Cisco MSX SD-BRANCH - SMALL 3RD PARTY VNF License
This Cisco MSX SD-BRANCH license enables small third-party virtual network functions for your business network, providing essential management and security capabilities.
- License Term: Subscription-based access for a defined period, ensuring continuous feature availability and support.
- Platform Enablement: Unlocks the ability to deploy and manage specific third-party virtual network functions on Cisco SD-BRANCH platforms.
- Capacity: Designed for small branch deployments, supporting up to 5 virtual network functions.
- Value: Maintains compliance, grants access to critical network services, and ensures operational continuity for your business.
Product Overview
Product Overview
The Cisco MSX SD-BRANCH - SMALL 3RD PARTY VNF license provides the necessary entitlement to deploy and operate third-party virtual network functions (VNFs) on Cisco SD-BRANCH platforms within small branch environments. This subscription-based license is crucial for businesses looking to extend the capabilities of their network edge with specialized virtualized services.
This licensing is intended for IT Managers and IT Professionals within SMB and mid-market companies who are responsible for managing branch office network infrastructure. It integrates into existing Cisco SD-BRANCH deployments, allowing for the controlled addition of virtualized security, application optimization, or other network services without requiring dedicated physical appliances.
- Virtual Network Function Support: Enables the deployment of up to 5 third-party VNFs on supported Cisco SD-BRANCH hardware.
- Subscription Licensing: Provides access to features and ongoing updates through a recurring subscription model.
- Centralized Management: Facilitates management of VNFs through the Cisco SD-BRANCH platform.
- Scalability: Allows for the addition of specific network services tailored to small branch needs.
- Compliance and Security: Helps maintain a compliant and secure network posture by enabling specialized security VNFs.
This Cisco license is the ideal solution for SMB and mid-market organizations seeking to enhance branch network functionality with virtualized services efficiently.
What This Enables
Enable Specialized Security Services
Enable teams to deploy virtualized next-generation firewalls or intrusion prevention systems on their Cisco SD-BRANCH devices. This enhances the security posture of branch locations by providing advanced threat detection and mitigation capabilities.
branch office deployments, distributed workforce, network security enhancement, centralized IT management
Optimize Application Performance
Streamline the deployment of virtual network functions dedicated to application performance optimization, such as WAN optimization or content caching. This ensures critical business applications perform reliably for end-users at remote sites.
multi-site operations, business-critical applications, network traffic management, user experience improvement
Extend Network Functionality Virtually
Automate the addition of specific network services, like SD-WAN overlay services or network monitoring tools, without requiring new physical hardware. This allows IT departments to adapt quickly to changing business needs at the network edge.
network infrastructure modernization, IT resource optimization, flexible service delivery, edge computing enablement
Key Features
Subscription-based licensing
Provides predictable costs and continuous access to software updates and support for your network functions.
Support for up to 5 third-party VNFs
Allows for the deployment of multiple specialized virtual network services on a single platform, reducing hardware sprawl.
Cisco SD-BRANCH platform integration
Enables centralized management and orchestration of virtual network functions through your existing Cisco infrastructure.
Small VNF footprint
Optimized for smaller branch deployments, ensuring efficient resource utilization on your network edge devices.
Virtualization enablement
Reduces the need for dedicated physical appliances, lowering capital expenditure and simplifying branch office deployments.
Industry Applications
Finance & Insurance
Financial institutions require robust security and reliable network performance to protect sensitive data and ensure continuous operations, making VNF deployment for security and application optimization critical.
Retail & Hospitality
Distributed retail and hospitality locations need cost-effective ways to deploy network services like point-of-sale security and guest Wi-Fi management, which VNFs on SD-BRANCH platforms can provide.
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Healthcare organizations must maintain strict data privacy and network availability for critical patient care systems, benefiting from secure and flexible network service deployments enabled by VNFs.
Manufacturing & Industrial
Industrial environments often require specialized network functions for operational technology (OT) security and data collection at the edge, which can be efficiently deployed using VNFs on SD-BRANCH solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Virtual Network Function (VNF)?
A Virtual Network Function (VNF) is a software implementation of a network function that typically runs on standard IT virtualization infrastructure. This allows network functions like firewalls, routers, or load balancers to be deployed as software rather than dedicated hardware.
What does '3rd Party VNF' mean in this context?
This license specifically enables the deployment of virtual network functions developed by vendors other than Cisco on the Cisco SD-BRANCH platform. It allows you to integrate specialized services from various providers into your network.
How is this license billed?
This is a subscription-based license, meaning it is billed on a recurring basis (e.g., annually or monthly) for the duration of the subscription term. This provides ongoing access to the licensed capabilities and any associated software updates.
Deployment & Support
Deployment Complexity
Medium — IT-assisted
Fulfillment
Digital Delivery
License keys / portal provisioning
Support Model
Zent Networks Managed
Renewal, add-license, and lifecycle management included
Subscription Terms
Cancellation
Cancel anytime — no charge on next cycle
You may cancel this subscription at any time. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. You will not be charged for the following billing cycle. Access remains active through the end of the paid term.
Returns
Subscription licenses are non-refundable
Digital software licenses and SaaS subscriptions cannot be returned once activated or provisioned. Contact a Zent Networks account manager if you have questions before purchasing.