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Charting the Course for Advanced Connectivity: Sprint Networks’ Pledge to the Pacific Islands

By Cisco Meraki, Cisco Viptela, Fiji, ForcePoint, ForcePoint, Fortinet, Network Security, Pacific, PNG, SASE, SD-WAN, Solomon Islands, Versa Networks No Comments

Charting the Course for Advanced Connectivity: Sprint Networks' Pledge to the Pacific Islands

At Sprint Networks, our journey is deeply rooted in the unique landscape of the Pacific Islands. More than a Managed Service Provider, we are pioneers committed to reshaping the technology scene in this dynamic region. Our engagement extends beyond mere service delivery to a deeper understanding and innovative solutioning for the distinctive needs of these diverse communities.

Understanding the Pacific Challenge

Connectivity in the Pacific Islands is not just a utility but a crucial lifeline. Scattered across vast oceanic expanses, these islands face unique geographical and infrastructural challenges. Traditional SD-WAN solutions, often developed in far-removed Silicon Valley labs, have failed to live up to the promises made to these island nations. This gap has prompted us at Sprint Networks to seek and provide solutions that truly resonate with the Pacific’s distinct requirements.

Why Big-Name SD-WAN Vendors Fall Short

Many renowned SD-WAN providers like Cisco, Fortinet, ForcePoint and Meraki have propagated solutions that unfortunately do not align with the on-ground realities of the Pacific Islands. Their one-size-fits-all approach overlooks critical aspects like erratic WAN links, high latency, and extreme environmental conditions of remote and rural networks.

These vendor shortcomings and Issues range from spontaneous reboots of appliances during critical business hours to inadequate load-sharing capabilities across multiple WAN links. Furthermore, these vendors often levy additional charges for essential features like network visibility, which should be standard in any robust SD-WAN solution. Another critical point of concern is the high CPU usage in some of these appliances, compromising efficiency and reliability.

The expiration of a vendor’s cryptographic certificates caused widespread outages and chaos, as rebooting the equipment exacerbated the issue across customer networks. Another notable limitation is the dependency on internet connectivity for the management and operation of their SD-WAN solutions, leaving organizations vulnerable in areas where internet access is unstable or non-existent.

Sprint Networks: A Tailored Approach

We, at Sprint Networks, have taken a different route. We believe in a vendor-agnostic approach, focusing on real-world solutions rather than brand dominance. Our extensive research into the Pacific Islands’ networking challenges since 2014 has led us to identify and collaborate with providers who genuinely address these issues. Currently, Versa Networks’ SD-WAN offerings shine as a beacon of hope, yet we remain agile and open to evolving our partnerships as technology and needs change.

Versa Networks: A Commitment to the Pacific

In contrast, Versa Networks stands out for its suitability in the Pacific context. Versa’s SD-WAN solutions are designed to excel in areas crucial to Pacific Island businesses: robust security, adaptability, sophisticated analytics, and genuine multi-tenancy. Crucially, Versa’s technology remains operational even in the absence of internet connectivity, ensuring uninterrupted service in the Pacific’s often unpredictable networking environment.

Key Features of a Robust SD-WAN Solution

A truly effective SD-WAN solution for the Pacific Islands should encompass:

Granular Traffic Steering: Managing bandwidth is critical, especially in regions with limited connectivity. Versa Networks’ SD-WAN provides precise control over traffic, ensuring efficient use of available bandwidth.

TCP Optimization: Minimizing high latency and packet loss is paramount. Versa’s technology optimizes data transmission, crucial for the satellite and cellular links prevalent in the Pacific.

Advanced Security and Deep Packet Inspection: In a region facing unique security challenges, Versa’s integrated security framework ensures data integrity and protection against emerging threats.

Quality of Service and Adaptive Shaping: Prioritizing essential applications and services for optimal business functionality is key. Versa’s SD-WAN ensures that critical applications receive the bandwidth they require, even in congested networks.

Real-Time Analytics: Offering insights for informed decision-making. Versa’s analytics provide a comprehensive view of network performance, enabling businesses in the Pacific to make strategic decisions.

