News

Versa Networks Continues SD-WAN-to-Cloud Trend

• By David Ramel
• 04/22/2019

Versa Networks is yet another software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) specialist to provide its wares in a cloud-delivered managed service, a growing trend in the industry.

Versa earlier this month announced Versa Titan, a cloud-managed SD-WAN branch/security solution offered to simplify the complexity associated with enterprise WAN transformations. The move is among a host of other similar announcements from firms like Cisco Systems, Juniper Networks, Citrix Systems, ADARA and more.

Titan is based on the company's Secure Cloud IP architecture, described as a cloud-native, multi-tenant, multi-service software platform, of which a primary component is the Cloud IP services offering that includes routing, SD-WAN and layered security functions. It targets mid-market organizations via managed service providers, channel partners, system integrators and value-added resellers.

Another component is a branded appliance called Versa Cloud Services Gateway (CSG) that incorporates yet more technology from the software-centric virtualization revolution -- virtual network functions (VNF) -- provided by the company's FlexVNF software stack.

Versa said its new managed service provides enterprises with a user portal, integrated support portal and a mobile application for management.

The company said Versa Titan provides:

• Improved bandwidth utilization, reliability and efficacy via automated multi-link WAN load balancing
• Enhanced business productivity and services continuity though dynamic application prioritization
• Enhanced business-edge protection using advanced security and malware protection
• Improved flexibility and wireless access reliability leveraging dual LTE and Wi-Fi
• Robust network threat and vulnerability detection and exploit prevention via next generation intrusion prevention

"The complexity of traditional WAN infrastructure is cumbersome, performance inhibiting and counterproductive to fueling digital transformation," said exec Rob Mustards in a statement. "With limited ability to secure multi-device, mobile and IoT-centric networks, legacy WAN infrastructure restricts the ability to harness the advantages of cloud. Versa Titan enables businesses to unleash the power and performance of a secure SD-WAN infrastructure without the added costs, complexity and footprint of legacy networking solutions."

Apparently many other vendors feel the same way, as similar offering were recently rolled out by ADARA, Cisco, Citrix, Juniper and others.