Versa Networks Introduces SASE, Secure SD-WAN Service For Remote Workers: Exclusive

SD-WAN for remote workers used to require physical hardware, but Versa Networks is launching a completely software-based service that combines SD-WAN with myriad security functions to help partners address the newly pervasive work-from-home model.

Versa Networks launched a new cloud-based offering that addresses remote working use cases as part of the provider's Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) portfolio.

Enterprises have been investing in resources to help their employees work from home. The legacy work from home offerings typically consists of VPN concentrators and firewalls in the private data center, and is often designed for just a fraction of a company's employees, Michael Wood, CMO of Versa Networks, told CRN. "A lot of CEOs have had to think about rearchitecting their infrastructure for the new normal, which is more people working from anywhere and accessing more cloud applications in a secure manner."

Software-based Versa Secure Access gives channel partners a scalable, remote access service that lets customers securely connect to applications in both private and public clouds. The most convenient part for both partners and end customers right now? The offering requires no physical appliances or VPN concentrators that have to be shipped to employees' homes, Wood said.

[Related: Versa Networks Co-Founder: Versa Titan Offering Has Taken On A Life Of Its Own]

Versa Secure Access combines a range of security functions with SD-WAN, including a stateful firewall, DOS protection, a next-generation firewall, an intrusion prevention system, and URL filtering on end users’ devices connecting privately to their company's resources hosted in private data centers and public cloud environments. The service can monitor for network degradation and can proactively correct for packet loss, switch to a different gateway, or move to different WAN connectivity if necessary, such as Wi-Fi, cellular or wired, Wood explained.

"The new Versa Secure Access service delivers SD-WAN right to the end-user device, and that's relatively new," Wood added.

The offering uses a software client for Windows, Mac and iOS operating systems and relies on Versa's cloud gateways located around the world. The service runs on the Versa Operating System, which powers secure SD-WAN networks both on-premises and in the cloud, the company said.

While Versa Secure Access works with Versa's secure SD-WAN offering, the service doesn't require businesses to be Versa customers, Wood said.

Versa Secure Access, which can be managed entirely through the cloud, is available now through the channel. The service can be purchased via a monthly, SaaS-based model.

"Enterprises can choose to turn on the service for 100,000 employees for one month and then turn off 50,000 employees next month. There's an opportunity to respond to events, like COVID-19, and other events in the future, or can also allow [customers] to scale back," Wood said.

The San Jose, Calif.-based company last year also launched Versa Titan, a cloud-managed security and SD-WAN offering as a midmarket and small-business offering. Versa Titan, according to the provider's founder Kumar Mehta, has taken on a life of its own and grew in popularity very quickly through the channel.

Versa, which got its start in 2012, works with many service provider partners today, including CenturyLink, Comcast and NTT Communications. Versa also does most of its business through the channel, especially through the telecom agent community through several master agents, including Avant, Intelisys and Telarus.