Packet Replication and Forward Error Correction: Ensuring reliable connectivity in challenging network conditions is vital. Versa’s SD-WAN includes these features as standard, not as costly add-ons.

Operational Resilience without Internet: Versa’s capability to operate independently of internet connectivity is essential for the Pacific’s varied and sometimes isolated environments.

Sprint Networks: Integrity and Forward-Thinking

Sprint Networks is dedicated to providing solutions that genuinely meet the needs of the Pacific Islands. Since 2014, our focus has been on researching and implementing SD-WAN solutions that are not just effective but are truly aligned with the unique challenges of the region. We stand committed to offering solutions that are reliable, efficient, and tailored to the specific needs of our clients. Our approach is not about selling a product; it’s about forming lasting partnerships and supporting the growth and success of businesses in these unique communities.

Empowering the Pacific Islands: Our Path Forward

In conclusion, Sprint Networks is committed to transforming connectivity in the Pacific Islands. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the region’s challenges and a steadfast commitment to providing the best and most suitable SD-WAN solutions. We are not confined to a single vendor; our mission is to collaborate with the best, be it Versa Networks today or another innovator tomorrow. Join us in this journey of transformation and empowerment, as we strive to deliver resilient, adaptable, and future-ready connectivity solutions for the Pacific Islands.

Versa SD LAN and Sprint

Sprint Networks Embraces Versa Networks’ Groundbreaking Zero Trust LAN Technology

By Featured, Fiji, Network Security, PNG, SASE, SD-WAN, Versa, Versa Networks No Comments

Sprint Networks Embraces Versa Networks' Groundbreaking Zero Trust LAN Technology

In a significant leap forward for network security and efficiency, Sprint Networks is thrilled to announce our partnership with Versa Networks in bringing the revolutionary Zero Trust LAN technology to the ANZ and Pacific Islands regions. This cutting-edge technology, a first in the industry, promises to redefine the landscape of local area network security and management.

The Innovation: Versa Secure SD-LAN

Versa Networks, a global leader in AI/ML-powered Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN), has recently unveiled the Versa Secure SD-LAN. This innovative solution is the first of its kind to offer a software-defined approach to branch and campus Local Area Networks (LAN), integrating Zero Trust and IoT Security at the LAN Edge.

Why It Matters:

Traditional LAN solutions have long struggled with operational challenges, vendor lock-in, and an inability to adapt to the modern, secure enterprise needs. Versa Secure SD-LAN addresses these issues head-on, offering unprecedented agility, integrated security, and a user-centric approach that aligns perfectly with today’s security best practices.

Key Features:

  • Software-Defined Architecture: Versa Secure SD-LAN brings together switching, routing, security, and network services in a unified software-defined solution.
  • Zero Trust Enforcement: Every switch and access point becomes a Zero Trust enforcement point, continuously assessing security postures and identifying threats.
  • VersaAI™ Integration: AI/ML engines are embedded into the LAN, enhancing operational excellence and real-time threat identification.
  • Adaptive Micro-Segmentation: This feature limits lateral movement and reduces the risk of network compromise, adapting in real-time to user and device behavior.

Sprint Networks' Role:

As a proud partner of Versa Networks, Sprint Networks is at the forefront of deploying this transformative technology across the ANZ and Pacific Islands. Our expertise in network solutions and local market understanding positions us uniquely to implement Versa Secure SD-LAN effectively, ensuring our clients benefit from enhanced security, agility, and operational efficiency.

Benefits for the ANZ and Pacific Islands:

This technology is particularly relevant for our region, given the unique challenges we face in terms of geographical dispersion and diverse enterprise needs. With Versa Secure SD-LAN, businesses in our region can look forward to:

  • Enhanced security posture with Zero Trust principles.
  • Improved network agility and flexibility.
  • Reduced total cost of ownership with simplified management.

