VMware to acquire Uhana, an AI-based network automation startup

Data Center News | July 29, 2019

VMware is adding another company to its list of acquisitions, with network automation company Uhana to be joining the ranks.Uhana is a startup company that uses deep learning and real-time artificial intelligence to automate network operations and enhance the application experience. The company was born out of Stanford University.VMware will add Uhana’s technology to VMware’s Telco Cloud and Edge Cloud portfolio, which means VMware will be able to better serve the telecommunications industry and the journey to 5G.VMware’s EVP & GM of Telco and Edge Cloud, Shekar Ayyar, states that communications service provider (CSP) networks are undergoing two major shifts: the transition to programmable and virtualised 5G networks, as well as the rise of low-latency applications such as online gaming, virtual reality, and IoT. These, VMware says, are putting strain on networks. In order to deliver a pleasing and consistent user experience through competitive economics, network service providers must turn to network automation and application optimisation to address those problems.

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Server Virtualization, Security

Versa Networks Showcasing SSE and Zero Trust Everywhere at Black Hat USA 2023

businesswire | August 07, 2023

Versa Networks, the recognized leader of single-vendor Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), today announced it will demonstrate the latest in Unified SASE security and networking services at Black Hat USA 2023 next week. The company’s security and networking experts will be available during the event to meet with attendees and discuss the latest in applying tightly integrated SASE services to solve their complex secure networking needs. Exhibiting at Black Hat USA 2023 in Booth 1389, Versa will demonstrate three main solutions to protect branches and remote workers: Secure Internet Access (VSIA): This solution ensures secure internet access for branches and remote workers by offering a range of security features, including: Web Filtering (SWG) to control and monitor web traffic; SaaS Application Security (CASB) for securing cloud-based applications; Data Leak Security (DLP) to prevent unauthorized data leakage; Anti-virus and Intrusion Prevention to protect against known threats; Malware and Ransomware Protection to safeguard against malicious software; and BYOD Access Management to regulate personal devices accessing the network. Zero Trust Network Access (Zero Trust Everywhere, VSPA): This solution replaces traditional VPNs and adopts a Zero Trust approach to provide secure network access for branches and remote workers. Secure SD-WAN: This solution transforms branch networks by delivering software-defined networking with built-in security features. It includes: MPLS Replacement for more efficient and cost-effective network connections; and Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW), Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and Unified Threat Management (UTM) features integrated within the SD-WAN solution. The company will also host a presentation by Vikram Phatak, CEO of CyberRatings.org, a non-profit member organization that provides transparency and expert guidance on cybersecurity risks through research and objective product testing, on Aug. 10 at 11 am PDT at Versa’s booth. Mr. Phatak will discuss testing initiatives for SD-WAN, SSE Threat Protection and ZTNA. Attendees will learn from his expertise in developing testing methodologies and performing in-depth evaluations. Versa’s AI/ML-powered single-vendor Unified SASE delivers organically developed best-of-breed functions that tightly integrate and deliver services via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both, managed through a single pane of glass. Versa delivers SASE services such as Secure SD-WAN, Next-Generation Firewall, Next-Generation Firewall as a Service, Cloud Network Firewall, Unified Threat Management (UTM) including Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Remote Browser Isolation (RBI), and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA). Versa’s single-vendor Unified SASE platform goes above and beyond management console automation by providing the ability to integrate networks, points of presence, policy definitions, application definitions, agent logic, and data lakes. Versa simplifies how enterprises protect and connect their users, devices and sites to workloads and applications anywhere, anytime to improve security posture and enhance user-to-application experience and operational efficiency. Gartner has identifiedVersa SASE as having the most SASE components out of all 56 vendors Gartner evaluated and named Versa as one of the vendors delivering single-vendor SASE. Dell’Oro Group has namedVersa the Unified SASE market share leaderfor two years in a row, while 650 Group has recognizedVersa as the market share leaderfor both Deployed SASE and Enabled SD-WAN since 2020. Also, KuppingerCole Analysts AG named Versa a leader in every evaluation category in itsSASE Integration Suites Leadership Compassreport. In addition, Frost & Sullivan honored Versa with itsSASE Global Enabling Technology Leadership Awardfor its industry-leading SASE solution. Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) also found thatVersa SASE has the most SASE supported functions,while theCIO CHOICE 2023 Honor and Recognitionprogram distinguished Versa SASE as the Most Trusted Brand by CIOs for SASE. About Versa Networks Versa Networks, the leader in single-vendor Unified SASE platforms, delivers AI/ML-powered SSE and SD-WAN solutions. The platform provides networking and security with true multitenancy, and sophisticated analytics via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both to meet SASE requirements for small to extremely large enterprises and Service Providers. Thousands of customers globally with hundreds of thousands of sites and millions of users trust Versa with their mission critical networks and security. Versa Networks is privately held and funded by Sequoia Capital, Mayfield, Artis Ventures, Verizon Ventures, Comcast Ventures, BlackRock Inc., Liberty Global Ventures, Princeville Capital, RPS Ventures and Triangle Peak Partners.

