VMware’s Groundbreaking Innovations in 5G, SD-WAN, SASE, and Edge Compute: What You Need to Know

VMware, now under Broadcom Inc., has unveiled a host of significant new developments across its 5G, SD-WAN, SASE, and Edge Compute, forming the Software-Defined Edge portfolio. These advancements are poised to empower Communications Service Providers (CSPs) in modernizing their networks and introducing new monetizable services. Furthermore, these innovations, developed in collaboration with ecosystem partners, enable enterprises to efficiently run workloads at the edge with automation and unparalleled observability.

Broadcom’s VMware Unveils Product Innovations across its Software-Defined Edge Portfolio for Telcos and Enterprises at Mobile World Congress 2024

Advancing the Integrated Approach

Sanjay Uppal, the vice president and general manager of Broadcom’s Software-Defined Edge (SDE) Division, highlighted the appeal of VMware’s software-defined edge to both CSPs and enterprises. According to Uppal, VMware is advancing its integrated approach across its edge compute, intelligent overlay, and telco cloud offerings. Notably, the company is introducing a new single-vendor SASE solution with Symantec to help enterprises establish connectivity and enhance security at the distributed edge. Furthermore, in the telco cloud domain, VMware is empowering CSPs to modernize their core and RAN infrastructure for delivering monetizable services.

Defining the Software-Defined Edge

VMware defines the software-defined edge as a distributed digital infrastructure for running workloads across various locations, in close proximity to endpoints that generate or consume data. This concept extends to diverse user and device environments such as offices, roadways, cell sites, and factory floors. The software-defined edge encompasses three critical layers: the edge compute stack, hosting applications and workloads; the intelligent overlay, housing connectivity and security services across the WAN; and the underlay network layer, facilitating network connectivity across fixed and 5G networks for orchestration and network programmability.

Introducing VMware VeloCloud SASE, Secured by Symantec

In a significant move, VMware and Symantec, part of Broadcom, have launched VMware VeloCloud SASE, secured by Symantec—a unified SASE solution resulting from the integration of VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN and Symantec Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities. This offering delivers substantial benefits to existing VeloCloud and Symantec customers and is now widely available. Additionally, VMware’s Software-Defined Edge division is reintroducing the VeloCloud brand, known for its high customer acceptance and trust. The VeloCloud portfolio comprises VMware VeloCloud SASE, VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN, and VMware VeloCloud SD-Access products.

Expanded Collaboration with Singtel for Enhanced Connectivity and Edge Computing

VMware and Singtel have expanded their collaboration to enable customers to seamlessly manage their connectivity and cloud infrastructure based on VMware Edge Compute Stack through Singtel Paragon. This pioneering all-in-one multi-network and multi-cloud orchestration platform for 5G and edge cloud empowers enterprises to leverage Singtel 5G without needing to redesign their applications with SDE’s software-defined edge solutions. Furthermore, the companies will establish a Joint Innovation Lab to bring together experts in 5G and edge-native application design, along with commercial model specialists, to facilitate accelerated application development and testing.

Empowering CSPs with VMware Telco Cloud Platform

Additionally, VMware has announced the deployment of VMware Telco Cloud and the VMware Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework by CSPs, along with co-innovations with its telco partner ecosystem. These initiatives include optimizing 5G networks with VMware Telco Cloud Service Assurance, leveraging network programmability to address RAN performance, and simplifying the deployment of xApps and rApps for CSPs on VMware RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC) and VMware SMO framework.

Experience VMware’s Software-Defined Edge Solutions at Mobile World Congress 2024

Mobile World Congress 2024 is the perfect opportunity to experience VMware’s cutting-edge Software-Defined Edge solutions for communication service providers and enterprises. Visit VMware’s stand in Hall 3.0, Stand 3M11 to discover more about the announcements made at the conference, including customer testimonials, partner updates, and much more.

For further details, refer to VMware’s News & Stories for comprehensive coverage of the event and its revelations.