AT&T is to expand its selection of networking products and services for business customers that use its services around the world.

As security becomes increasingly vital, customers request the need to add security features to their business platforms for secure and more efficient services.

Because of this AT&T has added new security applications to FlexWare, a platform which was designed to simplify the delivery and deployment of software-based network functions.

AT&T

Suitable for businesses that use AT&T services in their data centre and network management, FlexWare is now embedded with a range of connectivity options from AT&T and other service providers.

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This includes Ethernet, VPN (MPLS), dedicated internet and broadband, making FlexWare a platform which can integrate different networks around the world.

FlexWare, which can already run network routing software from Juniper and Cisco Systems, and security features from Fortinet, has been developed with features such as firewalls, which a self-managed deployment of Juniper’s VSRX virtual firewall is provided for customers to enhance virtual security.

Roman Pacewicz, SVP of Offer management and Service integration, AT&T said: “Businesses spend billions annually on hardware worldwide. The potential savings, options and flexibility associated with moving to a virtualised edge platform are significant.

“It’s game changing when network functions like routers or firewalls are moved to a virtual model. Businesses can be more agile while driving down costs.”

To deliver these new offerings effectively, AT&T has partnered with networking companies to provide the software-defined security options. This includes Palo Alto Networks’ next-gen security platform, offered both on AT&T or self-managed and Check Point VSEC self-managed.

AT&T’s FlexWare has been expanded with availability in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, and with the addition of its new added features, the platform will be available wherever FlexWare is supported.