In 2019, software defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) became the most disruptive network technology. Simplicity in WAN management and cost reductions were the main drivers of growth in the adoption of SD-WAN, but that’s changing amongst the enterprises. The SD-WAN market reached approximately $1.5 billion revenue in 2019, and is set to reach almost $2.2 billion by 2020 according to research by Futuriom.
The next stage of evolution in SD-WAN is defined by characteristics that match the needs of transforming organisations. Enterprises are looking for solutions that can go beyond the basics while giving them a foundation for digital transformation. An estimated 40% of all technology spending is for digital transformation technologies, exceeding $2 trillion in 2019 according to IDC.
More than an overlay network technology, SD-WAN is about simplicity, performance and security, not just for greater cost efficiency. It should provide flexible, scalable and on-demand enterprise connectivity in order for transformation to be successful. As investment grows, enterprises want the best bang for their buck when exploring the various SD-WAN service providers available in the market today.
Here are the key SD-WAN differentiators that enterprises should be looking at in 2020.
#1: Reliability and Control
SD-WAN, when deployed over a private network, allows for increased reliability and better optimised for performance. Using an orchestrator, the enterprise also gains control over their network and security policy. They can leverage a global SD-WAN to seamlessly connect edge locations to an ecosystem of data centres and cloud service providers (CSP).
Security plays a big factor in enterprise decision-making when it comes to SD-WAN. According to a Gartner survey, 72% of respondents cited security as the topmost concern when it comes to their WAN.
Unlike SD-WAN deployed as a software overlay to existing infrastructure or over the internet, a cloud-centric private network provides enterprises with a secure, rock solid foundation for connecting their applications and services globally.
Integrated security features offer ultra-secure SD-WAN without needing to manage multiple vendors or bring in additional security appliances. It enables easy configuration of network firewalls, encryption and security protocols from a single portal. This increases the speed and agility of an enterprise’s operations and removes the complexity across the WAN.
Some of the most integral security features in SD-WAN over the next 12 months include next generation firewall, unified threat management (UTM) and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS).
#2: Seamless Service Experience
Chadwick Kinlay,
Director,
Marketing and
Communications,
Epsilon
User experience is critical. SD-WAN delivered as a service using a software orchestrator has to be easy to use, intuitive and accessible from wherever an enterprise operates. They want to be able to seamlessly navigate, control and manage their WAN with a consistent user experience that is as simple as using any other software platform or Software as a Service (SaaS).
A seamless service experience also extends to a service provider’s support and customer service. Enterprises are looking for SD-WAN providers that have expertise in both software and network A seamless service experience also extends to a service provider’s support and customer service. Enterprises are looking for SD-WAN providers that have expertise in both software and networking – software knowledge alone isn’t enough. By selecting a provider with networking expertise, enterprises gain the support of qualified network engineers that can deal with any issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.
SD-WAN providers with a strong track record in managing global networks are also likely to have established relationships with world-leading network providers across the globe, enabling enterprises to efficiently connect no matter where they are located. ing – software knowledge alone isn’t enough. By selecting a provider with networking expertise, enterprises gain the support of qualified network engineers that can deal with any issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.
SD-WAN providers with a strong track record in managing global networks are also likely to have established relationships with world-leading network providers across the globe, enabling enterprises to efficiently connect no matter where they are located.
#3: Visibility and Efficiency
Visibility into network performance is another key differentiator enterprises will be seeking out. Useful analytics and monitoring tools can be used to effectively plan, deploy and forecast an enterprise’s network needs.
A key differentiator in SD-WAN is a function that provides enhanced tools for enterprises to track their WAN performance with real-time insights into their network. With these insights, they can continually shape their network environment accordingly and optimise their operations.
Enterprises with extensive network requirements can benefit from a provider that can thread together multiple services into an all-in-one solution. Service threading enables enterprises to serve more of their needs with a single service provider.
By opting for a one stop shop solution that not only provides SD-WAN, but also other services including dedicated internet access (DIA), data centre interconnect (DCI) and global cloud connectivity, enterprises can reduce costs, optimise application delivery and simplify their automation.
By looking for differentiations in SD-WAN solutions, enterprises can reap greater long-term benefits as they grow their businesses and deliver more value than simply cost cutting. To succeed in network transformation in 2020, enterprises have to prioritise simplicity, performance and security while ensuring the transformation is as simple and risk-free as possible.
