2023 Showcase
2023 SASE, SDWAN, MCN, ZTNA, Enterprise Edge and Cloud Networking Showcase
AvidThink and Converge Network Digest present our Enterprise Edge and Cloud Networking Resource Site that examines the alphabet soup in enterprise connectivity: SD-WAN, SASE, SSE, ZTNA, MCN, NaaS, and more! We discuss how the changing needs of enterprise workloads are driving new decisions in the space and our views on how this space will evolve. Check out the videos from thought leaders below!
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Download the report for free — courtesy of our sponsors! Join the other enterprise IT, CSP, and other thought leaders who've already download the report.
Sponsor Spotlight Aarna Networks
3 Broad Trends in Edge Computing
Amar Kapadia, CEO of Aarna Networks, highlights three key trends in edge networking: the need for flexible networking due to the distribution of applications across multiple edge and public clouds, the growing trend towards on-demand or cloud-like consumption of networks, and the increasing importance of private 5G in enterprise environments. Aarna Networks responds to these trends by offering orchestration and management for edge environments and private 5G, providing on-demand flexible connectivity between edge and public clouds, and managing networks on demand.
Sponsor Spotlight Alkira
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Navigating Multi-Cloud Complexity with Alkira
Alkira CEO Amir Khan and CTO Atif Khan discuss the growing SD-WAN and multi-cloud networking market, emphasizing the need for streamlined solutions across various environments. Alkira's transformational technology aims to address these needs by integrating services like security and IPAM, catering to the changing networking requirements of enterprises adopting multi-cloud strategies.
Sponsor Spotlight Alkira
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Unleashing Extranet as a Service for Secure B2B Connectivity
Manan Shah, VP of Product Management at Alkira, introduced Alkira's Extranet as a Service, a new innovation that enables customers to securely connect their applications to B2B partners and third-party entities with full control and visibility. The service, which offers dynamic scaling, turnkey transformation, and advanced cloud networking capabilities, also simplifies complex networking environments and aids in seamless integration during mergers and acquisitions.
Sponsor Spotlight Apcela
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Cloud-Centric WAN for Seamless Connectivity
Mark Casey, CEO of Apcela, highlighted the shift from cloud-ready to cloud-centric infrastructure as enterprises move from premises-based IT to the cloud. He emphasizes the need to integrate technologies like SD-WAN, distributed security, and software-defined cloud interconnect to enable a cloud-centric WAN that brings security closer to the network edge.
Sponsor Spotlight AT&T
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: AT&T & Cisco's Game-Changing SD-WAN Collaboration
Mike Troiano, Head of Business Products at AT&T, highlights the company's collaboration with Cisco to enhance software-defined networking through Meraki integration and a focus on mobile-first solutions in WebEx. The partnership aims to improve failover, business continuity, and user experience while streamlining operations by retiring traditional wireline infrastructure.
Sponsor Spotlight Cato Networks
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Building the Future of Secure Global Networking at Cato
Eyal Webber-Zvik, VP of Product Marketing at Cato Networks, presents the company's SASE platform, a globally available cloud-native solution that merges networking and security capabilities. The platform, which operates through numerous Points of Presence (PoPs) interconnected with the Cato global private backbone, offers enterprise-grade network security, high throughput traffic processing, real-time security enforcement, and simple connectivity to the cloud via an SD-WAN appliance, a client for remote users, and a virtual connection for cloud data centers.
Sponsor Spotlight Cisco
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Cisco's Hybrid & Mobile Work Solutions Unveiled
Masum Mir, SVP/GM of Cisco Networking Provider Mobility at Cisco Systems, highlights the difficulties enterprises face in managing a hybrid and mobile work environment. Cisco Networking Cloud aims to address these challenges by offering a unified platform, incorporating technologies like fixed and mobile connections, and leveraging the Meraki dashboard and 5G technology for secure and seamless connectivity.
Sponsor Spotlight Cisco
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Cisco Unveils Game-Changing Cloud Solution
Kip Compton, SVP of Strategy & Business Development at Cisco Systems, unveiled the Cisco Networking Cloud at Cisco Live, aiming to streamline networking domains with cloud-managed and on-prem solutions. The offering includes features like cross-platform navigator and single sign-on, allowing for efficient network management and opening up opportunities for developers and customers to leverage new APIs and unified solutions.
