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VeloCloud's SD-WAN security program adds more partners

VeloCloud introduced new members to its SD-WAN security program, while Canonical Ltd. and SnapRoute combine technologies to develop an integrated white box switching stack.

VeloCloud added a batch of new security companies to its SD-WAN Security Technology Partner Program. The vendor introduced the SD-WAN security program earlier this year.

Forcepoint, Palo Alto Networks, Symantec and VMware are the newest members of the SD-WAN security program, joining current partners, including Check Point Software Technologies, IBM Security, Fortinet and Zscaler.

The VeloCloud SD-WAN security program addresses network, cloud and management security, according to Mike Wood, vice president of marketing. The integration with Palo Alto Networks will focus on-premises network security; Symantec and Forcepoint will concentrate on cloud security integration; and the VMware NSX integration will work with the enterprise data center, along with hybrid and public data centers, Wood said. Additionally, IBM and VeloCloud announced further integration with IBM's QRadar, focusing on management security.

For cloud security integration, Wood said VeloCloud uses its gateways for the cloud interface. For on-premises components, virtual network functions (VNFs) are an option.

"With Palo Alto, Fortinet and Check Point on premises in the branch office, basic capabilities include interoperability with the appliances each of those vendors offer," Wood said. But these security features can also run as VNFs with VeloCloud's Edge, the vendor's virtual customer premises equipment.

"I think that's incredibly interesting because it's all packaged in a single device that can be activated."

SD-WAN security has been an important factor for enterprises considering whether to deploy the technology. Oftentimes, security operations teams have already standardized on security vendors to obtain certain security requirements. By integrating its SD-WAN service with a variety of security companies, VeloCloud is trying to make the network interoperate more easily with various security components.

"That's what has driven us to select these vendors as the premier partners we're working with," Wood said. "The NetOps [network operations] team can come back and say, 'We've got high confidence that when we roll this out, it's all going to work together.'"

Canonical and SnapRoute to offer integrated switching stack

Canonical Ltd. and SnapRoute are developing a combined switching stack using SnapRoute's FlexSwitch control plane and Canonical's Ubuntu OpenStack operating system.

Canonical's Ubuntu OS has found a use case in enterprise cloud computing, which will bring another level of openness to the integrated software stack, according to a company statement. Tailored for larger deployment environments, the integrated stack aims to offer a more open platform for simplified deployment and operations. The combined switching software is certified on a range of white box switches and can be deployed as an Ubuntu data center application, the statement said.

"Combining Ubuntu and FlexSwitch on a white box platform of choice delivers network architects a reliable and simple alternative to closed, traditional switch platforms while providing choice and flexibility to leverage the vast universe of Linux-based software and tools right on the switch," said Jason Forrester, SnapRoute CEO and founder, in a statement.

Verizon adds Versa Networks to its software-defined networking platform

Verizon added Versa Networks' software-defined FlexVNF platform to its managed software-defined branch (SD-Branch) service. This move coincides with Verizon's attempt to make it easier for customers to virtualize branch office components.

Versa Networks' FlexVNF software stack has been geared to service providers -- among them Comcast and CenturyLink -- that want to offer managed services to customer branch sites. Versa's software platform includes SD-WAN and security virtual network functions components, while also allowing third-party VNFs.

Verizon's SD-Branch aims to help customers integrate with cloud platforms more easily, reduce network complexity and add another layer of security, according to a statement. The service provider also uses SD-WAN technology from Cisco and Viptela -- which Cisco recently acquired -- for its managed SD-WAN.

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