Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) technology has been on a tear in recent years, as more and more businesses have come to realize the benefits of adopting this innovative networking solution. And according to technology research and advisory firm Gartner, the future of SD-WAN technology is looking even brighter.
Gartner’s recently published “Forecast Analysis: Enterprise SD-WAN Equipment, Worldwide” report predicts that SD-WAN technology will continue to see growth and adoption in the coming years, both in the enterprise market and among smaller businesses.
Gartner predicts that the worldwide market for SD-WAN technology will reach approximately $3.3 billion in 2021, up from $1.3 billion in 2018. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.2% over the next five years.
So, why is SD-WAN technology seeing such rapid growth? The answer lies in the many benefits it offers to organizations of all sizes and in all industries.
First and foremost, SD-WAN technology provides greater flexibility and control over an organization’s network. By abstracting network operations from the underlying hardware, SD-WAN makes it easier to manage network traffic, prioritize critical applications, and ensure optimal performance across the organization’s entire network.
Additionally, SD-WAN technology can help organizations reduce costs by leveraging less expensive internet-based connectivity options. Rather than relying exclusively on more expensive dedicated circuits, SD-WAN can use a combination of public internet and private connection options to create a more cost-effective and resilient network.
Finally, SD-WAN technology can also enhance security by providing greater visibility and control over network traffic. By segmenting network traffic and routing it through virtual private networks (VPNs), SD-WAN can help organizations prevent cyber-attacks and ensure that sensitive data remains secure.
Given these benefits, it’s clear why Gartner is predicting such significant growth for SD-WAN technology in the coming years. And while there are certainly some challenges associated with implementing and managing SD-WAN solutions, most organizations are likely to find that the benefits outweigh the costs.
Overall, the future of SD-WAN technology looks bright, and businesses of all sizes would do well to consider adopting this innovative networking solution to improve their network performance, reduce costs, and enhance security.