Telstra : Driving a secure future for Aussie businesses with Telstra Adaptive Networks

20 April 2021: Following the successful launch of Telstra's Adaptive Networks portfolio in 2020, Telstra today announced the release of ADAPT S1, a new service that puts customers on the path towards achieving Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) outcomes. First in Australia from a major telco service provider, this combines an enterprise-grade SD-WAN and security platform powered by VMware SD-WAN and Palo Alto Networks respectively, into a single, cloud-based offering.

Critically, ADAPT S1 puts cloud-based security at the forefront of our Adaptive SD-WAN services. Unlike some other services, where security relies upon premise based hardware and the SD-WAN service is layered over connectivity, ADAPT S1 is baked into our core fixed and mobile networks. This can reduce cost and complexity especially for mid-sized organisations, making investment in these technologies far more affordable. Our early ADAPT S1 adopter customers like the service simplicity and it provides confidence that they have a secure by design, adaptive network infrastructure to support growth.

ADAPT S1 uses Telstra's core network for added security and redundancy, helping to ensure businesses won't be slowed down by the unexpected. With one of the largest deployments of VMware SD-WAN Gateways across Australian points-of-presence (PoPs), ADAPT S1 can provide businesses with improved security and user experience, remote worker access and an easy migration path from their typical network deployment into a new, secure and available Adaptive Network.

Adaptive Networks is Telstra's new enterprise connectivity suite that enables businesses to choose world-leading connectivity solutions from a menu of flexible options. This bucks the traditional model of inflexible, lock-in systems in favour of scalable and bespoke connectivity that can be adapted to suit individual business objectives for our customers in a dynamic fashion.

Sanjay Nayak, Executive and Group Owner of Telstra's Global Connectivity & Platforms product portfolio said that Telstra-conducted research found that security and networks are of equal importance to customers, demonstrating the clear need for securing the network stack with a baked-in, best-in-class solution goes hand in hand with enabling vital connectivity, which is why Telstra has built ADAPT S1 into the Adaptive Networks suite.

'As COVID-19 accelerates the need for decentralised business activities, the need for security has increased. With staff using consumer-grade networking technology to log onto corporate VPNs, it's important for business to implement a secure stack.

'With more data flowing to mobile offices and workers, ADAPT S1 can secure the corporate WAN in one seamless solution,' Mr Nayak said. 5G will also be progressively supported as the SD-WAN devices become available and the network continues its rollout.

'VMware is pleased to be partnering with Telstra for ADAPT S1. As customers evolve their cloud strategies to ensure their businesses are future-ready, they're looking for solutions which provide secure, automated access to data and apps, from anywhere. VMware SD-WAN enables simple access to information, no matter where it's located, so businesses can adapt and scale and employees can work from wherever they choose,' Brad Anderson, Vice President and Managing Director, VMware Australia and New Zealand.

'Palo Alto Networks is thrilled to be partnering with Telstra. With Prisma Access, Telstra's customers will be able to fully inspect all application traffic bidirectionally with no compromise on speed, security or performance thereby helping them to prevent successful cyberattacks.' Simon Green, president, Japan and Asia Pacific, Palo Alto Networks.

ADAPT S1 is service assured by Telstra and entirely delivered through the Telstra Business and Enterprise Partner Channel with a current range of selected, accredited ADAPT S1 Partners across Australia. These are: 1Step Communications, Azured, Digital Armour, Exigo Tech, Mangano IT, Oreta, StarData, Virtual IT Group and Wireless Communications.

These accredited Telstra Partners can offer a range of optional managed services for ADAPT S1 to provide ultimate customer flexibility to help meet budget, service levels and business outcomes.

Telstra continues to accelerate its investment in SASE strategy to deliver innovative and leading SASE aligned services in conjunction with our leading strategic global partners.

This includes new capabilities such as Telstra Security Domain Orchestrator (SDO) offering a highly flexible, API centric, orchestration engine enabling service chaining and technology and service integration, accelerating the ramp up of new SASE aligned services whilst also simplifying the cost and complexity for our customers. The first set of market leading cloud security services that leverage our innovations will be released later this quarter.

telstra.com.au/AdaptS1

Editor's notes - About Telstra Adaptive Networks

There are three ingredients that bring Adaptive Networks to life:

• Adaptive Connectivity: Flexible month-to-month, no-lock-in contracts with a choice of network and connectivity options, allowing customers to adapt their technology at speed as their needs change.
• Adaptive SD-WAN: Investment in Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) capabilities to help customers harness the potential of hybrid networking, and smart integration of 4G and 5G with fixed networks.
• Adaptive Core Networks: Investment in Telstra's core networks, including expansion of Telstra's flagship Next IP fibre network, Telstra Programmable Network, NBN connectivity and 5G to enable a move toward API-based flexible IT infrastructure.

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Media contact: Steve Carey, General Manager Media

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Media reference number: 012/2021