what happened to SD-WAN release with R81.20

[Garrett_DirSec]

Hello All -- I understood that SD-WAN was to be included in R81.20 release.

I just signed up for R81.20 public EA and zero mention of SD-WAN on release notes.

What is status of SD-WAN feature and associated release?

Thanks

[Chris_Atkinson · Accepted solution]

SD-WAN is in EA phase. You are welcome to discuss participation with your local SE.

@Shlomi_Feldman 

[Garrett_DirSec]

Hello @Chris_Atkinson  -- thanks for your msg.   Unfortunately, this is not an answer.

Checkpoint is a technology that only survives based on actual SALES of product. 

To this point, it would be ideal to know more.   

Various topics:

1. SD-WAN features were discussed at CPX in Jan.  It's now Nov.      Does Checkpoint product mgmt want us to get excited about selling this to customers or not?      We can't sell anything that's not released and on the price sheet. 
2. We have discussed Checkpoint SD-WAN topic with various customers -- existing and potential CP customers - over past TEN MONTHS but too many questions remain.
3. So initial SD-WAN release installed on R81.10.   Will this installation be included as part of an ongoing JUMBO?     I have numerous CP customers with massive scar tissue of installing hotfixes that block future installation of JUMBO.   The point, if SD-WAN only available as individual hotfix bundle that blocks subsequent installation of future JUMBO, this will be a huge thumbs-down no-bueno strategy.    Most/All my larger customers would pass (so prefer to know this now so can tell customers as professional courtesy to "move on").
4. Anyone in Product Mgmt available to demo current incantation of SD-WAN EA today and talk release features and road-map? 
5. I have talked with local CP enterprise and SLED engineers and additional information not widely known.   this is a bad sign for upcoming release. 
6. SD-WAN is best leveraged for distributed org across numerous locations, each with different uplinks.   The key:  many remote locations may be small in size and SMB GAIA (embedded GAIA 1500/1600) boxes most appropriate.   While I acknowledge that initial release (and current EA) likely on Enterprise GAIA, the sweet spot for SD-WAN product is for the embedded GAIA 1500/1600 size boxes (ie. the Meraki space).   Thus, when will SD-WAN be available on embedded GAIA?  Will the SD-WAN services include enough overhead that some models won't support (example 1500-series)?      Introducing SD-WAN without clear focus on how/when it can be on embedded GAIA seems short-sighted.   
7. How is it possible there has been no updates on SD-WAN on checkmates related to EA or other in past six months?     I suggest a future EA strategy that could include some conversation posts on Checkmates that may share status but also generate more interest. 

thanks -GA 

[Shlomi_Feldman]

Hi,

My name is Shlomi, and I am the product manager for SD-WAN at Check Point. My reply to all of the issues is below:

1.  We apologize for the delay with the product release. The product is in EA phase for the last several months and should be officially ready for GA soon. I would be happy to join a session with each and every one of you, presenting the product and discussing pricing aspects
2. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions concerning SD-WAN
3. GW side: R81.10 side branch - we are aiming to periodically align with the recommended Jumbo’s content
   Mgmt side: R81.10 part of the Jumbo is integrated into R81.20
4. We are fully capable of demoing the product and to leans discussions concerning future roadmap. This discussion can be done directly with the PM team or with local architects in the different regions
5. We are heavily investing in internal training. I apologize if you didn't get the right information
6. SD-WAN for the Quantum Spark line is available for EA, and we plan to release it during Q1 2023. We are capable of demoing and sharing with you further information related to SD-WAN over Quantum Spark
7. I agree that we can do more. In the last month and so, we were part of a CheckMates events related to Quantum Spark and I personally presented SD-WAN

[SarmChanatip]

Hi Shlomi_Feldman

I just want to check with you if this feature capability is included in NGFW/NGTP/NGTX or if it separates the license.

Regards,

Sarm

[G_W_Albrecht]

SD-WAN is not licensed with NGFW/NGTP/NGTX !

[SarmChanatip]

That means we can enable this feature on quantum gw appliance in R81.20, right?

[G_W_Albrecht]

No. SD-WAN is not a blade or feature, it is Software-Defined Wide Area Network, a concept that is 8 years old now. SD-WAN Service Attributes and Services.

[Garrett_DirSec]

Hello @G_W_Albrecht -- I suggest there may be some miscommunication.  

SD-WAN is in fact a new feature for Checkpoint Gateway that will have licensing tied to it, an annual subscription, and Infinity Portal access for mgmt of steering policy/profiles. 

My original post was related to the "sales" aspect of product.  this may not be your focus and that's alright. 

[G_W_Albrecht]

My comment was directed at 

mChanatip  In response to G_W_Albrecht

That means we can enable this feature on quantum gw appliance in R81.20, right?

Checkpoint started with SD-WAN in 2019, see sk161272: Quantum Edge

[G_W_Albrecht]

That means we can enable this feature on quantum gw appliance in R81.20, right?

Checkpoint started with SD-WAN in 2019, see sk161272: Quantum Edge

[Shlomi_Feldman]

the answer is no. Quantum GWs will require SD-WAN R81.10 version. It will not be possible to use SD-WAN on R81.20 GW

[G_W_Albrecht]

Right, same i tried to explain above for 3 times now...

[Chris_Atkinson]

Yes you will be able to with the appropriate license/subscription & software version stay tuned for details upon the product launch.

[Shlomi_Feldman]

hi Everyone,

SD-WAN is a separate blade/service which currently not bundled NGFW/TP/TE/TX. SD-WAN will be released over a dedicated SD-WAN version based on R81.10 for GW side. mgmt. side support R81.20 Titan. 

[SarmChanatip]

Thank you for the information @Chris_Atkinson @Shlomi_Feldman