VMware SD-WAN vs Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform comparison

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Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary
Updated on May 28, 2023

We performed a comparison between Versa FlexVNF and VMware SD-WAN on Peerspot users’ reviews in five categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.

  • Ease of Deployment: Versa FlexVNF's initial setup is complex and time-consuming, requiring more personnel depending on the size of deployment and taking anywhere from an hour to two weeks. On the other hand, VMware SD-WAN is generally considered easy and straightforward, only taking a few weeks to a couple of months. While integration with service providers can be time-consuming for Versa FlexVNF, VMware SD-WAN's registration with the orchestrator requires effort and information.
  • Features: Versa FlexVNF excels in licensing and bandwidth upgrades, troubleshooting, configuration and security options, and multi-tenancy. On the other hand, VMware SD-WAN has strong optimization and dynamic traffic rerouting, cybersecurity, virtualization platform, and manageability. Both products are reliable and scalable, with good technical support. Versa FlexVNF is more feature-rich and secure, while VMware SD-WAN is more optimized and user-friendly.
  • Pricing: Versa FlexVNF is a mid-level and competitive option for setup cost compared to VMware SD-WAN, which is rated as expensive. Versa FlexVNF's cost-effectiveness is attributed to features like NG firewall, while VMware SD-WAN's cost is a combination of license and bandwidth usage. The minimum monthly cost for VMware SD-WAN is $10,000, while licensing costs for Versa FlexVNF include tech support and other features. Overall, Versa FlexVNF is considered more affordable than VMware SD-WAN.
  • Service and Support: The customer service for Versa FlexVNF has varying feedback, with some satisfied with their knowledge and helpfulness, while others express dissatisfaction with delays and unfamiliarity. On the other hand, VMware SD-WAN's support is commonly regarded as excellent and responsive, although some express concerns about depending on third-party assistance.
  • ROI: According to the reviews, Versa FlexVNF provides a quantifiable ROI and improves user experience with faster file transfers and increased bandwidth. On the other hand, the ROI of VMware SD-WAN is unclear and varies depending on the use case. Longer implementation times were also reported for VMware SD-WAN.

Comparison Results: Versa FlexVNF and VMware SD-WAN have received positive feedback from users regarding their features and usability. Versa FlexVNF stands out for its flexible, transparent, and granular configuration and security, while VMware SD-WAN excels in optimization, cybersecurity, and scalability. Pricing wise, Versa FlexVNF is in the mid-level range, while VMware SD-WAN is expensive. The reviews on customer service and support are mixed for both products. The ROI for both products depends on the intended use case.

To learn more, read our detailed VMware SD-WAN vs. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"On the outside, the main differentiation is because Lookout ingest. They have ingested basically all of the apps for the last ten years and all the versions of all the apps, and we have that in a corporate database that allows us to do very large-scale machine learning and analysis on that data set. That's not something that any of the competitors really have the capability to do because they don't have access to the data set. A lot of the apps you can no longer get them because that version of the app is five or six years old, and it just doesn't exist anywhere anymore, except within our infrastructure. So, the ability to have that very rich dataset and learn from that dataset is a real differentiator.""The solution is stable.""The protection offered by the product is the most valuable feature. It detects vulnerabilities or traps on our users' phones and then prompts them to clean up their devices. Tools we used previously would only discover, which required us to gather information on the backend, so Lookout is a welcome upgrade.""The most valuable features are the antivirus as a whole, the anti-malware, and all of the protection features that scan our enterprise devices."

More Lookout Pros →

"I like all the features. We utilize different LAN, bandwidth transferring, bandwidth balancing, and mappings. We use it as a centralized solution, and use the same product at all our locations.""There are great security and ops features without the need for having a different box for security.""The division of Control Plane and Data Plane is most valuable. It can be deployed anywhere, and you can control it and configure it from anywhere. This is one of the good features of this solution.""Versa is a good centralized solution, where you're setting up your infrastructure in a data center type thing.""Our organization finds the application routing features extremely useful.""The flexibility is a great feature.""The initial setup is simple.""The product has a dynamic VPN feature for SD-WAN."