Sponsor Spotlight Cyxtera
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Mastering Hybrid Workloads in the AI Era
Holland Barry, Field CTO for Cyxtera, discussed the growing trend of hybrid workloads running in various venues and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in data center co-location spaces. Barry emphasized the importance of venue selection for effective workload management, the high power density requirements, and the need for advanced cooling solutions for high-performance compute workloads.
Sponsor Spotlight Dell'Oro Group
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Converging Security & Networking for Next-Gen Success
Mauricio Sanchez, Research Director at Dell'Oro Group, emphasizes the convergence of security and networking across three edges - user, application, and traditional WAN - in the Next Generation Enterprise space. He explains that these edges are evolving with technologies like SD-WAN, SASE, and multi-cloud networking, and are increasingly being offered as a service.
Sponsor Spotlight IBM
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Mastering Multi-Cloud Complexity with IBM Hybrid Cloud Mesh
Murali Gandluru, Vice President of Strategy (Product & GTM) at IBM, addresses the challenges enterprises face in managing distributed cloud environments and emphasizes the importance of agility in DevOps, NetOps, and Cloud operations teams. Gandluru introduces IBM Hybrid Cloud Mesh, a solution designed to simplify, scale, and secure access to applications and data domains across heterogeneous environments, including VMs, Red Hat OpenShift, Kubernetes, and bare metal environments.
Sponsor Spotlight MEF/Independent
SASE, SDWAN, Enterprise Network Alphabet Soup: MEF's Role in Streamlining SASE & SD-WAN Adoption
Sunil Khandekar, a tech executive advisor and former CEO of Nuage Networks, highlighted the crucial role of MEF in standardizing and accelerating the adoption of SASE and SD-WAN. He emphasized MEF's leadership in defining new standards, and its partnership with a cybersecurity expert organization to certify vendor SASE solutions.
Sponsor Spotlight Netris
Effortless Cross-Cloud and VPC Connections
Alex Saroyan, CEO and co-founder of Netris, discussed how Netris provides public cloud-like networking for private infrastructure. Netris provides VPC networking software, and utilizes open-source technology like WireGuard to automate and optimize the configuration of cross-cloud and cross-VPC connections.
Sponsor Spotlight Nile
Redefining NaaS for the Enterprise
Pankaj Patel, CEO and co-founder of Nile, discusses how they are redefining Network as a Service (NaaS), and serving enterprises seeking unobtrusive network solutions that allow business leaders to focus on their core business. Patel highlights the benefits of NaaS, including managed lifecycle management, guaranteed network performance, improved security, and a shift from CapEx to OpEx.
Is NaaS the answer for enterprise connectivity today? Download our report and see what our views are.
Is NaaS the answer for enterprise connectivity today? Download our report and see what our views are.
Sponsor Spotlight Orange Business
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Navigating from SD-WAN to SASE for Secure Hybrid Work
Laurent Perrin, Director of Product Management at Orange Business, emphasizes the growing demand for integrated security and infrastructure solutions, particularly SASE. Perrin underscored the importance of cloud-based and on-premises security, the zero-trust model, and the need to guide customers in their digital transformation journey, assisting them in making appropriate technology choices.
Sponsor Spotlight Versa Networks
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: SASE - Unifying Security & Networking for Agility
Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa Networks, highlights the benefits of SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), a unified platform that combines security and networking functions for improved agility, automation, and simplification. Versa Networks provides their SASE solution to enterprises and service provider partners, enabling innovative services for their customers.
Sponsor Spotlight World Wide Technology
SASE, SDWAN, Enterprise Network Alphabet Soup: Unpacking NaaS - Beyond Financing Models
Neil Anderson, AVP of Cloud and Infrastructure at WWT, highlighted the impact of the Enterprise Edge evolution on network architecture, driven by hybrid working, increased use of cloud applications, and the importance of security. To tackle challenges in maintaining network architecture and recruiting skilled professionals, Anderson suggested adopting a secure service edge architecture, integrating branch infrastructure with SD-WAN, and implementing a direct internet access model in branch offices.
