Windstream implements Overture's 6500 platform for multi-access Ethernet strategy

Windstream is leveraging Overture's 6500 platform as part of its multi-access Ethernet service initiative, accommodating a mix of fiber, copper, SONET and TDM across its ILEC and CLEC footprints.

The Overture system will tie in with Windstream's recently announced Carrier Solutions Portal, which enables business and wholesale customers to price and order a mix of Private Line, wavelengths, carrier Ethernet, MPLS aggregation and dedicated Internet and DS1 aggregation services.

With Carrier Solutions Portal, business and wholesale customers can get an immediate view of order forms on the selected service type and visibility into the order status.

Randy Nicklas, executive vice president of engineering and chief technology officer for Windstream, said in a release that the new platform not only can operate with its existing gear, but also provide a path for new bandwidth needs and their own movement into software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV).

"With ever increasing business demands for Carrier Ethernet, and the growing importance of SDN and NFV initiatives, the Overture 6500 allows us to upgrade our network with a platform that integrates seamlessly with our legacy equipment, while also providing a streamlined path to not only increase capacity in the future, but also to enhance our capabilities at the metro service edge," Nicklas said.

In the Ethernet market, Windstream is in an interesting position as it can address the market as both as an ILEC and CLEC. While it owns its own network facilities in its ILEC footprint, the service provider has to purchase last mile wholesale fiber and even copper-based facilities to satisfy its growing base of multi-site business customers.

Ethernet overall continues to be a large contributor to Windstream's business revenue base. During the third quarter, Windstream's data and integrated services revenues grew 4 percent year-over-year to $423 million due to sales of IP-based solutions and next-gen data services.

For more:
- see the release

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