Company: Windstream Enterprise
Nomination Submitted by: Feed Media
Company Description: Windstream Enterprise provides managed connectivity, communications and security solutions to enterprises across the U.S. It is a subsidiary of Windstream, which offers fiber-based broadband to residential and small business customers in 18 states, managed cloud communications, networking and security services for mid-to-large enterprises and government entities.
Nomination Category: New Product & Service Categories - Business Technology
Nomination Sub Category: Network Security Solution
 Nomination Title: Windstream Enterprise's SASE
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated new or new-version product or service, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: If this is a brand-new product, state the date on which it was released. If this is a new version of an existing product, state the date on which the update was released:
Windstream Enterprise augmented the first-of-its-kind SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) cybersecurity solution, originally unveiled in 2022, with the introduction of Windstream SSE in February 2023, North America’s first single-vendor Security Service Edge solution. Then, in the summer of 2023, Windstream Enterprise announced an international expansion of its SASE offering, extending its protections to the overseas offices of U.S. companies. Also in the summer of 2023, Windstream launched an expedited SASE implementation service, SASE Express Lane. Finally, in late 2023, Windstream rolled out additional upgrades to its SASE solution, ensuring customers would the latest, most advanced features to maximize their network security.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Describe the features, functions, and benefits of the nominated product or service (up to 350 words):
Total 346 words used.
Protecting against escalating cyber threats requires a sophisticated cyber security architecture. Today, SASE is recognized as the most powerful strategy to thwart cyberattackers.
As the nation’s first cloud-native SASE solution, Windstream Enterprise’s SASE combines network connectivity via a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) with multiple layers of security into one enterprise-level global fabric that protects all enterprise edges – sites, users and applications. Those layers include:
- Firewall as a Service
- Secure Web Gateway
- Zero Trust Network Access
- Cloud Access Security Broker
- Data Loss Prevention
- Next-Gen Anti-Malware
- Intrusion Prevention System
- Remote Browser Isolation
- Endpoint Protection Platform
- Managed Extended Detection and Response
A series of enhancements to Windstream Enterprise’s SASE solution in 2023 have made a best-in-class network security solution even stronger and more versatile. The first came in February with unveiling of SSE from Windstream Enterprise, powered by Cato Networks, North America’s first single-vendor security service edge solution. As the security portion of SASE, SSE can be rapidly deployed (in a matter of days) to secure all endpoints, users and applications on an enterprise’s existing network configuration — no network changes required.
Two other critical enhancements were released separately in summer 2023. First, Windstream made its SASE solution available globally in more than 200 countries for U.S.-based companies that operate internationally. By synchronizing security policies and platforms worldwide, customers with an international footprint gain protection for their networks domestically and overseas.
Second, Windstream upgraded its SASE solution with a rapid-implementation service by which organizations can be up and running with SASE within 14 days, instead of waiting months, as is the case with other competing solutions. This shortened implementation window minimizes clients’ vulnerabilities by securing their cloud-based infrastructure and distributed work environments faster than ever.
Finally, in late 2023, Windstream Enterprise rolled out additional important SASE enhancements, including an Endpoint Protection Platform to safeguard individual devices from malware and security threats, along with Managed Extended Detection and Response, with advanced threat identification and remediation capabilities, and new Threat Prevention capabilities that thwart both known and emerging malware threats with AI, machine learning and behavioral detection.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Outline the market performance, critical reception, and customer satisfaction with the product or service to date. State monetary or unit sales figures to date, if possible, and how they compare to expectations or past performance. Provide links to laudatory product or service reviews. Include some customer testimonials, if applicable (up to 350 words):
Total 189 words used.
The sophistication, cost-effectiveness, ease of implementation and overall effectiveness of SASE from Windstream, plus a series of important enhancements in 2023, are driving a surge in market performance for the nation’s first cloud-native SASE solution.
In terms of annual revenue, sales of the solution increased 273% in 2023 compared to 2022. Meanwhile, opportunity revenue associated with SASE from Windstream (the sales pipeline, essentially) increased seven-fold year-over-year, from $500,000 to $3.5 million.
In particular, SASE from Windstream is gaining traction in verticals like financial services, healthcare and retail.
Quotes from customers that implemented Windstream’s SASE solution capture its impact on both network performance and cybersecurity. “SASE has provided more security than we ever thought possible,” said Matthew Bennett, Senior IT Manager at Ranger Energy Services. “A centralized portal enables us to make changes in real-time to update security policies simultaneously for all locations and end users.”
Also from Bennett: “Windstream Enterprise is the best service provider I’ve ever worked with. They are highly proactive and responsive…I’m able to focus on business innovations knowing that Windstream Enterprise is taking care of our edge network and security.”
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 61 words used.
Gartner predicts surging interest in SASE: https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/top-actions-from-gartner-hype-cycle-for-cloud-security-2020
Windstream Enterprise press release announcing North America’s first SSE solution with Cato Networks:
https://news.windstream.com/news/news-details/2023/Windstream-Enterprise-Delivers-North-Americas-First-and-Only-Comprehensive-Managed-Security-Service-Edge-SSE-Solution-with-Cato-Networks/default.aspx
Windstream Enterprise press release announcing global SASE coverage for U.S.-based companies:
https://news.windstream.com/news/news-details/2023/Windstream-Enterprise-Unveils-Global-Availability-of-its-Comprehensive-SASE-and-SSE-Cybersecurity-Solutions-with-Cato-Networks/default.aspx
Windstream Enterprise press release announcing roll-out of SASE Express Lane:
https://news.windstream.com/news/news-details/2023/Windstream-Enterprise-Launches-SASE-Express-Lane-with-Cato-Networks-to-Give-Businesses-Quick-Cybersecurity-Protection/default.aspx
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