giving them the ability to scale, adopt the latest technology and remain agile to meet ever-changing customer demands.

Organizations are challenged with finding flexible and secure networking solutions that enable the rapid transition to hybrid cloud and hybrid work while maximizing application performance for their users, said MassimoPeselli, senior vice president, Global Enterprise, Verizon Business. The addition of these Cisco solutions builds on our longstanding history ofco-innovationandprovides customers with the agility and scalability to meet todays needs while future-proofing their operations.

Besides enabling hybrid connectivity, VerizonsNaaSwith Cisco SD WAN solutionshelpssimplify operations,employan assetlight model,optimizeresources, allow network and security convergence, improveuser experiencefrom application-awarerouting,andincrease business agility.

The new solutions include:

-- Managed Cisco SD WANfortheCisco Catalyst 8000Edge Platforms Family,andIntegrated Services Router (ISR)1000 and4000 series,including management oftheCisco cellular Pluggable Interface Modules (PIM), andCiscoCatalyst Cellular Gateways.This new offersupports4G and5Gcellularforgigabit connectivity todistributedcloudworkloads. For a limited time,Verizon willprovide customersonefreeCiscoCatalyst Cellular Gateway with each new Cisco SD WAN3-yeardevice license purchase.

-- Verizon is deliveringaCisco SD WANperformancesuite includingCiscoUmbrellafor cloud security,Duo forzero trust application access, andThousand Eyes for network observability.This suitedeliversthe protection and visibility toenhanceSD WANsecurity andperformance while reducing customer costs.

-- Cloud collaboration services with carrier-grade quality, reliability and security via Verizons fully private connection to CiscoWebexCalling andWebexContact Center. Customers can capitalize on this private integration through wireline and wireless networks with Verizon Private IP and Verizon Wireless Private Network Traffic Management.

"In a hybrid work world, application performance and security are critical. We are committed to making it simpler for IT teams to deliver the best customer experiences, said Todd Nightingale, EVP and GM, Enterprise Networking and Cloud, Cisco. Verizons new Cisco managed SD WAN offer delivers cloud security and 5G capabilities, reduces complexity for customers, and enables private network connections to Cisco's Webex service cloud."

Verizon was positioned as a Leader in the IDCMarketScape: Worldwide Managed SD WAN 2020 Vendor Assessment (doc #US45837420, August 2020) and was recognized as the Global Managed Services Partner of the Year at Ciscos 2020 Partner Summit, reflecting Verizons status as a leading Cisco managed services partner. Verizon is also deploying Cisco 4G ISR routers to 1,700 Verizon Wireless stores.

Visit theVerizon BusinessNaaSlanding page to learn more.

1 The advent of 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), along with SDN, video, security telematics, and edge computing, will expand to become a foundational enabler of the real-time enterprise (RTE), in which businesses can exploit information, actions and events the moment they occur.

About VerizonVerizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30,2000and is one of the worlds leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice servicesand solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

About CiscoCisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in technology that powers the Internet. Cisco inspires new possibilities by reimagining your applications, securing your enterprise, transforming your infrastructure, and empowering your teams for a global and inclusive future. Discover more onThe Networkand follow us on Twitter at@Cisco.

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Media contact:Kyle Ragonesekyle.ragonese@verizon.com732.236.3526@KyleRagonese