Ensemble CTO to debate SD-WAN applications from an enterprise perspective

• Panel: Prayson Pate, CTO, Ensemble division, ADVA; Stirling Perrin, principle analyst, optical networking and transport, Heavy Reading; Jeff Lewis, VP, data product management, Comcast Business; Kevin Sahim, VP, engineering (managed services) GTT; Aaron Tomosky, head of professional services, QOS Networks; Rami Yaron, board director and co-chair, MEF 
• Topics: SD-WAN 2.0: Defining service provider business models for success 
• When: Tuesday, September 25, 4:05 p.m.
• Where: NFV & Carrier SDN: Automation & Monetization conference, Westin Westminster, Denver, Colorado, USA

SD-WAN has taken the industry by storm, and for good reason. The dynamic, software-based approach to connectivity has proven a perfect fit for the enterprise cloud model, particularly for branch offices. As the market has matured, enterprises now face an array of technology options as well as multiple ways to consume SD-WAN, including full do-it-yourself, via reseller/systems integrators; or contracting with a network operator for managed services. Against this backdrop, network operators face the challenge of proving to enterprise customers that operator-managed services are the best route for consuming SD-WAN, and demonstrating value and differentiation among the many carriers competing in this approach. 

The NFV & Carrier SDN panel will step back from the technology discussions to deliver a business-focused assessment of SD-WAN, from the perspective of the network operator. Prayson Pate will bring his real-world NFV deployment experience to the panel, outlining the value of implementing SD-WAN in an automated and virtualized fashion and the role of universal CPE.