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Virtual Desktop Strategies, Virtual Server Management

Vecima Supports Orion Cable’s Broadband Expansion with Scalable, Turnkey Remote MACPHY Solution

businesswire | August 01, 2023

Vecima Networks Inc. (TSX: VCM) announced today that Orion Cable, a California-based service provider that serves San Diego’s North County communities, has selected Vecima’s Entra® Remote MACPHY bundled solution, providing a cost-effective, and future-proof path to DOCSIS® 4.0 at any scale. Vecima developed the Remote MACPHY bundle to enable smaller cable operators that require 10 or fewer nodes to access the broad advantages of Distributed Access Architecture (DAA). Also included in the bundle is the Entra DV-12 legacy QAM adapter, which enables existing MPEG video QAMs to seamlessly migrate to the DAA environment, and expert planning and deployment from Vecima’s Professional Services team. The solution is turnkey and scalable, based on each operator’s unique needs. The Entra SC-2D is a Remote MACPHY node with high downstream and upstream bandwidth, resilient and flexible design, and increased capacity. The node enables higher service tiers, including gigabit services. It’s centrally managed and controlled by the Entra Access Controller (EAC), providing simple and intuitive configuration and management of both DOCSIS and Fiber Access nodes. “In today’s competitive environment, Orion’s access network needs to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our broadband subscribers,” said John Santhoff, Orion’s Chief Executive Officer. “Vecima delivers a unique solution that not only paves the way to our future, but also helps us turn up our broadband services quickly. With Vecima, we’re putting our network in the hands of industry experts we can rely on.” “For the smaller service provider, finding a solution that delivers on requirements and on budget can be challenging, so Vecima designed a solution to help,” said Hy Huynh, Vecima’s Vice President of Sales for North America. “Local service providers like Orion can count on us for the industry’s leading Remote MACPHY solution, and the services and support they need to deploy and manage their network evolution.” Vecima’s DAA portfolio, recently recognized by the Dell’Oro Group as the global market share leader in Remote MACPHY and Remote OLT solutions, is deployed by operators around the world. With broad support for all next-generation cable access technologies, high-value legacy services, and proven industry-leading interoperability, the networks of tomorrow are deployable today without compromise. Learn more at vecima.com/network-access. About Vecima Networks Vecima Networks Inc. (TSX: VCM) is leading the global evolution to the multi-gigabit, content-rich networks of the future. Our talented people deliver future-ready software, services, and integrated platforms that power broadband and video streaming networks, monitor and manage transportation, and transform experiences in homes, businesses, and everywhere people connect. We help our customers evolve their networks with cloud-based solutions that deliver groundbreaking speed, superior video quality, and exciting new services to their subscribers. There is power in connectivity – it enables people, businesses, and communities to grow and thrive.

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Virtual Desktop Tools, Server Hypervisors

ePlus Expands SD-WAN Managed Services to Include Support for Palo Alto Networks

prnewswire | July 26, 2023

ePlus inc. (news) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, ePlus Technology, inc., has extended its portfolio to include SD-WAN Managed Services for Palo Alto Networks Prisma SD-WAN to include: Proactive monitoring and alerting Policy management Virtual private network path and policy configuration management to SaaS applications Application-based configuration to ensure optimum performance and security Underlay management of private, public, and dedicated data transport connections. "Adding SD-WAN Managed Services expands our existing service capabilities for Palo Alto Networks solutions, including next-generation firewall management and first-call Enhanced Maintenance Support," said Lee Waskevich, vice president of security strategy for ePlus. "The distributed nature of both applications and users has continued to blend responsibilities for networking and security teams to combat the latest cyber threats and provide an optimum user experience. ePlus Managed Services deliver on this convergence to help generate successful outcomes for our customers." "We are pleased to expand our SD-WAN Managed Services offerings to include support for Palo Alto Networks," said Wayne St. Jacques, vice president of managed services at ePlus. "By offloading the management and remediation of their Prisma SD-WAN solution, customers are poised to increase uptime and performance, optimize business-critical applications, achieve measurable cost savings, and maintain segmentation and inspection policies to ensure compliance with their security policy." ePlus also offers Managed SD-WAN offerings for Cisco, Meraki, and Fortinet. For more information about ePlus SD-WAN Managed Services, visit https://www.eplus.com/solutions/networking/Software-Defined-Networking. For details about ePlus' Palo Alto Networks offerings and partnership, visit https://eplus.com/partners/showcase-partners/palo-alto-networks. About ePlus inc. ePlus has an unwavering and relentless focus on leveraging technology to create inspired and transformative business outcomes for its customers. Offering a robust portfolio of solutions, as well as a broad range of consultative and managed services across the technology spectrum, ePlus has proudly achieved more than 30 years of success, carrying customers forward through adversity, rapidly changing environments, and other obstacles. ePlus is a trusted advisor, bringing expertise, credentials, talent and a thorough understanding of innovative technologies, spanning security, cloud, data center, networking, collaboration and emerging solutions, to organizations across all industry segments. With complete lifecycle management services and flexible payment solutions, ePlus' more than 1,700 associates are focused on cultivating positive customer experiences and are dedicated to their craft, harnessing new knowledge while applying decades of proven experience. ePlus is headquartered in Virginia, with locations in the United States, UK, Europe, and Asia‐Pacific.

