GTT, Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings, Signs Palo Alto for SASE

GTT Communications is launching a new secure access service edge (SASE) offering as it continues to progress through chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The IP network provider launched a platform that secures and optimizes applications based on identity, device and application, instead of IP address or location. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access serves as the foundation for the GTT SASE platform. The offering will integrate advanced security features like zero-trust network access with connectivity features like SD-WAN and GTT’s tier 1 network.

“Our partnership with GTT will bring forth an exciting opportunity for customers,” said Kumar Ramachandran, senior vice president of products at Palo Alto. “Many organizations are now turning to managed security service providers to achieve security that is easily implemented as an overlay service to simplify deployments at the branch. As a result, this new partnership will bring secure cloud scalability to the customers of GTT.”

Palo Alto’s Kumar Ramachandran

Ramachandran founded CloudGenix, an SD-WAN provider that Palo Alto acquired last year. Palo Alto eventually launched Prisma SASE, which combines the Prisma Access solution with CloudGenix SD-WAN.

Customer Trends

As Gartner noted earlier this fall, business customers are set to drastically increase their adoption of SASE environments. In addition, GTT cited an IDC study that said 53% of workers will remain remote or operate in a hybrid work model.

“Customers are seeking highly secure and flexible global network solutions to adapt to the rapidly changing business environment, new workforce models and ever-expanding security threat landscape,” said Don MacNeil, chief operating officer at GTT. “Adopting the most advanced security and networking technologies, and enabling our customers to leverage them readily, is the centerpiece of our product strategy, and we are pleased to partner with Palo Alto Networks to meet the stringent security requirements of our customers that GTT’s SASE global network services platform will deliver.”

GTT’s Don MacNeil

GTT has partnered with numerous SD-WAN and SASE providers over the year. It announced a partnership with Fortinet last year. Previously it signed VeloCloud/VMware to its portfolio.

The new SASE offering works as a “cloud-delivered” platform.

Bankruptcy

GTT on Oct. 31 filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company announced that it had commenced “prepackaged” chapter 11 cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court. The company on Monday announced the hiring of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Field LLP as legal counsel. GTT said the restructuring agreement will allow for the payment of vendors, employees and “other partners” without disruption.

The company in September completed the $2.1 billion sale of its infrastructure division to I Squared Capital. The divestment marked a return to GTT’s “core competencies.” GTT also used the sale to repay a “significant portion” of its debt, according to CEO Ernie Ortega.

GTT’s Eddie Ortega

“GTT remains committed to providing market-leading network solutions to our clients throughout the restructuring process and beyond,” Ortega said. “The main pillars of our business strategy that focus on operational excellence and providing a differentiated customer experience remain intact.”