Broadcom announces key updates to software-defined edge portfolio

Broadcom, which recently acquired VMware, has announced significant updates to its Software-Defined Edge product portfolio.

These changes aim to support enterprise Edge AI workloads through improved connectivity, deployment, and lifecycle management capabilities.

One key development is the enhanced VMware VeloCloud Edge 710 appliance, which now includes support for Combined Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and satellite connections. This enhancement also extends to the new VMware VeloCloud Edge 720 and 740 appliances. Sanjay Uppal, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Software-Defined Edge Division, highlighted this feature, stating, "We’ve announced support for Fixed Wireless Access and satellite connections in VMware VeloCloud Edge to deliver critical, blended connectivity for OT devices as well as AI and non-AI edge workloads. This convergence of the underlay network enables enterprises to build networks in minutes to support today’s and tomorrow’s workloads."

Broadcom has also improved the VMware VeloCloud SASE, secured by Symantec, by integrating VeloCloud and Symantec points of presence (PoPs). This aims to provide better cloud connectivity without compromising on performance and security. Earlier this year, the company launched a single-vendor SASE solution, combining VeloCloud SD-WAN and Symantec Security Service Edge (SSE) capabilities.

With the rise in edge computing, highlighted by IDC's projection of USD $232 billion in worldwide spending on edge computing in 2024, Broadcom expects its recent developments to play a pivotal role in the deployment of AI applications. This growth shows a 15.4% increase over spending in 2023. Edge AI workloads, such as video inference cameras and industrial control systems, operate at geographically dispersed locations to improve business operations.

Broadcom's software-defined edge is conceptualised as distributed digital infrastructure for connecting, securing, and running workloads across multiple locations. It comprises three layers: the edge compute stack for hosting applications and workloads, the intelligent overlay for connectivity and security across WAN, and the underlay network layer for software running across fixed and 5G networks to provide orchestration and network programmability.

Broadcom also introduced various capabilities to the VMware Edge Compute Stack aimed at simplifying edge AI workload deployment and lifecycle management. These features include zero-touch orchestration, a pull-based architecture for better scalability, and monitoring tools for infrastructure and applications. The VMware Edge Compute Stack 3.6 further enhances these capabilities, making deployment and management at scale more efficient.

Keith Bradley, vice president of IT and Security at Nature Fresh Farms, expressed satisfaction with Broadcom's Edge AI approach, commenting, "We rely on IoT devices at the edge—in our greenhouses and other facilities—to monitor and capture data used to keep millions of growing plants healthy. The 5G and broadband connectivity capabilities of VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN enable us to connect and tie together all our facilities across Canada and the U.S., while VMware VeloCloud SD-Access provides consistent connectivity, performance, and security capabilities to IoT devices deployed in remote locations. With these solutions, we’ve improved our farm-to-fork time to deliver better tasting, higher quality produce to our customers."

The recent product developments from Broadcom are intended to support the rapid shift towards distributed digital infrastructure, thereby helping enterprises better manage and deploy their Edge AI workloads.