Versa Networks Selected for Thunderdome Project
CEO Kelly Ahuja expressed excitement over Versa Networks’ participation in the innovative Thunderdome project, which focuses on implementing Zero Trust to enhance network security for both remote and on-network users. The successful demonstration of Versa’s secure SD-WAN and Customer Edge Security Stack services showcases the company’s commitment to meeting Thunderdome’s stringent Zero Trust requirements, solidifying its position as a leading provider of secure networking and Zero Trust technology.
Modernizing DISA’s Infrastructure with Thunderdome
Thunderdome, DISA’s Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) architecture, aims to revamp the agency’s infrastructure by leveraging commercial technologies like Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Customer Edge Security Stack (CESS) to bolster security and network performance. Versa’s SD-WAN capabilities will introduce software-defined routing on the Defense Information System Network (DISN), while CESS functions will offer Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), IPS/IDS, and on-premises ZTNA services.
Introducing Thunderdome
Thunderdome serves as DISA’s ZTNA architecture, with the recent successful completion of a prototype demonstrating the efficacy of commercial technologies in enhancing enterprise security and efficiency. Following the prototype’s success, DISA awarded a production agreement to Booz Allen Hamilton to further develop Thunderdome.
The Thunderdome solution aligns with various federal cybersecurity modernization initiatives, including the U.S. President’s Executive Order on Cybersecurity, the DoD Zero Trust Strategy, and the DoD CIO’s Digital Modernization Strategy.
Looking Ahead
Booz Allen Hamilton’s Vice President Imran Umar commended the partnership with DISA in delivering the Thunderdome prototype and expressed eagerness to progress to full production. As organizations worldwide embrace the principles of Zero Trust, DISA stands out as a pioneer in implementing Zero Trust network access for remote and on-network users. Collaborating with Versa as a strategic partner, Booz Allen aims to provide SD-WAN, ZTNA, and CESS functionalities to realize this vision.
