Comcast Business is beta testing a new software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) solution for mid-market and enterprise customers throughout the summer and says it anticipates a full market launch later this year. The operator reports it is the first cable company to introduce a carrier-grade, SD-WAN platform for enterprises and multi-site businesses. It is teaming with Versa Networks using the Versa Cloud IP Platform.

“Our SD-WAN solution pairs a carrier-grade, hosted SDN environment with widely available gigabit service,” Kevin O’Toole, SVP of product management at Comcast Business, says. “Together, our SD-WAN and gigabit bandwidth solutions herald a new generation of networking that provides the bandwidth, scalability, reliability, and flexibility needed to power the cloud applications that are transforming business operations.”

Comcast Business is rolling out Business Internet 1000, a DOCSIS 3.1-based gigabit internet service, for business customers and plans to offer it throughout its service areas. The company also offers a range of multi-gigabit, fiber-based Ethernet services.

“Given the speeds and ubiquity of today’s broadband, SD-WAN is making the internet a secure and smarter business option for growth,” Courtney Munroe, group VP at IDC, observes. “Now, businesses can more cost-effectively add the bandwidth they need across branch locations to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital economy. Comcast’s SD-WAN and high-speed broadband network is an innovative trial offering that can complement any existing business network.”