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"SD-WAN is cloud-based and you can manage multiple sites within one single pane of glass.""One of the standout features is its ability to dynamically manage enterprise networks based on applications.""One of the key use cases for VMware SD-WAN was assisting a customer in the industrial zone. They required virtualized servers and wanted to enable VMware SD-WAN to connect their sites in Japan or China. We assisted in building the system by integrating VMware servers and utilizing the Cisco suite.""In my experience, the setup process has been fairly straightforward.""The most valuable features are the orchestration layer, plug and play capabilities, and also the fact that you can either configure it as a full mesh or hard install.""The most valuable feature of VMware SD-WAN is the virtualization platform. You can use the software on any hardware. Additionally, the solution is easy to use.""VeloCloud developed DMPO to increase performance and connectivity.""Initially, we had a scattered environment, but VMware SD-WAN helped us achieve centralization, which was beneficial."

More VMware SD-WAN Pros →

Cons
"Lookout was moving into the SSE space. And so their work on SecureWeb Gateway and SD-WAN is still sort of evolving.""We just submitted an enhancement request reflecting the main area we want to see improvement in; the APIs. Currently, we're able to build dashboards, but it's somewhat backward because we use our MDM API to create them. Lookout should provide API to customers so we can query our data and use it in our cloud, and this is the only outstanding area for improvement with the product right now.""The stability depends on the service from where you access it. Because sometimes, the place you are in, you have Gateway. You don't have Gateway. The gateway is overutilized. At the end, you need to go through their gateways. And this is the key point here. You have a tracking point. If it's not well orchestrated, and it scales up as you add more to the existing team, you will suffer""From the analysis that we've done, they do seem to be maybe a step behind in trying to enter the market with a new solution. But when they do pick up, they do come out with some good products."

More Lookout Cons →

"The solution lacks a mobile version where small, manageable platforms can be developed.""The security should be improved.""We've had the odd occasional stability issue with software upgrades.""There are limitations when you connect from multiple locations. It does not work as expected. If you have more than 400 users, then it will choke. It will not perform as expected.""The UTM features can be improved. It should offer better functionality.""The interface could be simpler.""The smaller units lack a lot of functionality.""The stability of FlexVNF's controller and devices could be improved."

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"VMware SD-WAN doesn't have the best built-in firewall.""Reports could be simplified.""I would like to improve the tool’s cloud security features. I would like to see high-throughput hardware requests in the product’s next release. The solution should also support multiple gigs which could be around ten.""Implementing VMware is much more difficult, time-consuming, and expensive than implementing Fortinet or Check Point.""Its integration with the security systems would be a nice implementation. They can also consider using a management platform for both network and security operations. This would be a great improvement.""I would like for them to upgrade to 5G integration. Our customers have 4G now and the connectivity isn't good. It should be much faster.""I would like to see more features added to increase visibility.""The cost of VeloCloud could be lowered."

