German enterprises accelerate software-defined networking for AI and cloud. German enterprises are accelerating software-defined networking adoption as AI, cloud computing and stricter EU regulations reshape enterprise infrastructure. July 28, 2026 Key highlights. * German enterprises are moving beyond traditional connectivity upgrades, using software-defined networking as a foundation for cloud adoption, AI workloads, security and operational resilience. * Organizations are modernizing infrastructure to support distributed workforces, multicloud environments and faster access to applications and data. * Enterprises are integrating software-defined WAN with security service edge (SSE) and secure access service edge (SASE) frameworks to improve protection, enable zero trust access and simplify management. German enterprises are accelerating the shift from legacy network infrastructure to software-defined architectures as cloud adoption, AI workloads and stricter European regulations reshape enterprise networking, according to new research from Information Services Group (ISG). The 2026 ISG Provider Lens(R) Network - Software-Defined Solutions and Services report for Germany finds that organizations are modernizing their networks to support distributed workforces, enable faster access to applications and data, and strengthen operational resilience. Rather than viewing software-defined networking as a connectivity upgrade, enterprises increasingly see it as a strategic platform for cloud, security and AI initiatives. "German companies are treating the network as a strategic layer for cloud, security and AI adoption," said Matthias Paletta, Director at ISG. "They need architectures that can adapt quickly while giving them greater control over performance, data and compliance." The report says organizations are using software-defined networking to unify public, private and hybrid cloud environments while preserving existing connectivity where needed. Centralized, policy-based management enables dynamic traffic routing and consistent governance across distributed environments, improving application performance while helping organizations address European data sovereignty and compliance requirements. Security is also becoming more tightly integrated with network architecture. Enterprises are increasingly combining SD-WAN with security service edge (SSE) or secure access service edge (SASE) frameworks to provide consistent protection for users, applications and data across cloud, branch and remote environments while supporting zero trust security models. As enterprise networks become more distributed and security requirements grow more complex, many organizations are also turning to managed and co-managed networking services to reduce operational workloads and address ongoing IT skills shortages. At the same time, AI-enabled network management platforms are introducing predictive analytics, automated troubleshooting and self-healing capabilities designed to improve network reliability and reduce downtime. "The next phase of network modernization in Germany is about unifying connectivity, security and operational control," said Dr. Kenn Walters, lead author of the report. "Providers that can simplify complex environments while supporting sovereignty and resilience will be most relevant to enterprise buyers." Beyond software-defined networking, the report identifies broader trends shaping the German market, including expanded deployment of edge infrastructure and private 5G for industrial applications, along with growing interest in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity to improve network resilience. The study evaluated 36 providers across three categories: Managed SD-WAN Services, Edge Technologies and Services (Including Private 5G), and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). Accenture, Deutsche Telekom, HCLTech, Logicalis and Orange Business were recognized as Leaders in all three categories. Colt, Computacenter, GTT, Verizon Business, Vodafone and Wipro earned Leader designations in two categories, while Axians, BT International, Capgemini, Riedel Networks and Tech Mahindra were recognized in one category. Computacenter, Vodafone and Wipro were also named Rising Stars in one category each for portfolios identified by ISG as having strong future potential. Deutsche Telekom was recognized as the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2026 among software-defined networking service providers, receiving the highest customer satisfaction scores in ISG's Voice of the Customer survey, part of the ISG Star of Excellence(TM) program. Stay connected with ISE magazine. Subscribe to its newsletters and magazine for the latest telecom insights, explore the current issue for in-depth features and strategies, and register for upcoming webinars to learn directly from industry leaders. This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by its content team for clarity and accuracy. What matters in network evolution. Broadband, fiber, wireless, 5G, infrastructure, and field operations - all in one magazine built for today's ICT professional.