The introduction of Versa Secure SD-LAN by Versa Networks, in partnership with Sprint Networks, marks a new era in LAN security and management. We are excited to bring this technology to our clients in the ANZ and Pacific Islands, helping them to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Contact Us: To learn more about how Sprint Networks can help your business leverage the power of Zero Trust LAN technology, contact us today.

Reference: https://versa-networks.com/news/2023/secure-sd-lan/

Versa SD-WAN

Unleashing Versa SD-WAN’s Superiority: Why Businesses are Transitioning Away from Fortinet SD-WAN

By Cisco Meraki, Cisco Viptela, Fortinet, Pacific, PNG, SASE, SD-WAN, Titan, Versa, Versa Networks No Comments

Discover why businesses are increasingly transitioning from Fortinet SD-WAN to Versa SD-WAN in this enlightening article. Learn about Versa’s advanced security features, superior flexibility and scalability, and game-changing multi-tenancy capabilities that are setting a new benchmark in the dynamic world of networking technology. Step into the future of SD-WAN with Versa and elevate your business’ networking potential. Transition to Versa SD-WAN – the smart choice for the evolving digital landscape.

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secure 1

Every Branch in the Pacific Islands Deserves a Firewall: Why Cybersecurity Matters

By Network Security, PNG, SASE, SD-WAN, Versa Networks No Comments

Every Branch in the Pacific Islands Deserves a Firewall: Why Cybersecurity Matters

Why Cybersecurity Matters

Remote Branches in the Pacific Islands are often left behind when it comes to technology and infrastructure. This leaves these branch Networks vulnerable to cyberattacks, as they don’t have the same level of protection as the head office. Cybersecurity is a critical issue that needs to be addressed to keep these branches safe.

These branch offices may not be handling sensitive data or critical infrastructure, but they are still susceptible to cyber attacks. In fact, many attackers will target these types of branch offices because they know that they are often left unprotected.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure that every branch office in the Pacific Islands has a Next-Generation Firewall in place. With an integrated SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) and Next-Generation Firewall, these branch offices can be protected from the ever-growing threats of cyber attacks.

The right Secure SD-WAN solution can play a key role in providing superior protection against the latest Cyber Threats and providing better connectivity for Business Critical Applications. 

Benefits of having a Next-Generation Firewall at the Local Branch

A Next-Generation firewall provides improved data performance and better security for the branch. Next-Generation firewalls also eliminate the need to hairpin traffic back to the central site for inspection which can improve WAN performance. 

Not all SD-WAN is created equal. Secure SD-WAN uniquely designed to meet the Pacific Islands’ needs are far and few between. The right SD-WAN solution will not only provide the security but it will also optimise traffic across different WAN links, including MPLS, LTE, VSAT and even broadband. This can help to improve performance and reduce costs.

Whether your branch is running TPNG, Digicel, TFL or Vodafone – the right SD-WAN can give you end-to-end visibility of your traffic flows and security profiles. 

Next-Generation firewalls are designed to protect against Cyber Threats

Next-Generation firewalls are designed to protect against the ever-evolving landscape of Cyber Threats. They provide comprehensive security features, including application control and intrusion prevention, that defend against known and unknown attacks. In addition, Next-Generation firewalls can be integrated with SD-WAN solutions to further secure branch office locations.

The Pacific Islands are a critical region for many businesses and organisations. The Next-Generation Firewall is an important tool to help ensure the safety and security of these operations. By implementing a Next-Generation firewall, businesses and organisations can protect their assets, data, and reputation from the damaging effects of cyber attacks.

If you’re doing business in the Pacific Islands, don’t wait until it’s too late to invest in a Next-Generation firewall. Contact us today to learn more about our SD-WAN and Next-Generation Firewall solutions and how they can help keep your data safe from cyber threats.

Thank you for reading! We hope this blog post has helped highlight the importance of Cybersecurity in the Pacific Islands region.