More VMware SD-WAN Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "The pricing is fair; it's comparable to our previous solution, and we carried out multiple POCs and POVs (proof of value). The product is worth the money we pay for it."
  • "Lookout is definitely on the lower end when it comes to price point and that seems to be the only differentiator. The technology is in place in this space and it's really about who is coming in at the better price point now."
  • "In terms of feature performance versus cost, they're a good value."
  • "The licensing costs are good. Prisma has much more options and support for security, but it has a higher cost. For example, Lookout costs 2/3rd of Prisma's licensing price."
  • More Lookout Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "The price is expensive but it makes sense for the market."
  • "It is not very expensive because of the white box support. Its hardware is much cheaper than other products. With the support for x86 and white box, it is one of the most cost-effective platforms that are currently available."
  • "While I cannot provide too much commentary on the price, I feel it to be fair for the moment."
  • "We provide subscriptions for our customers on a yearly, not monthly, basis."
  • "Price wise, it's more expensive than is the competition. I would give pricing a rating of three out of five."
  • "It is neither cheap nor expensive. I rate the pricing a five out of ten on a scale where one is cheap and ten is expensive."
  • "I find Versa a little more expensive than VMware in terms of remote access and secure web gateway elements."
  • More Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "VeloCloud performs as well as the Cisco SD-WAN but it is cheaper in price."
  • "The price of this solution is higher than that of other SD-WAN vendors."
  • "The price of this solution should be lower."
  • "The pricing is very comparable to Fortinet."
  • "The price is reasonable for this solution, but the only challenge for us is that the Rand currency fluctuates to the dollar and provides some complexities. The price might go up just because the Rand has actually lost value."
  • "The cost of VMware SD-WAN is high, but I think you can still get better pricing if your volume is high."
  • "The price of the solution could be reduced."
  • "My understanding is that the pricing is in the same range as other solutions."
  • More VMware SD-WAN Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:The licensing costs are good. Prisma has much more options and support for security, but it has a higher cost. For… more »
    Top Answer:The solution could improve identity integration as well. Zero trust, it's a good start as a zero-trust solution… more »
    Top Answer:Versa is a good centralized solution, where you're setting up your infrastructure in a data center type thing.
    Top Answer:Both Versa and VMware are cheap in terms of the router. I find Versa a little more expensive than VMware in terms of… more »
    Top Answer:We've had the odd occasional stability issue with software upgrades, etcetera. They don't support certain other… more »
    Top Answer:One of our favorite things about Fortinet Fortigate is that you can deploy on the cloud or on premises. It is a very… more »
    Top Answer:One of the standout features is its ability to dynamically manage enterprise networks based on applications.
    Top Answer:VMware SD-WAN provides competitive pricing. I rate the pricing a seven out of ten.
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    CipherCloud
    Versa FlexVNF, FlexVNF, Versa Titan
    VeloCloud
    Learn More
    Overview

    Lookout is a well-established and powerful secure web gateway (SWG) solution that protects more than 200 million users from threats that can result from the penetration of unsecured web traffic into their networks. Lookout is designed to enable organizations to work remotely while maintaining a tight blanket of security over their confidential business data. It provides administrators with security that extends from their endpoints to the cloud service that they are using to run their organization’s network. 

    Users of Lookout are able to proactively detect threats and keep themselves secure from a field of threats that constantly evolves. IT teams can protect their organizations without having to rely on any other security solutions. This singular solution can run on multiple kinds of mobile devices. The privacy of individuals is preserved while keeping compliance rules intact. Additionally, users gain access to a number of tools that enable them to prevent security breaches from taking place.

    Lookout Benefits

    Some of the ways that organizations can benefit by deploying Lookout include:

    • Ease of deployment. Lookout is a solution whose design makes it easy for users to deploy it. It provides users with simple, step-by-step instructions that remove the need for organizations to devote extensive amounts of time to make sure that it is properly set up. Anyone can quickly set up the solution without undergoing technical training. 
    • Built-in support. Users of the Lookout application have access to built-in demos that can teach them how to use various solution features. Instead of spending time trying to figure out the application, users can watch the demo that is most relevant to them and see for themselves how that particular feature is used.
    • Easy-to-use user interface. Lookout’s user interface is laid out in an intuitive way that makes it easy for administrators to navigate. This interface is present in both the mobile and desktop versions of this solution. 
    • Settings customization. Lookout has a built-in settings customization menu. This makes it possible for administrators to easily customize their settings so that they best conform to their needs. 

    Lookout Features

    • Activity monitoring and activity tracking. Lookout’s activity monitoring and activity tracking capabilities enable users to keep a close eye on the activities that are taking place in their networks. IT teams and administrators have the ability to watch their networks for any unusual activity. These features ensure that organizations can keep ahead of any potential threats. They provide the kinds of insights and warnings that make the jobs of those IT teams and administrators much easier and more streamlined. 
    • Encryption. Organizations that employ Lookout can encrypt their networks and keep crucial business data from being read by unauthorized parties. This feature keeps the secrets organizations are trying to keep out of the wrong hands.
    • Anti-virus tools. Lookout provides users with tools to block threats from harming their networks. These tools can successfully block 99.6 percent of threats without raising false alarms. 