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Virtual Desktop Tools, Virtual Server Infrastructure

MacStadium Secures Two Patents to Further Expand Innovation Across Apple Enterprise Cloud Deployments

businesswire | July 13, 2023

MacStadium, the industry-leading Mac private cloud and software-as-a-service provider enabling macOS workloads, today announced it has secured two patents: one for injection molded “helmets” providing keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) and precise power button control remotely, and one for a new rack shelving design with optimizing server density along with the KVM system. MacStadium’s helmets, which sit atop a Mac mini or Mac Studio, are specifically designed to retrofit the company’s current shelving offering. Leveraging 3D printing technology to rapidly prototype and refine the design, this innovation dramatically reduces time-to-market and yields very low cost per unit. While the helmets remain compatible with former shelving solutions, the new shelf design offers six times the server density of older Mac Pro racks and 50% more server density than existing Mac mini racks. Additionally, each Mac server is provisioned with an Apple-focused KVM device providing significant capabilities and advantages while slashing rack shelving costs by 50% or more. “These patents offer an exciting glimpse into how much we have grown and evolved our technology to better service our customers with scalability on-demand and faster deployment made possible via our enterprise hardware program,” said Paul Benati, MacStadium’s senior vice president and COO. “MacStadium has been and remains at the forefront of Apple enterprise innovation. As the first to market with new Apple servers, we continue to innovate, prioritizing reduced system friction, increased customer ease and satisfaction and decreased costs.” MacStadium’s proprietary helmet - which is currently in production - houses a temperature probe, LED light, OLED display and a servo, which allows for granular remote control of Apple devices’ power button. These KVM devices can remotely control the Apple devices to which they are connected, eliminating the need for customers to request server control and for IT teams to physically go to data centers to correct issues. With these remote control and self-service features, customers unlock new capabilities, including the ability to dynamically define the purpose of the Apple device, access to network storage and the long-awaited ability to run FileVault. The KVM system is securely accessed via SSL, SSO integration and authentication and authorization via lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP). The shelving system, which will soon begin production, is designed to hold 24 Mac minis and 24 Apple-focused KVM devices, increasing the capacity of a standard rack to 144 Mac minis. In addition to increased operational efficiencies and secure server access from anywhere in the world, the shelving design offers tremendous cost savings due to its injection molded manufacturing. Not only is this manufacturing offered globally by a multitude of vendors, but it also allows for reduced shipping costs and more server density per square foot due to the product’s reduced bulk and weight. These innovations provide a clear competitive advantage for customers and are just some of the foundational elements of MacStadium's offering, aimed at driving Mac compute to customers via self-service. The patents come after MacStadium announced Orka Workspace with Pulse, designed to enable high-definition audio and visual streaming on virtual Mac desktops via any HTML5-supported browser. In addition, the company recently made public its Orka Small Teams edition, a self-service purchase option, giving MacDevOps teams immediate access to the industry’s leading enterprise-grade macOS virtualization and orchestration tool. As tech companies look to streamline operations and maximize their resources, this automation is critical to remain competitive. About MacStadium Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Atlanta, MacStadium is a private Mac cloud provider delivering scalable and secure enterprise cloud solutions exclusively for macOS. The company’s suite of advanced software-enabled infrastructure, combined with its innovative technology, delivers the security, performance, reliability and flexibility its MacDevOps customers require for successful app development on Apple devices. Powered by MacStadium, Orka® (Orchestration with Kubernetes on Apple) Platform is the only virtualization layer available for Mac build infrastructure based on popular Docker and Kubernetes technology. MacStadium is a Summit Partners portfolio company with multi-site operations in the U.S. and EU.

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