Leader: Versa Networks

Versa Networks went from visionary for the past two years to leader in 2020, thanks to its strong focus on combining SD-WAN with other branch networking functions, including routing and security.

Privately held Versa has two offerings: its full-featured VOS (formerly FlexVNF), which can be delivered on the Versa branch Cloud Services Gateways (CSG) or third-party hardware, along with the Versa Director and Versa Analytics. The second offering is Versa Titan, which is a simpler, cloud-based solution for SMBs. Gartner said it expects Versa to make future investments in SASE, multi-cloud fabric and campus SD-LAN.

Versa, a smaller player in the market compared to some of the incumbent networking players, is at risk of becoming spread too thin and defocused, which could affect code quality and customer support, especially as market consolidation impacts this market and Versa feels the pressure, Gartner said.