Product Note: VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN
VMware, a leading provider of virtualization and cloud computing solutions, is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. The company was founded in 1998 by Diane Greene, Mendel Rosenblum, Scott Devine, Karen Tegan Padir, and Edouard Bugnion. Over the past two decades, VMware has established itself as a dominant force in the enterprise technology landscape, offering a comprehensive suite of virtualization, cloud, and software-defined networking solutions that have transformed the way businesses approach their IT infrastructure.
VMware's VeloCloud SD-WAN offering is the result of the company's acquisition of VeloCloud Networks in 2017. This strategic move allowed VMware to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing SD-WAN market, leveraging VeloCloud's expertise in cloud-delivered networking services. The VeloCloud acquisition has enabled VMware to seamlessly integrate SD-WAN capabilities into its broader portfolio of virtualization and cloud-based technologies, providing customers with a tightly integrated solution for their wide-area networking needs.
Product Overview and Strengths
The VeloCloud SD-WAN appliance features a hardware platform with a range of network interfaces, including Ethernet, LTE, and Wi-Fi, allowing for flexible deployment options and support for diverse connectivity requirements. The appliance runs VMware's proprietary VeloCloud operating system, which provides core SD-WAN functionality such as dynamic path selection, application-aware routing, and integrated WAN optimization.
One of the key strengths of the VeloCloud solution is its focus on cloud-delivered services, enabling centralized management, policy enforcement, and visibility across the entire SD-WAN deployment. This cloud-native approach can simplify the deployment and ongoing management of the SD-WAN infrastructure, as the majority of the control and processing capabilities reside in the cloud rather than on-premises. This can be particularly beneficial for organizations with distributed or remote locations, as it reduces the need for hands-on management and technical expertise at each site.
Weaknesses
However, some customers may prefer a more on-premises-centric solution, especially in industries with strict data residency requirements or organizations that desire greater control over the physical infrastructure. The cloud-based management approach, while simplifying operations, may not align with the preferences of all customers, particularly those with concerns about data sovereignty or a desire for more granular control over their networking environment.
Bottom Line
VMware's VeloCloud SD-WAN is well-suited for organizations that have already adopted VMware technologies and seek a tightly integrated SD-WAN solution that leverages the company's expertise in virtualization and cloud computing. The platform's cloud-based management and optimization features make it an attractive option for enterprises looking to simplify their wide-area networking operations, particularly those with distributed or remote locations. However, the cloud-centric nature of the solution may not be the preferred approach for all customers, especially those with specific data residency requirements or a desire for more on-premises control over their networking infrastructure.