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Analysis by AvidThink
What the 2023 Enterprise Edge report finds
Across these interviews, the enterprise edge is defined by convergence: security and networking merging into SASE, and connectivity stretching across multi-cloud environments. Vendors respond with cloud-native platforms, multi-cloud networking, and network-as-a-service models that shift enterprises from CapEx to OpEx.
Security and networking converge
Cato Networks delivers a cloud-native SASE platform across many PoPs, Versa unifies security and networking for agility, and Dell'Oro maps convergence across user, application, and WAN edges.
Multi-cloud networking matures
Alkira integrates security and IPAM and adds Extranet as a Service for B2B connectivity, IBM introduces Hybrid Cloud Mesh, and Netris uses open-source WireGuard for cross-cloud and cross-VPC links.
NaaS and the consumption shift
Nile redefines Network as a Service, moving enterprises from CapEx to OpEx, WWT unpacks NaaS beyond financing, and Aarna highlights on-demand, cloud-like network consumption.
Cloud-centric WAN and the edge
Apcela describes the shift from cloud-ready to cloud-centric WAN that brings security to the edge, while Aarna orchestrates flexible connectivity across edge, public clouds, and private 5G.
Incumbents platformize
Cisco unveils its Networking Cloud with cross-platform navigator and single sign-on, and AT&T partners with Cisco on Meraki integration while retiring traditional wireline infrastructure.
Standards and zero trust
MEF standardizes and certifies vendor SASE solutions with a cybersecurity partner, and Orange Business emphasizes the zero-trust model in guiding customers through digital transformation.
Highlights from industry thought leaders
Video interviews
3 Broad Trends in Edge Computing
- Aarna Networks cites three edge trends: flexible networking across clouds, on-demand consumption, and growing private 5G.
- It offers orchestration and management for edge environments and private 5G with on-demand connectivity.
Abstract
Amar Kapadia, CEO of Aarna Networks, highlights three key trends in edge networking: the need for flexible networking due to the distribution of applications across multiple edge and public clouds, the growing trend towards on-demand or cloud-like consumption of networks, and the increasing importance of private 5G in enterprise environments. Aarna Networks responds to these trends by offering orchestration and management for edge environments and private 5G, providing on-demand flexible connectivity between edge and public clouds, and managing networks on demand.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Navigating Multi-Cloud Complexity with Alkira
- Alkira's Amir Khan and Atif Khan see a growing SD-WAN and multi-cloud market needing streamlined solutions.
- Alkira integrates services like security and IPAM for enterprises adopting multi-cloud strategies.
Abstract
Alkira CEO Amir Khan and CTO Atif Khan discuss the growing SD-WAN and multi-cloud networking market, emphasizing the need for streamlined solutions across various environments. Alkira's transformational technology aims to address these needs by integrating services like security and IPAM, catering to the changing networking requirements of enterprises adopting multi-cloud strategies.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Unleashing Extranet as a Service for Secure B2B Connectivity
- Alkira's Manan Shah introduces Extranet as a Service for secure B2B and third-party connectivity with full control and visibility.
- It offers dynamic scaling and simplifies integration during mergers and acquisitions.
Abstract
Manan Shah, VP of Product Management at Alkira, introduced Alkira's Extranet as a Service, a new innovation that enables customers to securely connect their applications to B2B partners and third-party entities with full control and visibility. The service, which offers dynamic scaling, turnkey transformation, and advanced cloud networking capabilities, also simplifies complex networking environments and aids in seamless integration during mergers and acquisitions.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Cloud-Centric WAN for Seamless Connectivity
- Apcela's Mark Casey highlights the shift from cloud-ready to cloud-centric infrastructure.
- He integrates SD-WAN, distributed security, and software-defined cloud interconnect to bring security to the edge.
Abstract
Mark Casey, CEO of Apcela, highlighted the shift from cloud-ready to cloud-centric infrastructure as enterprises move from premises-based IT to the cloud. He emphasizes the need to integrate technologies like SD-WAN, distributed security, and software-defined cloud interconnect to enable a cloud-centric WAN that brings security closer to the network edge.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: AT&T & Cisco's Game-Changing SD-WAN Collaboration
- AT&T collaborates with Cisco on Meraki integration and mobile-first WebEx solutions.
