As enterprises prioritize digital transformation strategies, they are finding that adequate network support in an environment of growing complexity is a key component for success. The adoption of software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) is often the solution, and its promise of bandwidth optimization is a major driver of consideration.
While driving down network costs is often the initial discussion, there are a variety of benefits that make SD-WAN a good foundation for a digital transformation plan:
Pathway optimization: Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is reliable and performs well, but it can be costly, particularly in cases of low-priority data transmissions. Many enterprises consider SD-WAN primarily as a way to replace some of their MPLS use and create opportunities for cost savings by better management of bandwidth.
The particular pathway used for a data transmission is an automatic setting, with administrators able to create policies for the best use of bandwidth according to user, transmission type, location or other variable.
Improved security: SD-WAN deployment is often initiated in parallel with a major change in business processes, such as a launch of a fleet of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. With a dramatic increase in the number of end points, there’s also a change in security monitoring. SD-WAN offers the enterprise improved visibility into network traffic so that any threat can be identified, isolated and addressed before it impacts the rest of the network.
Better connectivity: Another driver of SD-WAN adoption is the increased use of cloud technology. Each application is different and requires different priorities for connectivity, such as reduced latency or more throughput. SD-WAN is able to control network performance to address these application demands.
Zero-touch provisioning: Enterprises with many branch locations may experience the most benefit from implementing SD-WAN. Not only can a branch be brought online in a matter of minutes, but all configuration, provisioning and troubleshooting can be done through a centralized management console. Enterprises save travel time and resources by significantly reducing the instances requiring a visit to a branch location to handle network tasks.
Reducing costs: SD-WAN helps mitigate some of the costs of a digital transformation by not only optimizing MPLS and other pathway use, but through other means as well. SD-WAN, like other cloud-based technology, offers a subscription-based pay model. This means costs can be categorized as monthly operating expenses, rather than the typical one-time capital investment that is generally associated with a technology implementation.
SD-WAN offers important benefits to enterprises that need to support their digital transformation strategies. To find out more about how SD-WAN handles complex network traffic in a particular business setting, contact us at Wanify.