Broadcom expands Software-Defined Edge product portfolio to support Edge AI workloads.
During the opening of VMware Explore 2024, Broadcom announced an expanded Software-Defined Edge product portfolio to support Edge AI workloads through enhanced connectivity, deployment, and lifecycle management capabilities. Key updates include the integration of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and satellite connections in the VMware VeloCloud Edge 710 appliance and the introduction of new VeloCloud Edge 720 and 740 appliances. Broadcom also announced product enhancements to the VMware Edge Compute Stack and introduced VeloCloud SASE, secured by Symantec, which integrates VeloCloud and Symantec Points-of-Presence (PoPs).
IDC projects that global spending on edge computing will reach $232 billion in 2024, reflecting a 15.4% increase over 2023. Edge computing is expected to be crucial for AI application deployment. Broadcom is evolving its software-defined edge portfolio to support both AI and non-AI workloads at the edge to address this growth. Edge AI workloads, deployed at geographically dispersed locations, enhance business operations by reducing costs, increasing sales, or improving compliance. Unlike traditional IT workloads that are centralized in data centers, Edge AI workloads are locally deployed, largely autonomous, and driven by business needs, consuming data where it is created.
Broadcom’s Software-Defined Edge
Broadcom defines the software-defined edge as a distributed digital infrastructure that connects, secures, and runs workloads across multiple locations, close to the endpoints that produce or consume data. This infrastructure extends to where users and devices are located—whether in offices, on the road, retail stores, or factory floors. Broadcom’s approach addresses the three layers of the software-defined edge: the edge compute stack, which hosts applications and workloads; the intelligent overlay, where connectivity and security services operate across the WAN; and the underlay network layer, which manages network connectivity across fixed and 5G networks, providing orchestration and network programmability.
Sanjay Uppal, General Manager of the Software-Defined Edge Division at Broadcom, emphasized the company’s focus on enabling enterprises to adopt Edge AI workloads. He highlighted the support for Fixed Wireless Access and satellite connections in VMware VeloCloud Edge, which delivers critical, blended connectivity for OT devices and edge workloads. This approach allows enterprises to optimize real-time WAN performance, gain network insights, and build networks in minutes to support current and future workloads.
Enhancements to VMware VeloCloud Edge Appliances
To support the growing need for robust connectivity at the edge, Broadcom announced several enhancements and a couple of new products:
- VMware VeloCloud Edge 710 now offers combined broadband, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and satellite connections to improve real-time voice, video, and application traffic and ensure enhanced connectivity for edge devices and workloads. This blended connectivity provides redundant, always-on connectivity. It is ideal for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) looking to modernize their infrastructure and monetize services by offering a premium SD-WAN, FWA, and satellite solution.
- Two new appliances, VMware VeloCloud Edge 720 and 740, enhance Broadcom’s portfolio, providing CSPs with additional options to support edge deployments. The integration with VMware Telco Cloud Platform allows CSPs to program the real-time performance of their WANs using network insights.
Integration of VeloCloud SD-WAN with Symantec PoPs
Staying on the edge, Broadcom announced the initial integration of VeloCloud SD-WAN Points-of-Presence (PoPs) with Symantec PoPs, automating cloud access while maintaining performance and security. Customers using VeloCloud SASE, secured by Symantec, will benefit from increased bandwidth, lower latency, and broader global reach to major cloud and SaaS providers. This solution, a result of combining VeloCloud SD-WAN and Symantec Security Service Edge (SSE), offers enterprises a solid, single-vendor SASE solution.
Enhancements to VMware Edge Compute Stack Management
Managing edge devices, applications, and infrastructure across numerous locations presents significant challenges. VMware Edge Compute Stack addresses these challenges by offering zero-touch provisioning and lifecycle management to accelerate the deployment of secure edge environments. The platform provides frictionless management of edge applications and infrastructure across multiple sites with limited resources. Recent updates to VMware Edge Compute Stack include:
- VMware Edge Cloud Orchestrator simplifies deployment and application lifecycle management across multiple sites using GitOps and desired state management to achieve Zero-Touch Orchestration. This automation ensures consistent and efficient operations, even with limited IT resources.
- This design reduces the burden on the management plane by allowing hosts to initiate communication and fetch configuration changes, or Pull-Based Architecture. It supports greater scalability across the edge infrastructure.
- The platform includes tools for configuring metrics gathering and transmission for infrastructure, virtual machines, and Kubernetes-based workloads to enhance Edge Infrastructure and Application Monitoring. Customers can quickly achieve local edge monitoring using industry-standard tools and pre-built dashboards.
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