Kinetic SD-WAN for the SMB
Windstream started flexing their Kinetic brand into the SMB in late 2017. Today they announced that they are extending SD-WAN services to that same market powered by our top ranked provider VeloCloud (VMware).
Their use-cases are compelling. As SD-WAN becomes more prevalent, SD-WAN solutions allow SMBs like Bar owners to control when and how their music streaming, POS systems, and phones will prioritize bandwidth and/or leverage 4G / LTE and eventually 5G backup. VMware is positioned to help these businesses and with windstreams footprint, it may be a slam dunk.
“Our customers are increasing their network complexity with multiple WiFi networks and cloud applications,” said Joe Johnson, vice president of Kinetic Product Development and Management. “We already deliver an excellent broadband product over our robust fiber network. Our customers have asked for greater simplicity and control over their networks, and with this partnership we are delivering an industry leading solution easily managed from a web interface or a mobile device.”
It is important to note that Windstream filed bankruptcy and began restructuring in 2019. While the circumstances of the bankruptcy were technicalities, using the Kinetic brand to launch SD-WAN services may be a sign of a larger rebrand coming beyond the SMB space.