VMware leveraging AI to simplify SD-WAN operations
VMware has unveiled its next generation Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) solution at VMware Explore Europe, which leverages artificial intelligence to help enterprises more securely and reliably deliver applications, data and services across any network to any device.
SD-WAN decouples network software services from underlying hardware to create a virtualized network overlay, enabling users anywhere to connect to applications anywhere.
VMWare says it solves network complexity while cutting total cost of ownership, and simplifies operations through rapid zero touch provisioning and cloud management, optimises app performance over any WAN link, accelerates cloud adoption through managed on-ramps, and offers robust edge security.
“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.”
AI helping enterprise move from centralised to distributed IT model
Enterprises adopting these cloud, workforce and application transformation initiatives require a move from a centralised 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will face challenges ranging from inefficient cloud/SaaS access, poor application quality, and compromised security to outdated remote access VPN connectivity and operational complexities and expenses.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.
Enhancing connectivity, compute and intelligence
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 says it 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.
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.
“For maximum performance, Cloud and SaaS applications require efficient, optimised access, and infrastructure that’s specifically designed to support them,” said Darren Wolner, senior director of SASE product management for Lumen Technologies. “Traditional remote access to corporate networks via VPN often delivers less-than-optimal application performance. 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.”
