Advantech and Versa Networks Partner to Deliver NFV-Based Hardware and Software Solution for SD-WAN and SD-Security

Taipei, Taiwan, 20 September 2016 – Advantech(TWSE:2395), Advantech today announced a partnership with Versa Networks to accelerate the industry adoption of NFV-based software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) by combining Advantech’s scalable range of white-box platforms with Versa Networks’ SD-WAN and SD-Security software.

SD-WAN, NFV and virtual enterprise-customer premise equipment (vE-CPE) not only provide CapEx and OpEx savings by replacing multiple special purpose appliances with a single white-box device, but also greatly enhance operational flexibility through enabling new and scaled-out services without the need for truck rolls. Service deployment cycles can be collapsed from months to hours, encouraging communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises alike to deploy these technologies faster and gain competitive advantage as well as operational benefits faster.

While legacy networking solutions – and many enterprise SD-WAN offerings – consist of tightly integrated hardware and software from a single supplier, NFV-based SD-WAN allows for a logical and flexible separation of hardware and software. The vertical silos with vendor lock-in are transformed into a horizontal mix-and-match approach that Advantech and Versa are embracing.

“We’re excited to partner with Advantech who not only provides a full range of optimized platforms for NFV, but also possesses the global footprint and scale to support our customers’ ever-growing deployments.” said Darrell Long, Vice President of products at Versa Networks.

“Versa’s integrated software solution is well renowned for its performance and true multi-tenancy,” said Peter Marek, Senior Director x86 solutions at Advantech.“With carrier-grade robustness and service elasticity, it is fully deployable today and can be scaled out as needed.”

“Our white-box vE-CPE platforms are more than commodity servers” continued Marek. “ These appliances match the right I/O connectivity with right Intel System-on-Chip (SoC) performance to create aprice-, feature- and cost-optimized set of server-grade devices that nicely match enterprise branch office requirements. In addition, we optimize the platforms for ease of deployment and enhanced security, as vE-CPE systems aren’t simply servers which sit behind a router and firewall -- theyare the router and firewall.”

Versa’s NFV-based SD-WAN and SD-Security solution allows service providers and large enterprise to deliver a comprehensive, cost-effective managed SD-WAN that includesadvanced connectivity and security functions.

Based on Versa virtualized network and security functions, coupled with low-cost hardware, the Versa SD-WAN solution includes key managed service capabilities such as multi-tenancy, multi-service, elasticity and zero-touch provisioning to maximize service agility and reduce capital and operating costs.

Advantech’s new platforms have been fully certified by Versa Networks and profiled for exact performance and feature sets. Integration into Versa Networks’ Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and serviceability framework guarantee seamless deployment and lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). The platforms scale from dual core Intel® Atom™ Processor C2000 platforms to Intel® Xeon® Processor D-1500 based mid-range systems to dual socket Intel® Xeon® Processor E5 series appliances. For maximum deployment flexibility, the devices are available as rackmount and tabletop versions. Wall mount kits and fanless options complete the portfolio.