Your enterprise’s success hinges on the strength and flexibility of your network infrastructure. As businesses increasingly rely on cloud applications and distributed workforces, traditional wide area network (WAN) solutions are struggling to keep up. This is where managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions can help.
Outsourcing your business connectivity and network management needs can make your operations less time-consuming and cost-efficient. Let’s discuss the basics and understand the advantages of this approach.
What is Managed SD-WAN?
In essence, SD-WAN is a virtualized WAN architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any combination of transport services to securely connect users to applications. These services may include Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and broadband internet services.
A do-it-yourself or DIY SD-WAN approach can be challenging for many businesses due to its complexity and the specialized skills required. With a managed SD-WAN service, you get all the benefits without the headaches of implementation and ongoing management.
Let’s analyze why this model is becoming the go-to solution for modern enterprises.
Benefit #1: Simplified Network Management
With streamlined and centralized management, you no longer have to configure each router individually across your WAN network. Instead, you get a bird’s-eye view of your entire infrastructure, allowing for easier monitoring, troubleshooting, and policy implementation. This simplified management translates to reduced complexity for your internal IT team, allowing them to focus on strategic efforts that drive your business forward.
Benefit #2: Enhanced Network Performance
In today’s digital age, network performance can make or break your user experience. Managed SD-WAN shines in this aspect by intelligently routing traffic based on real-time network conditions. This means your business applications always take the most efficient path, resulting in improved application performance and reduced latency.
Moreover, managed SD-WAN provides robust quality of service capabilities, ensuring that critical applications receive priority treatment. Say goodbye to packet loss and experience smooth video conferencing and seamless cloud application usage.
Benefit #3: Increased Flexibility and Scalability
Your network needs to keep pace with your evolving business. Managed SD-WAN offers unparalleled flexibility in this regard. Need to add a new location to your network? With managed SD-WAN, it’s a breeze. The service provider can quickly provision and configure new sites, often without the need for on-site IT personnel.
This scalability extends to cloud connectivity as well. Managed SD-WAN solutions typically offer robust public cloud support, allowing you to easily connect your on-premises infrastructure with cloud services, facilitating your digital transformation journey.
Benefit #4: Cost-Effective WAN Architecture
Now, here’s the best part: cost savings. Managed SD-WAN can lead to significant cost savings compared to traditional WAN architectures. By leveraging cost-effective internet connections alongside more expensive MPLS links, you can optimize your WAN services for both performance and cost.
Additionally, hiring professional service providers means you don’t need to invest heavily in specialized SD-WAN expertise within your internal IT team. The company handles the complex parts, allowing you to reallocate your IT resources more effectively.
Benefit #5: Enhanced Security
Network security is paramount, particularly as cyber threats continue to evolve. Managed SD-WAN typically includes robust security features, often integrating next-generation firewall capabilities directly into the WAN edge devices.
This approach, sometimes referred to as secure access service edge (SASE), combines WAN capabilities with cloud-native security functions. It allows for consistent application of security policies across your entire network, from your data center to branch offices and remote workers.
Benefit #6: Improved Visibility and Control
Managed SD-WAN provides unprecedented network visibility, offering detailed insights into application usage, network performance metrics, and potential issues. This visibility empowers you to make data-driven decisions about your network strategy. Whether it’s identifying bandwidth-hungry applications or troubleshooting performance issues, you’ll have the information you need at your fingertips.
Benefit #7: High Availability and Resilience
Network downtime is simply not an option in today’s business environment. Managed SD-WAN enhances network reliability through features like automatic failover and load balancing across multiple WAN links. This built-in redundancy ensures high availability for your critical business applications, minimizing disruptions and maintaining productivity even in the face of network issues.
Benefit #8: Expert Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
When you opt for a managed SD-WAN solution, you’re not just getting technology. You’re getting a partner in your network management. Reputable WAN providers offer comprehensive support, including 24/7 monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization services.
Moreover, managed SD-WAN services typically come with robust service level agreements (SLAs). These SLAs provide you with peace of mind, ensuring that your network meets agreed-upon performance and availability standards.
Benefit #9: Seamless Integration With Existing Infrastructure
Worried about disrupting your current setup? Managed SD-WAN solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing network infrastructure. Whether you’re running a traditional MPLS network or a mix of different WAN technologies, managed SD-WAN can be implemented without a complete overhaul of your current systems.
As such, you can transition at your own pace, gradually moving towards a full SD-WAN implementation as it suits your business needs and timelines.
Is Managed SD-WAN Right for You?
While the benefits of managed SD-WAN are clear, it’s important to remember that every enterprise has unique needs. Take the time to assess your specific requirements.
Consider factors like your current network challenges, future growth plans, and the resources available within your internal IT team. Engage with potential service providers to understand their offerings and how they align with your business objectives.
After all, enterprise networking isn’t just about keeping up with the latest technologies. It’s about setting yourself up for long-term success. And for many businesses, managed SD-WAN is proving to be a crucial step in that direction.
