VMware Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a secure access service edge (SASE) platform that combines many types of software-based network technologies in an attempt to enable users to virtualize their wide area networks and reduce their reliance on hardware. In essence, this solution makes it possible for users to reliably access their applications from anywhere in the world by leveraging cloud technologies. Users can simply, efficiently, and completely control their network devices and traffic. It ensures that organizations are always able to use the best possible connection to their data centers. VMware SD-WAN steers traffic so that it is always using the most reliable connections and at the same time takes steps to remediate any problems that it detects in other network links. This guarantees that organizations can access high-priority applications at all times.
VMware SD-WAN has many valuable features, including stability and performance, ease of use, application-aware routing, cluster and cloud VPN, security, load balancing, scalability, on-demand capability, flexibility, virtualization platform, automation, zero-touch provisioning, dynamic multipoint protocol, and manageability. Its most significant advantage over other solutions is its integration with the virtual LAN, making it fully automized, and its integration with cloud vendors like Microsoft Azure. The solution is also highly customizable, with over 400 functionalities, and has simple troubleshooting and cybersecurity features. Overall, VMware SD-WAN is a complete product that benefits IT teams by taking a lot of the burden away.
The VMware SD-WAN could benefit from better pricing and more integration with other vendors. Users would like to see improvements in cloud security, throughput capacity, and firewall functionality. Some users have found the solution to be costly and restrictive, and documentation can be difficult to find. Improvements in reporting, automation, and CLI would also be appreciated. The solution could be more flexible for different customer bases, including those with complex routing requirements. Overall, users would like to see VMware SD-WAN improve its security features, capacity, and ease of use while reducing costs.
The ROI from VMware SD-WAN is difficult to measure, but productivity gains have been observed from the ability to move between production and test environments. The flexibility to move workloads to the cloud for incremental needs has also contributed to time-to-market benefits. However, the return on investment has not yet been achieved and it is taking longer than expected.
VMware SD-WAN pricing varies depending on the licensing model chosen. Some reviewers find it expensive, while others consider it less expensive than competitors such as Cisco. The licensing costs are part of a subscription and are higher for larger companies or data centers. The minimum cost to set up a monitoring station is $10,000 a month, and there is a standard fee for the solution. The pricing model could be improved to better correspond to real use cases and be more competitive. Reviewers suggest opting for a quarterly license model or negotiating better pricing for higher volumes.
VMware SD-WAN is used for global network connectivity, enterprise connectivity, ISP support, security and virtualization, and to increase network bandwidth between sites. It can be deployed on cloud and on-premises and is used by customers for IT infrastructure in the cloud and bridging for retail. It is also used for communication between branch offices and for network security. The primary use case is manageability, with everything controlled from a central orchestrator. It is deployed for multinational enterprise customers and service providers, and is chosen by customers who are transforming their WAN infrastructure and looking for cutting-edge technology solutions.
The customer service and support of VMware SD-WAN is mixed. Some users find the support to be knowledgeable and responsive, while others feel that third-party support is not proactive enough. Technical support used to be excellent but has since become more difficult to reach. Some users have never had to contact technical support, while others rate it as exceptional. The support models vary, with basic support being rated as rubbish and mission-critical support being excellent but expensive. Overall, the technical support is good, but response time and friendliness could be improved.
Most reviewers found the initial setup for VMware SD-WAN to be straightforward and easy, with some mentioning that it only took a few hours to complete. A few reviewers noted that there may be some configuration required, but it is not overly complex. The ease of deployment was generally rated between a five and seven out of ten, with some reviewers mentioning that it took a couple of months to complete.
VMware SD-WAN is a highly scalable solution that is used by a variety of organizations, ranging from small to large. Many users rate the scalability as eight or nine out of ten, and it is considered an important part of their business. While costs may rise as you expand, the solution is simple to expand, and the solution scales well. It is highly scalable, with some organizations having up to 3,000 users, and it is built into the platform. However, some users have found that it may not be suitable for large enterprises with complex routing environments.
The VMware SD-WAN solution is highly stable according to multiple reviews. Some occasional issues may occur with certain devices depending on their firmware, but it does not affect the operation of the devices. Compared to other SD-WAN vendors, the stability is good. The solution runs well and is reliable with no bugs or glitches. Customers appreciate the stable software and choose VMware over others.
VMware SD-WAN Benefits
Some of the ways that organizations can benefit by deploying VMware SD-WAN include:
VMware SD-WAN Features
Reviews from Real Users
VMware SD-WAN is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Two major advantages it offers are its ability to automate the process of creating and maintaining a virtual local area network and its intuitive user dashboard.
Sami I., principal cloud architect at Loihe, writes, “One of the solution's most valuable features is the VMware core automation stack at an SDDC. It includes NSX, the VMware virtualization layer for the networks (the LAN virtualization), which works extremely well with the VMware SD-WAN solution and is the primary advantage over all the others. None of the other vendors could integrate with the virtual LAN, making it quite complicated and virtualized to be fully automated.”
Chih S., senior technical consultant at a tech services company, says, “The product has a very good user dashboard that is simple to navigate.”
VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN was previously known as VMware SD-WAN, VeloCloud.
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