- The partnership improves failover and business continuity while retiring traditional wireline infrastructure.
Abstract
Mike Troiano, Head of Business Products at AT&T, highlights the company's collaboration with Cisco to enhance software-defined networking through Meraki integration and a focus on mobile-first solutions in WebEx. The partnership aims to improve failover, business continuity, and user experience while streamlining operations by retiring traditional wireline infrastructure.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Building the Future of Secure Global Networking at Cato
- Cato Networks offers a cloud-native SASE platform merging networking and security across numerous PoPs on its private backbone.
- It delivers real-time security enforcement, high-throughput processing, and simple cloud connectivity.
Abstract
Eyal Webber-Zvik, VP of Product Marketing at Cato Networks, presents the company's SASE platform, a globally available cloud-native solution that merges networking and security capabilities. The platform, which operates through numerous Points of Presence (PoPs) interconnected with the Cato global private backbone, offers enterprise-grade network security, high throughput traffic processing, real-time security enforcement, and simple connectivity to the cloud via an SD-WAN appliance, a client for remote users, and a virtual connection for cloud data centers.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Cisco's Hybrid & Mobile Work Solutions Unveiled
- Cisco's Masum Mir addresses the challenges of managing hybrid and mobile work environments.
- Cisco Networking Cloud unifies fixed and mobile connections using the Meraki dashboard and 5G.
Abstract
Masum Mir, SVP/GM of Cisco Networking Provider Mobility at Cisco Systems, highlights the difficulties enterprises face in managing a hybrid and mobile work environment. Cisco Networking Cloud aims to address these challenges by offering a unified platform, incorporating technologies like fixed and mobile connections, and leveraging the Meraki dashboard and 5G technology for secure and seamless connectivity.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Cisco Unveils Game-Changing Cloud Solution
- Cisco's Kip Compton unveils the Cisco Networking Cloud at Cisco Live with cloud-managed and on-prem solutions.
- It adds a cross-platform navigator, single sign-on, and new APIs for developers and customers.
Abstract
Kip Compton, SVP of Strategy & Business Development at Cisco Systems, unveiled the Cisco Networking Cloud at Cisco Live, aiming to streamline networking domains with cloud-managed and on-prem solutions. The offering includes features like cross-platform navigator and single sign-on, allowing for efficient network management and opening up opportunities for developers and customers to leverage new APIs and unified solutions.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Mastering Hybrid Workloads in the AI Era
- Cyxtera's Holland Barry notes growing hybrid workloads and rising AI use in data center co-location.
- He emphasizes venue selection, high power density, and advanced cooling for high-performance compute.
Abstract
Holland Barry, Field CTO for Cyxtera, discussed the growing trend of hybrid workloads running in various venues and the increasing use of artificial intelligence in data center co-location spaces. Barry emphasized the importance of venue selection for effective workload management, the high power density requirements, and the need for advanced cooling solutions for high-performance compute workloads.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Converging Security & Networking for Next-Gen Success
- Dell'Oro's Mauricio Sanchez emphasizes convergence across three edges: user, application, and WAN.
- These edges evolve with SD-WAN, SASE, and multi-cloud networking, increasingly offered as a service.
Abstract
Mauricio Sanchez, Research Director at Dell'Oro Group, emphasizes the convergence of security and networking across three edges - user, application, and traditional WAN - in the Next Generation Enterprise space. He explains that these edges are evolving with technologies like SD-WAN, SASE, and multi-cloud networking, and are increasingly being offered as a service.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Mastering Multi-Cloud Complexity with IBM Hybrid Cloud Mesh
- IBM's Murali Gandluru introduces Hybrid Cloud Mesh to simplify, scale, and secure multi-cloud access.
- It spans VMs, Red Hat OpenShift, Kubernetes, and bare metal environments.
