Is SD-WAN Right For Your Business?

Author: Meg Huerta

Currently, SD-WAN is one of the most popular trends in business networking. A lot of businesses have started the migration to SD-WAN technology to connect their remote offices and data centre to the cloud.

It’s the best technology for people whose businesses have different branches and offices in various locations. These include banks, hotels, hospitals and many others. Here’s what you need to know about SD-WAN and whether or not it’s the right fit for your business.

What Is SD-WAN?

The abbreviation refers to software-defined wide area network. The main feature is the simplified connectivity of an enterprise to the branches. Some of the benefits of SD-WAN include an overall reduction in costs associated with the regular WAN technology, improved flexibility and centralized control and monitoring services.

Types Of SD-WAN

Currently, you will find a few types of SD-WAN options in the market. These include:

  • Internet-based SD-WANs
  • SD-WAN as a service
  • Managed service SD-WANs

    • When looking for the best option for your business, you should consider:

  • The skillset of your team
  • Performance of your business applications as well as the global users
  • Your interests in building and managing the SD-WAN platform

    • Notable Benefits Of SD-WAN Technology

    Streamlining Your IT

    With SD-WAN, management and administration of work because easier. Unlike conventional WAN technology, management of the network is handled from the cloud. Your business network is not dependent on the physical location; rather, it is a made up of routing and paths network.

    Now, your IT team should be able to monitor and control the entire network from a central interface. There is no need for adding external technology or protocols because through SD-WAN, there is thorough communication with all the endpoints in the business network.

    What To Consider Before Adopting SD-WAN Technology

    Yes, there are some benefits to adopting SD-WAN technology. However, most businesses are doing it cautiously. Your business needs to be ready to migrate to SD-WAN technology completely. Here’s what you need to consider before migrating.

  • Have a proper understanding of the process of shifting from physical to virtual technologies.
  • The impact of migrating to a virtual environment on your daily business process.
  • Choose the right vendor in the market.
  • The expected achievements from using this technology as well as the benefits.
  • Choose the right plan and have a clearly defined objective with a properly identified network architecture on the software layer.
  • Is your business ready? All the responsibilities are left for the business to manage, so you need to be prepared accordingly.

    • Things to Remember Before Moving to SD-WAN Technology

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  • Managing technology might seem effortless, but you should expect some challenges.
  • During the transition process, verification, testing and validation should be handled properly.
  • There is no single broadband in use. That’s why you need several contracts to ensure full coverage.

    • SD-WAN relies on different architecture from regular WAN technology. Deep integration is necessary to allow multiple user applications. If your organization lacks expertise and in-house resources to enjoy the benefits of SD-WAN technology, managed, SD-WAN services will come in handy. Try it out today and get the hassles out of the way for streamlined service.