6 Compelling Reasons to Migrate to an SD-WAN

More and more businesses are migrating their wide area networks (WAN) to a software-defined WAN infrastructure. SD-WAN has improved on existing static networks, with its virtual network overlays that can build and operate WANs in a more efficient manner. This new technology, which has redefined traditional WAN architectures, is a solution that addresses the issues of modern enterprise applications.

How does it do this and why else should your company upgrade to an SD-WAN? Here are six compelling reasons:

1. Connectivity that’s business-driven. As any business owner knows, the demands of a business are constantly in flux. These demands can be met by connectivity that’s stable yet flexible. SD-WAN uses a single hybrid WAN instead of a private (MPLS) or public (broadband, 4G/LTE) network. It also allows for end-to-end network segmentation such as Business Partner or guest WIFI offloading. Cloud-performance is optimized with customizable policies and exits, depending on application requirements.
2. Encryption is easy. Security is the biggest concern when it comes to migrating to cloud. Through SD-WAN, all the control, data, and management centers are encrypted through a full-mesh encryption on the routing scale. There is no need for a PKI infrastructure. A hybrid WAN also allows for automatic network hardening, making it even more secure.
3. Applications are effectively managed. As most applications are also shifting to cloud, greater integration and communication are needed. SD-WAN technologies offer app aware routing through App Visibility or Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). The WAN path control can easily adapt based on SLAs dependent on loss, latency, jitter, and MTU.
4. Centralized enforcement of business logic. Especially helpful for businesses with various offices, a fully authenticated and fully automated hybrid WAN can manage and enforce business processes centrally. This means better network traffic engineering and a centralized access control and QoS across the SD-WAN. This also enables the right-sizing of network appliance. Centralized management means one can automatically enable routing and rerouting of traffic depending on the network or application.
5. WAN is visible across SD-WAN. Because SD-WAN is tied to a centralized control system, it has the ability to view WAN features across the hybrid network. The Web Dashboard is visible on all network activities, whether by device, site, or network. This also allows businesses to monitor application or site-based traffic.
6. Business operations are simplified. Migrating to SD-WAN is actually simpler than it sounds. By having centralized provisioning or templates, it will be easier to train employees in using the hybrid network. Software upgrades are also centralized, making it faster to distribute updates. Technical troubleshooting is also easier on a hybrid network

These are just some of the reasons why your business should migrate to an enterprise-class SD-WAN. Aside from these, SD-WAN can cut network costs by more than 50% and increase bandwidth by up to 10 times. It can also eliminate the possibility for outages, and expedite the deployment of cloud, IoT, and other IT projects. Truly, the SD-WAN solution can give your business the edge over others who still use traditional WAN infrastructures.