GTT recognized with three 2026 Visionary Spotlight Awards for demonstrated channel excellence. ARLINGTON, Va., July 23, 2026 ChannelVision Magazine Awards GTT Channel Program of the Year, CSP Network Infrastructure Innovation of the Year and Most Responsive Supplier Channel Team GTT Communications Inc., a leading networking and security as a service provider for multinational organizations, has announced that it has been awarded three Visionary Spotlight Awards from ChannelVision Magazine for: * Channel Program of the Year * CSP Network Infrastructure Innovation of the Year * Most Responsive Supplier Channel Team of the Year GTT was chosen for the Channel Partner of the Year Award for the second consecutive year for modernizing its channel partner engagement and strengthening the value delivered to Trusted Advisors at every stage of the customer life cycle. This year GTT epitomizes the Network Infrastructure Innovation Award by deploying a scalable, geographically redundant AI factory. This increases efficiencies for GTT's customers via predictive operations, AI-driven customer experiences, and enhances service performance and resiliency. As the Most Responsive Supplier Channel Team Award recipient, GTT delivers a measurable, organization wide movement to exemplify how a global provider consistently and quickly adheres to its partners' needs. The annual Visionary Spotlight Awards is among the channel's longest-running awards programs, having celebrated innovation, leadership and success for more than a decade. The VSAs serve as a trusted resource for channel partners, helping them identify leading solutions in an increasingly complex technology ecosystem. Each year, ChannelVision's editors and independent judges evaluate entries based on a range of criteria, including overall innovation, future industry impact, creativity, feature set differentiation, ease of use and interoperability. "The 2026 VSAs reflect a dynamic channel landscape, with advisors navigating emerging AI-driven technologies and shifting buyer expectations," said Berge Kaprelian, President and CEO, ChannelVision. "We're recognizing companies that not only innovate but continue to raise the bar on performance and partner value over time. This momentum is reflected in GTT's multiple wins for 2026, including a very impressive second year running for Channel Program of the Year." "We're proud to be recognized with three Visionary Spotlight Awards from ChannelVision and see this as testament to how we are reimagining the partner experience by removing friction and delivering greater value to Trusted Advisors at every stage of the customer life cycle," said Sara Seegers, Senior Vice President Channel Sales, Americas and Channel Chief, GTT. "We're determined to help our partners accelerate growth and deliver meaningful outcomes for their customers." ChannelVision has published the full list of 2026 Visionary Spotlight Award winners and is available for downloading here. Learn more about GTT's Channel Partner Program here. About ChannelVision Magazine ChannelVision Magazine (www.channelvisionmag.com), which operates under its parent company, Beka Business Media, is a bi-monthly publication and website that is read by channel partners that sell all manner of voice, data, access, managed and business services - both on premise and "in the cloud" - as well as technology gear and equipment, primarily in the SMB space. ChannelVision offers a highly focused and efficient way for service providers and hardware and software companies to reach experienced channel partners targeting the small/medium business space. More than two-thirds of ChannelVision's subscribers (plus an additional and growing Web-based readership) are telecom agents and equipment VARs. The company is also the driving force behind the annual CVxEXPO (www.cvxexpo.com) community gathering, each November in Glendale, Arizona. GTT is a leading networking and security as a service provider for multinational organizations, simply and securely connecting people and machines to data and applications - anywhere in the world. GTT Communications, Inc. serve thousands of organizations, bringing together the right people, partners and technology to reduce the burden on IT teams and solve the most pressing networking and security challenges. Built on its top-ranked ranked global Tier 1 network, GTT Envision is a single global technology platform to connect, orchestrate, virtualize and automate enterprise networks, enabling customers with consumable solutions to achieve business missions and meet ongoing demand when, where and how needed. Its portfolio includes SASE, SD-WAN, security, internet, voice and other connectivity options, complemented by a suite of professional services and exceptional sales and support teams in local markets around the globe. GTT Communications, Inc. partner with its customers to deliver Greater Technology Together. For more information, visit www.gtt.net. GTT Media Inquiries: Americas: Mary Lynn Heath, GTT +1-646-214-4078 [email protected] Other press releases. July 23, 2026 Smart manufacturing is no longer a future state. Most process and control operations already run IoT sensors, hybrid cloud platforms and AI-assisted analytics in production. What separates the plants that July 21, 2026 As artificial intelligence implementation moves from pilot-stage to becoming the operational backbone of the modern enterprise, GTT Communications, Inc. has reached a defining moment. AI is no longer simply a productivity tool; June 25, 2026 SIP trunking solved an important problem for enterprises as it modernized voice connectivity by removing many of the physical limitations tied to traditional telephony systems. Businesses gained more flexibility and Global WAN Services 4. . As of 26 July, 2026

GTT Communications has expanded its global partnership with HPE to enhance its managed services portfolio for enterprise networking. The collaboration combines GTT's Envision platform with managed LAN/WLAN solutions delivered via HPE Aruba Central, enabling enterprises to connect users, devices and applications securely across diverse environments. The partnership, which has existed for over a decade, now includes HPE Networking SSE. This allows GTT to offer a fully managed, single-vendor SASE solution built on its Tier 1 global network, integrating HPE's SD-WAN and cloud security into a zero trust architecture. According to Dell'Oro Group, single-vendor SASE is projected to represent 85% of a $21 billion market by 2030. GTT Secure Connect with HPE SSE is now available, whilst the expanded LAN/WLAN portfolio is expected later this year.