We welcome your feedback, you can write to us at
info@sprintnetworks.com OR
Visit our website- https://www.sprintnetworks.com.au/png/

park Suva Fiji

Strategies for improving Data connectivity for Rural branches in the Pacific Islands

By SD-WAN, Pacific, PNG No Comments

Strategies for improving Data connectivity for Rural branches in the Pacific Islands

Strategies for improving Data connectivity for Rural branches in the Pacific Islands

One of the key challenges that businesses face in the Pacific Islands is poor and expensive WAN connectivity. This is a particular issue for businesses with rural branches, as they often have to rely on MPLS and satellite links which are both slow and expensive. MPLS circuits are often oversubscribed and congested in the Pacific Islands, which can lead to poor performance and reliability. This is a particular problem for businesses that rely on VoIP or other real-time applications.

Options to consider

company 7One way to improve data connectivity for businesses in the Pacific Islands is to invest in alternative WAN technologies such as VSAT. VSAT can provide a much higher level of bandwidth and reliability than MPLS, and is often more cost-effective as well. Another option is to use SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN) technology to optimise traffic across different WAN links, including MPLS, LTE, VSAT and even broadband. This can help to improve performance and reduce costs.

Benefits of SD-WAN usage at Rural Branches in the Pacific Islands.

Strategies for improving Data connectivity for Rural branches in the Pacific Islands

SD-WAN can be a major boon for businesses in rural areas of the Pacific Islands that often struggle with data connectivity. Use SD-WAN to intelligently use your bandwidth and improve data connectivity for businesses in the Pacific Islands. SD-WAN can help make better use of expensive MPLS circuits and ensure that business-critical applications have the throughput they need. SD-WAN can be a major enabler of business growth and development in these rural areas.

14 Benefits of using SD-WAN at Rural Branches in the Pacific Islands.

        1. SD-WAN can help rural businesses in the Pacific Islands make better use of their expensive MPLS circuits.
        2. SD-WAN can improve data connectivity for businesses in the Pacific Islands by providing a more secure connection.
        3. SD-WAN can help to reduce the cost of data connectivity for businesses in the Pacific Islands by using hybrid WAN services including Broadband Internet, VSAT and LTE.
        4. SD-WAN can aggregate all available WAN circuits and improve throughput.   
        5. SD-WAN can ensure that business-critical applications have the throughput they need.
        6. SD-WAN can help rural businesses in the Pacific Islands better compete with urban businesses.
        7. SD-WAN can help to reduce the time it takes to connect to data services for businesses in the Pacific Islands.
        8. SD-WAN can help rural businesses in the Pacific Islands grow and develop.
        9. SD-WAN can help to reduce the risk of data breaches for businesses in the Pacific Islands.
        10. SD-WAN can be a major enabler of business growth and development in rural areas of the Pacific Islands.
        11. SD-WAN can help to improve competitive advantage by providing a more reliable and faster connection.
        12. SD-WAN can improve customer satisfaction by providing a more reliable connection.
        13. SD-WAN can improve employee productivity by providing a more reliable and faster connection.
        14. SD-WAN can help to increase sales by providing a more reliable and faster connection.

SD-WAN in conjunction with traffic steering techniques and TCP optimisation can ensure that the precious bandwidth is used intelligently to improve branch performances. This will help businesses in the Pacific Islands to make better use of their data connectivity and grow their businesses.

Here’s an informative Case Study Why you should care about SD-WAN in PNG and Pacific?

If your Branches are struggling to keep up with your enterprise goals and Security is your highest priority, then do you believe SD-WAN will be a game changer? Let us know

We welcome your feedback, you can write to us at
info@sprintnetworks.com OR
Visit our website- https://www.sprintnetworks.com.au/png/

sase 2

SASE – The “Present” and “Future” of Information Security in a single centralised cloud platform.

By SASE No Comments

Every enterprise and MSP’s are aware of what SASE is, and the humongous power it has to adapt to the unprecedented cyber needs of the organization. The rapid rate at which cloud application usage is increasing, majority of users, devices and data are moving to a remote work environment. The key for an enterprise to survive in this challenging time is to adapt to a new model of network infrastructure built around SASE. The legacy network infrastructure needs to be abandoned quickly or else risk going obsolete in the next 5 years. According to a recent data published, 51% of CxO’s do not know what their industry will look like in 2023. Understanding the essence of cyber needs for your industry can be the margin between skyrocketing or going bankrupt.

