Fujitsu Strengthens Largest State-Run Education Network for Illinois Century Network with SD-WAN

Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. is collaborating with the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) to strengthen their Illinois Century Network (ICN), the largest state-run education network in the U.S. With an upgrade to software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology, legacy fiber transport infrastructure is being leveraged to interconnect more K-12 schools, libraries, students, government offices and other users with applications and educational resources quickly, securely and efficiently.

Access to high-speed connectivity is a lifeline in today’s 21st century economy, particularly with the necessary emphasis on remote work and online distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fujitsu recommended SD-WAN technology powered by Silver Peak, recently acquired by Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, to update the ICN network. With the ability to establish secure connections over public internet using software instead of hardware, the SD-WAN upgrade enables reduced costs, improved bandwidth efficiency, dynamic scalability, simplified operations and a seamless evolution to the cloud without sacrificing security, data privacy or end-user quality of experience.

“We are pleased to help Illinois DoIT integrate and support their SD-WAN solution so they can ensure a superior online learning experience for thousands of students and faculty across the state,” said Greg Manganello, SVP and head of wireless and service solutions, Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. “SD-WAN not only secures connectivity through encryption, it also improves network scalability and resiliency all within the long-term affordability envelope that ICN requires.”

The planned five-year ICN SD-WAN deployment began in July 2019, and more than 100 locations turned up in the first four months — a quick and simple process due to zero-touch provisioning and technical support from Fujitsu. The solution powered by Silver Peak offers consistent network and application performance with a high quality of experience, centralized orchestration and management with granular visibility, and an intuitive management interface that provides ease of use and complete observability of the SD-WAN.

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 130,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.9 trillion yen (US$35 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.

About Fujitsu Network Communications Inc.

Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for network operators, service providers and content providers worldwide. We combine best-in-class hardware, software and services with multivendor expertise to enable cost savings, faster services delivery and improved network performance. Working closely with our customers and ecosystem partners, we design, build, operate and maintain better networks for the connected world. For more information, please see http://us.fujitsu.com/telecom or connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/Fujitsu-network-communications.

Fujitsu (and design)®, and “shaping tomorrow with you” are trademarks of Fujitsu Limited in the United States and other countries. All rights reserved. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

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