In a significant move to redefine global connectivity, 6WIND, a leading provider of high-performance virtualized networking software, and Orange, one of the world's top telecom operators and digital service providers, have announced the strengthening of their partnership. This collaboration focuses on providing advanced cloud services, specifically secure cloud connections and cloud-based firewall solutions, aimed at benefiting Orange’s business and wholesale customers worldwide. With a shared commitment to sustainability, performance, and flexibility, the partnership signals a pivotal moment in Orange’s journey toward software-defined networking and the cloud.

Developments in the Partnership

1. Transition to a Fully Software-Defined Network

• Focus on Virtualization: As part of Orange's New Generation International Network program, the company continues its transformation toward a software-defined, flexible, and efficient network. The selection of 6WIND’s Virtual Services Router (VSR) suite, including Virtual Security Gateway (vSecGW) and Virtual Firewall (vFW), replaces legacy hardware-based networks with agile, software-based solutions.

• Software-Defined Network Benefits: This move helps Orange improve network flexibility, scalability, and sustainability, aligning with the company’s strategic goals of energy efficiency and rapid service deployment.

2. Optimizing Cloud Connectivity and Security

• Strategic SDN Points of Presence (PoPs): 6WIND’s VSR suite integrates seamlessly into Orange’s Telco Cloud Points of Presence (SDN PoPs), which are strategically placed within 10 milliseconds of customers and 5 milliseconds of major cloud service providers globally.

• Enhanced Security and Service Delivery: By leveraging 6WIND's advanced security features, including secure cloud access and firewall protection, Orange aims to provide its customers with the highest levels of cloud security and connectivity, ensuring reliable and sustainable services.

3. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

• CapEx and OpEx Reductions: The implementation of 6WIND’s VSR suite brings immediate savings in both Capital Expenditures (CapEx) and Operational Expenditures (OpEx), thanks to the virtualized nature of the services. This leads to better cost control and resource optimization.

• Energy-Efficient Cloud Infrastructure: As businesses and service providers prioritize sustainability, the partnership enables Orange to offer one of the most energy-efficient cloud networking architectures on the market, supporting both enterprise and wholesale customers.

4. A Sustainable Approach to Networking

• Commitment to Sustainability: Both 6WIND and Orange share a focus on sustainability, with their collaboration leading to an architecture that not only reduces carbon footprint but also speeds up time-to-service for enterprises. By embedding automation at scale, they aim to improve operational efficiency while advancing green networking technologies.

This strengthened collaboration between 6WIND and Orange marks a pivotal step in the evolution of software-defined networking and cloud services. By replacing legacy hardware with agile, virtualized solutions, both companies are poised to offer highly secure, flexible, and energy-efficient cloud networking services to enterprises and service providers globally. This partnership not only accelerates Orange’s digital transformation but also sets a new standard for next-generation cloud connectivity—one that prioritizes sustainability, performance, and cost efficiency. As the global demand for cloud services grows, this partnership positions both 6WIND and Orange to lead the charge in redefining global networking infrastructure.