How can an enterprise ensure the security of their data, employees, business model and their identity from being compromised ? The answer is “SASE, Secure Access Service Edge”. 

SASE

What does SASE provide for your organisation?

SASE is the integration of various cloud security solutions; notably Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). The combined value of all these core functionalities into one single SASE model of architecture grants vital data and threat protection for an enterprise. The four-core offerings of SASE functionality are:

High Data Visibility

SASE offers enterprise high data visibility and monitoring at a granular level. Absence of a proper data visibility paradigm keeps the organization in the dark. Comprehensive visibility enables the organization to identify and regulate data patterns accordingly. This is a critical for an enterprise that needs demonstration of regulatory compliance.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Data loss prevention policies are offered at the granular level by the SASE’s architecture model. DLP policies in SASE helps to identify sensitive data to protect that is at rest within the cloud’s SaaS environment and on – premise application. It is vital that confidential information does not leak and also prevention of exfiltration from the web is stopped.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

SASE model offers a single sign-on (SSO) mode of authentication that serves as the sole point of authentication across all managed services and applications. Authenticating users is very vital step in creating a smart, intelligent and context-based security. It is a superior format of authentication than multi-factor authentication (MFA). IAM is crucial in protecting the identity of the users in an enterprise from malicious threats and sniffers trying to access accounts.

Unified Threat Management (UTM) 

Organizations today must be able to adapt to the changing cyber requirements. The growing rate of cyber attack methods will only keep increasing along the way. For an enterprise, SASE offers a solid platform that blocks known and zero- day malware during any instance of upload, download or rest. Additionally, malicious web destinations are blocked preventing malware infections and phishing schemes of any sort. In case, there is an infiltration, either internal or external the process is stopped immediately preventing further leakage.

Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

Secure Web gateway solutions protect Web-surfing PCs from infection and enforce company policies. Also, a solution that filters unwanted software/malware from user-initiated internet traffic and enforces corporate and regulatory policy compliance. These gateways include URL filtering, malicious-code detection and application controls for popular Web-based applications. Native or integrated data leak prevention is also increasingly included.

Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)
RBI moves the execution of a user’s browser activity from the client device to a remote server — hosted on-premises or in the cloud. This protects against browser-based security exploits and provides a means of anonymous browsing and risk-free open Internet access. As the user browses the public Internet, the remote browser is isolated from the user’s physical endpoint and enterprise network. Therefore, any attacks on the remote web browsing session are constrained to the virtual environment. RBI also helps with data protection, especially in the case of unmanaged or untrusted devices being used to access confidential or sensitive information. 

Is SASE the ultimate answer?

In the present-day individual solutions like CASB, ZTNA and SWG functioning alone don’t have much meaning for an organisation’s security. Industry demands require a compact and integrated solutions rather than a partial solution. Enterprise’s that are seeking to acquire SASE’s solution should consider these below points:

The expanding attack surfaces

The attack perimeter in the cyber industry has shown no sign of slowing down. Hackers are always out there trying to infiltrate an enterprise to get valuable information. There can be several internal and external causes that might put the organization in a vulnerable position. Even internal human error is a big concern for an enterprise. SASE offers services in a compact package unit like DLP, IAM, threat protection and many more.

Security budget

Microsoft (MSFT) announced on Wednesday that it will invest $20 billion over the next 5 years in cybersecurity, four times its previous investments of $1 billion per year to protect its services

SASE has been designed to fit exactly in this 2.4% category where you don’t need any expenditure on physical devices. Every thing is in a single cloud-oriented platform. SASE’s offering can be used to replace all the standalone tools easily.

As data is moving off-site and into the clouds beyond the touch of legacy security technologies like onsite firewalls. SASE’s platform and model is the ideal way to be an enterprise of the modern era with modern security tools.

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