VMware holds the top spot in the SD-WAN market and builds on that status to deploy the VMware SASE offering built from best-in-class components. Additionally, VMware\u2019s pioneering virtualization expertise has led to robust virtual network function (VNF) support that enables connections with a diverse range of third-party security tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more details explore the following sections of this review:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To compare VMware SASE against their competition, see our complete list of <\/em>top secure access service edge (SASE) solutions<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n VMware pioneered virtualization software and helped develop our current IT environment. Founded in 1998, VMware has been subsequently owned by EMC and Dell, but went public in 2021 on the NYSE under the symbol \u201cVMW.\u201d In May 2022, Broadcom announced its intention to acquire VMware; however, the regulatory review process has delayed the completion of the acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VMware built its SASE technology, recognized by Gartner as a Niche Player in the 2023 Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE, through the incorporation of various other technologies such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, these components deliver the key SASE capabilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The core VMware SASE subscription includes a bundle of VMware\u2019s SD-WAN Edge, SD-WAN Orchestrator, and SD-WAN Gateway with Controller software. Customers then can incorporate VMware SD-WAN Edge appliances (physical or virtual) and optional add-ons such as payment card industry (PCI) compliance packages, external gateways, enhanced firewall service, and dedicated hosted components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remote users can access the SASE environment using the VMware SD-WAN Client agent which creates virtual private network (VPN) connections to the VMware SASE solution instead of backhauled connections through corporate IT infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customers can choose from 3 different levels of the solution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For each solution, customers will need to select from one of 12 bandwidth tiers (10 Mbps – 10 Gbps), and 3 support levels (Basic, Production, Premier). Customers can also select one of four different deployment models:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each combination will require various physical and virtual appliances to create the final SASE configuration needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VMware provides a pricing and configuration guide with no published costs but notes 1, 3, and 5 year contracts. Customers are encouraged to contact VMware directly or to go through reseller partners to scope out needs and determine pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the different options for deployment suggest a very tailored and potentially confusing pricing. After all, considering the different tiers for the SASE subscription (Standard, Enterprise, Premium), the different service support options (Basic, Production, Premier), and the 12 bandwidth tiers, we have over 100 different potential price points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To support the 12 different bandwidth levels, VMware offers 26 different Edge hardware configurations with initial purchase prices ranging from $550 to $10,000. Available hardware rental agreements can convert capital expenses to recurring operating expenses if desired. VMware lists 12 different Virtual Edge device configurations, but does not list the required cost or licenses to implement the virtual appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The VMware SASE options start at $15,000 for payment card industry (PCI) compliance options and can reach $50,000 annually for dedicated hosted instances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n VMware does not list support prices, but does provide details on the support options for their software and hardware replacement. All software support is 24\/7\/365 by telephone and web-form customer service and includes all product updates. All levels of service include remote support, access to the VMware knowledge base, and unlimited requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Organizations attracted to VMware likely already have an investment in VMware SASE or want the security of a prominent brand name. Other SASE solutions these buyers may want to consider include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n VMware SASE is rated and ranked against seven other SASE competition in our top SASE providers article<\/a>. That article explains the overall ranking and here we provide details specific to VMware SASE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n VMware SASE stands out as a leading brand name and one of the few multi-tenant SASE offerings. VMware can simplify deployment with bulk pre-configuration of classes of appliances and can support a large number of third-party technologies through expertise in virtualization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The return on investment (ROI) of a SASE deployment can be dramatically improved by integrating existing tool investments into the SASE solution. An organization already using VMware SD-WAN solutions or with heavy third-party tool investments will want to explore the VMware SASE as an option for possible upgrade to a full SASE solution.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/a>Who is VMware?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
VMware SASE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Pricing & Delivery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Features<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Pros<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Cons<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Alternatives to VMware SASE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How We Evaluated VMware SASE<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Bottom Line: Best for Diverse Tech Environments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n