Abstract
Murali Gandluru, Vice President of Strategy (Product & GTM) at IBM, addresses the challenges enterprises face in managing distributed cloud environments and emphasizes the importance of agility in DevOps, NetOps, and Cloud operations teams. Gandluru introduces IBM Hybrid Cloud Mesh, a solution designed to simplify, scale, and secure access to applications and data domains across heterogeneous environments, including VMs, Red Hat OpenShift, Kubernetes, and bare metal environments.
SASE, SDWAN, Enterprise Network Alphabet Soup: MEF's Role in Streamlining SASE & SD-WAN Adoption
- Sunil Khandekar highlights MEF's role in standardizing and accelerating SASE and SD-WAN adoption.
- MEF partners with a cybersecurity organization to certify vendor SASE solutions.
Abstract
Sunil Khandekar, a tech executive advisor and former CEO of Nuage Networks, highlighted the crucial role of MEF in standardizing and accelerating the adoption of SASE and SD-WAN. He emphasized MEF's leadership in defining new standards, and its partnership with a cybersecurity expert organization to certify vendor SASE solutions.
Effortless Cross-Cloud and VPC Connections
- Netris provides public cloud-like VPC networking software for private infrastructure.
- It uses open-source WireGuard to automate cross-cloud and cross-VPC connections.
Abstract
Alex Saroyan, CEO and co-founder of Netris, discussed how Netris provides public cloud-like networking for private infrastructure. Netris provides VPC networking software, and utilizes open-source technology like WireGuard to automate and optimize the configuration of cross-cloud and cross-VPC connections.
Redefining NaaS for the Enterprise
- Nile's Pankaj Patel redefines Network as a Service with managed lifecycle and guaranteed performance.
- NaaS shifts enterprises from CapEx to OpEx with improved security.
Abstract
Pankaj Patel, CEO and co-founder of Nile, discusses how they are redefining Network as a Service (NaaS), and serving enterprises seeking unobtrusive network solutions that allow business leaders to focus on their core business. Patel highlights the benefits of NaaS, including managed lifecycle management, guaranteed network performance, improved security, and a shift from CapEx to OpEx.
Is NaaS the answer for enterprise connectivity today? Download our report and see what our views are.
Is NaaS the answer for enterprise connectivity today? Download our report and see what our views are.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: Navigating from SD-WAN to SASE for Secure Hybrid Work
- Orange Business's Laurent Perrin sees growing demand for integrated security and infrastructure, especially SASE.
- He emphasizes the zero-trust model and guiding customers through digital transformation.
Abstract
Laurent Perrin, Director of Product Management at Orange Business, emphasizes the growing demand for integrated security and infrastructure solutions, particularly SASE. Perrin underscored the importance of cloud-based and on-premises security, the zero-trust model, and the need to guide customers in their digital transformation journey, assisting them in making appropriate technology choices.
Enterprise Networking Alphabet Soup: SASE - Unifying Security & Networking for Agility
- Versa Networks' Kelly Ahuja highlights SASE unifying security and networking for agility and simplification.
- Versa provides its SASE solution to enterprises and service provider partners.
Abstract
Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa Networks, highlights the benefits of SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), a unified platform that combines security and networking functions for improved agility, automation, and simplification. Versa Networks provides their SASE solution to enterprises and service provider partners, enabling innovative services for their customers.
SASE, SDWAN, Enterprise Network Alphabet Soup: Unpacking NaaS - Beyond Financing Models
- WWT's Neil Anderson ties Enterprise Edge evolution to hybrid work, cloud applications, and security.
- He recommends a secure service edge architecture, SD-WAN branch integration, and direct internet access.
Abstract
Neil Anderson, AVP of Cloud and Infrastructure at WWT, highlighted the impact of the Enterprise Edge evolution on network architecture, driven by hybrid working, increased use of cloud applications, and the importance of security. To tackle challenges in maintaining network architecture and recruiting skilled professionals, Anderson suggested adopting a secure service edge architecture, integrating branch infrastructure with SD-WAN, and implementing a direct internet access model in branch offices.
"The veritable alphabet soup of acronyms serves to confuse even the most diligent and capable CISOs, especially when vendors continually redefine and reclassify each category to fit their needs." Read the report to help you sort through the mess.
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