We are thrilled to announce a Lumen strategic partnership with Google Cloud, a collaboration that promises to transform the landscape of cloud and network solutions. Networks have always been the bedrock of the digital economy, but recent trends are making them more important than ever. AI’s dramatic growth requires more network capacity to help move unprecedented amounts of data across diverse geographic locations. This requires networks to be scalable, elastic and reliable. Data security and privacy are also top of mind as executives look to proactively prevent and avoid security breaches. Due to current limitations in enterprise data center resources, power consumption and network capacity, customers are increasingly demanding faster delivery timelines.
This partnership is centered around three key initiatives that will address these customer trends:
- Google’s Cloud WAN and Lumen Connectivity Services integration
- Cloud connectivity via direct fiber access
- Lumen encrypted network that supports the Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped deployments
- Resilience and reliability are crucial aspects that should underpin statewide broadband expansion efforts. This includes building robust networks that can withstand challenges like natural disasters or cyberthreats, maintaining consistent service delivery to support critical public services and economic activities across all regions.
Together, we aim to deliver unparalleled security, connectivity, and efficiency to our customers across various sectors.
Google’s Cloud WAN and Lumen Connectivity Services Integration
The first pillar of our partnership is the integration of Cloud WAN with Lumen’s services to modernize Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offerings so Lumen managed SD-WAN and security services can be hosted in Google Cloud regions. This gives enterprises the ability to leverage Lumen Connectivity Services and the Google Cloud Premium Tier network to spin up virtual POPs on Google, helping increase the speed of deployment for Network-as-a-Service offerings.
We’re enhancing public peering through Google’s Verified Peering Provider (VPP) program. When combined with the Lumen extensive last-mile network, this provides customers with a robust, high-performance internet experience, helping to deliver a best-in-class end user experience for applications.
Cloud Connectivity via Direct Fiber Access
The second initiative focuses on cloud connectivity via direct fiber access. In partnership with Google Cloud, Lumen is enabling faster, more cost-effective private connectivity by enabling 400 Gbps direct fiber connections from Google Cloud regions directly to customer locations including data centers, manufacturing facilities, data storehouses and AI workload processing locations.
Direct fiber connectivity to Google Cloud regions minimizes the need for third-party transit and colocation providers, significantly lowering costs by reducing the interconnects and speeding up WAN deployments for our customers. Direct fiber access demonstrates our teams’ dedication to enhancing customer experience and allows us to deliver substantial network capacity by connecting 50,000 Lumen locations to Google Cloud with unprecedented speed.
Our direct fiber access solution leverages Google Cloud Interconnect’s advanced capabilities to deliver a seamless and reliable connection to the cloud. This initiative is designed to support the growing demand for cloud-based services, enabling our customers to harness the full potential of their digital transformation efforts.
Addressing workforce readiness and capacity building
Beyond infrastructure, broadband expansion requires a skilled workforce capable of deploying and maintaining networks. Investing in workforce development programs helps create local job opportunities and builds the capacity needed to support broadband projects at scale.
Lumen encrypted network and Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped
Our third initiative focuses on Lumen encrypted network, which establishes a secure, dedicated connection to Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped deployments. An “air-gapped” system refers to a network that is completely isolated from unsecured networks, like public internet, to prevent unauthorized access and provide high levels of security and data integrity. This initiative provides highly secure network solutions for Google Distributed Cloud and is designed to address ever-present threats faced by large enterprises, financial services and public sectors. This robust solution is designed to meet the U.S. Department of Defense security standards. By leveraging Google Cloud’s advanced infrastructure and Lumen expertise in secure networking, we offer a robust solution that helps to ensure data security and compliance with stringent regulations.
Lumen secure hardware provides encrypted WAN connections for customers using Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped and demanding true air-gapped isolation. It protects sensitive systems from external networks, making it possible to significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. Additionally, this solution is designed to meet the rigid regulatory requirements of key industries, addressing the critical security, sovereignty and compliance needs of regulated sectors.
Our strategic partnership with Google Cloud marks a significant milestone in our journey to deliver transformative cloud and network solutions. By focusing on these three key initiatives, we are committed to addressing the security challenges faced by our customers, enhancing their connectivity and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and drive the future of cloud and network solutions together with Google Cloud. We look forward to showcasing the benefits of our partnership at Google Cloud NEXT and beyond.
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