Versa Networks seeks to simplify branch management
Versa Networks, a vendor in the SD-WAN and SD-security market, announced its new Software Defined Secure Branch (SD-Branch) managed service is now available on Verizon’s software-defined networking (SDN) platform. Verizon’s platform encompasses SDN, cloud-based end-user management and virtualized security services to make branch networks more simple and secure.
Versa Networks announced in May it would extend SD-WAN to SD-Branch in an effort to expand its SD-WAN portfolio. Branch management can be complex and difficult given the amount of equipment, including routers, firewalls and WAN optimization, branches use. The Versa Cloud IP Platform allows branch offices to have access to third-party virtual network functions. Virtualizing the branches decreases the amount of equipment needed to maintain security, reducing the physical complexity of the network in return.
“We have designed a solution in which networking and security work together from the ground up,” Kumar Mehta, co-founder of Versa-Networks, told RCR Wireless News. “The solution provides centralized and automated single pane of glass for configuration and monitoring for networking and security for all branch devices. This results in agility, operational simplicity and fewer errors for example in configuration of security rules. In addition our solution provides network wide monitoring and correlation that gives customers holistic security intelligence.”
The Versa Cloud IP Platform offered by Verizon uses Versa FlexVNF Software, which integrates network and security capabilities to make available layer 3 to layer 7 IP services based on a cloud-native, software platform. The software is intended to cover all the networking and security needs of branch offices, including full routing, WAN connectivity, SD-WAN and network security.
“Verizon has been an early and aggressive innovator in software defining their network, as well as their customers’ networks,” said Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa Networks. “Verizon saw the wider set of challenges that businesses were having across branch offices, and has designed a comprehensive service to virtualize, software define, manage and secure the full brand.”
Versa Networks isn’t the only vendor to offer SDN services to branch offices. Riverbed, for example, released a SD-WAN solution known as SteelConnect last year touted for its ability to secure connectivity between branch locations and the cloud.
Verizon adoption of the SD-Branch comes at a time when users are beginning to consider the general use of SD-WAN. According to a report by IDC, the SD-WAN Technology and Services market is expected to reach $6 billion by 2020.