    The Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is a comprehensive solution that provides secure access to cloud applications and services. It combines networking and security functions into a single platform, making it easier for organizations to manage their network infrastructure. The platform includes features such as SD-WAN, VPN, firewall, web filtering, and more. It also offers advanced security capabilities such as intrusion prevention, malware protection, and threat intelligence. With the Versa SASE Platform, organizations can ensure secure access to their cloud applications and services from any location, while also reducing costs and simplifying network management.

    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 Benefits

    Some of the ways that organizations can benefit by deploying VMware SD-WAN include:

    • Reduced cost of network management. Organizations that choose to employ VMware SD-WAN can manage their network at a cost that is 2.5 times less expensive than what it costs to use traditional WAN architectures. Its ability to both augment existing hardware and replace said hardware if the user chooses to do so is part of what enables users to reduce their overhead costs. 
    • Ease of deployment. VMware SD-WAN makes it possible for organizations to deploy it without having to rely on the assistance of technical experts. When the device - whether virtual or otherwise - is connected to the internet, it integrates with a central orchestrator that pushes the correct integrations to the device in question. This automates the installation process and makes it so that anybody can initiate and follow the deployment through to the end of the process. 
    • Easily segment networks to improve environmental performance. Users can divide their networks into multiple segments that share a single IP address. These networks can be incorporated into an organization’s IT infrastructure and enable it to run more reliably. One way it does this is by providing multiple potential channels for data to use to travel in the event that one of the data pathways is suffering from some kind of issue. 

    VMware SD-WAN Features

    • Centralized monitoring. VMware SD-WAN is monitored at all times by a centralized orchestrator. From one place, an organization can watch every part of its network. Instead of having to search for the data they need, it can all be found in one location.
    • Integration capabilities. VMware SD-WAN offers users the capability to integrate their network with the environment of their choosing. This enables them to connect their network to the IT environment that best meets their needs. It makes it easy for them to work with multi-cloud and hybrid environments.
    • Real-time data analytics. VMware SD-WAN can analyze network data in real time. This makes it easy for users to monitor their network’s performance. It also allows them to take steps to quickly remediate any issues that arise before they can become worse.

    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.” 

    Sample Customers
    CenturyLink, RCN Business, Colt Technology Services
    Redmond, Coca Cola, Roka Bioscience, MetTel, Deutsche Telekom, Rockford Construction,  The Bay Club, tru Independence, Triton Management Services, DevCon, AXPM
    Top Industries
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company19%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Manufacturing Company10%
    Government7%
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider71%
    Construction Company14%
    Media Company7%
    Recreational Facilities/Services Company7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company18%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Retailer7%
    REVIEWERS
    Comms Service Provider44%
    Manufacturing Company20%
    Computer Software Company12%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company16%
    Financial Services Firm9%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Comms Service Provider7%
    Company Size
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business22%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise62%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business37%
    Midsize Enterprise21%
    Large Enterprise42%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business26%
    Midsize Enterprise11%
    Large Enterprise63%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business40%
    Midsize Enterprise28%
    Large Enterprise32%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business25%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise59%
    Buyer's Guide
    VMware SD-WAN vs. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about VMware SD-WAN vs. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is ranked 8th in Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions with 20 reviews while VMware SD-WAN is ranked 3rd in Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions with 50 reviews. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is rated 8.0, while VMware SD-WAN is rated 8.2. The top reviewer of Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform writes "A flexible, stable and scalable solution ". On the other hand, the top reviewer of VMware SD-WAN writes "To fully utilize cloud vendors' hardware networking, Microsoft and VMware support everything". Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform is most compared with Cisco SD-WAN, Fortinet FortiGate, Cato SASE Cloud Platform, Meraki SD-WAN and Zscaler SASE, whereas VMware SD-WAN is most compared with Cisco SD-WAN, Fortinet FortiGate, Meraki SD-WAN, Cato SASE Cloud Platform and Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN Platform. See our VMware SD-WAN vs. Versa Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platform report.

    See our list of best Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions vendors, best WAN Edge vendors, and best Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) vendors.

    We monitor all Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) Solutions reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.