In order to stay competitive, enterprises are transforming their
applications, adopting multi-cloud and SaaS, and enabling users to
access these applications from the office, home or elsewhere. VMware,
Inc. unveiled its
next-generation SD-WAN solution,
including a new SD-WAN Client, to help enterprises more securely,
reliably, and optimally deliver applications, data and services-no
matter where they reside-to the site, branch, and home, across any
network to any device.
"We've evolved VMware SD-WAN to meet enterprises' requirements in
support of distributed data, users and applications," said Sanjay Uppal,
senior vice president and general manager, Service Provider and Edge,
VMware. "Enterprises today need more secure, reliable, and optimal
delivery of applications, data, and services regardless of where the
application or the user or the device lives. The new VMware SD-WAN
Client will enable enterprises to provide consistent security and
ubiquitous and reliable connectivity to users and devices everywhere."
Innovating to Better Connect and Secure Distributed Clouds, Workers, and Applications
Enterprises adopting these cloud, workforce and application
transformation initiatives require a move from a centralized to
distributed IT model. If relying exclusively on traditional approaches
to networking, security and operations, enterprises will face challenges
ranging from inefficient cloud/SaaS access, poor application quality,
and compromised security to outdated remote access VPN connectivity and
operational complexities and expenses.
An evolution of SD-WAN is required to successfully support enterprises'
transformation initiatives. Cloud-native by design, VMware SD-WAN and
VMware SASE enable enterprises to bring edge compute and networking
together for application transformation while delivering consistent
security and ubiquitous, reliable, and optimal connectivity for the
branch and distributed workforce. The platform features a single
management interface that leverages artificial intelligence to simplify
operations. New features and capabilities support three areas of
transformation:
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Cloud transformation: To better assist enterprises with connectivity to the cloud, into the cloud and through the cloud, VMware is expanding its SD-WAN and SASE footprint
by adding 16 new points of presence (PoPs) mainly across APJ, EMEA and
LATAM. VMware and its partners now provide more than 200 PoPs worldwide
delivering high-speed, low-latency connections to major cloud and SaaS
providers. Additionally, VMware SD-WAN and SASE now offer enhanced artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) capabilities within VMware Edge Network Intelligence to help enterprises identify better network paths to the cloud and proactively notify operations teams to take remedial action.
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Workforce transformation: VMware today unveiled a new SD-WAN Client
to provide consistent connectivity, performance, and security
capabilities to remote workers on the road. To accelerate the
development of the SD-WAN Client, VMware today also announced it has
acquired the team, products and IP of Ananda Networks. The new PC and
mobile soft client will leapfrog legacy remote access VPNs via a
cloud-native, cloud-delivered approach enabling a smooth transition to
Zero Trust while incorporating elements of Dynamic Multipath
Optimization for enhanced performance. The SD-WAN Client will be
seamlessly integrated with the existing VMware SD-WAN offering.
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Application transformation: VMware SD-WAN and SASE will enhance
connectivity, compute, and intelligence in rapidly evolving edge use
cases with the help of VMware Private Mobile Network. Delivered
by service providers, this managed service offering provides enterprises
with private 4G/5G mobile connectivity in support of edge-native
applications. Building on VMware Edge Compute Stack, the service is
seamlessly integrated with existing IT management platforms and
incorporates VMware's industry leading compute, network, security, and
edge intelligence solutions.
VMware SD-WAN is a part of VMware SASE. VMware was recently positioned
by Gartner, Inc. as a Leader in the 2022 Gartner® Magic QuadrantTM for
SD-WAN. Gartner recognized VMware for its Ability to Execute and
Completeness of Vision.
"We are excited for this announcement - the VMware SD-WAN Client will
give us a direct ‘vendor to work at home environment' that lets us
experience all of the benefits of SD-WAN without requiring any middle
hardware. This will give us a more secure, single pane of glass
experience for both security and network performance," said Keith
Bradley, Vice President Information Technology at Nature Fresh Farms.
"Coevolve is excited to see this announcement and the capabilities it
will bring to our global clients. As a telco-independent solution
provider, we have deployed the VMware SD-WAN solution in more than 80
countries and the software client addresses many new use cases," said
Ciaran Roche, CTO at Coevolve. "Our clients frequently have complex
environments that require access to 3rd party partner environments and
this client will facilitate seamless connectivity into their global
networks."
"For maximum performance, Cloud and SaaS applications require efficient,
optimized access, and infrastructure that's specifically designed to
support them. Traditional remote access to corporate networks via VPN
often delivers less-than-optimal application performance," said Darren
Wolner, senior director of SASE product management for Lumen
Technologies. "As longtime partners of VMware, we are excited to see the
continued innovation with VMware's SD-WAN Client solution. Providing a
more secure solution that's seamless and easy to implement will be a
great complement to the access and managed SASE solutions we offer our
customers."