As businesses expand their operations and rely on cloud-based applications, the need for reliable and effective networking solutions has become increasingly important. Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) has emerged as a game-changer in enterprise networking, according to market research firm Gartner.
SD-WAN is a new approach to networking that enables businesses to scale their operations without the need for expensive hardware infrastructure. It allows for greater flexibility, improved reliability, and enhanced security for remote workers and mobile devices.
The traditional Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure that spans across various locations is known for reliability and cost-effectiveness. However, it could be challenging to manage and poses limiting factors on scalability and customization. SD-WAN allows businesses to use a software-based approach to implement wide area networks, seamlessly connecting branches and remote offices without requiring dedicated MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) lines.
Gartner has identified SD-WAN as a key technology trend, predicting that by 2023, 60% of enterprises will have implemented some form of SD-WAN technology. It has also listed SD-WAN as a “Transformational Technology” in its annual Hype Cycle for Enterprise Networking.
One of the primary benefits of SD-WAN technology is its ability to optimize network performance while reducing costs. With its software-driven approach, SD-WAN reduces business reliance on expensive hardware, creating a more flexible and scalable network infrastructure. It also allows organizations to prioritize traffic, delivering a seamless user experience across branch offices and remote locations.
SD-WAN technology also enhances network security by isolating critical applications and data from potential threats, implementing firewalls and other security measures to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks.
Moreover, SD-WAN also improves network management, providing IT teams with a centralized view of network traffic and enabling them to easily manage network policies and configurations across different locations. This centralized management helps to ensure consistent and efficient network performance as the organization scales.
SD-WAN’s benefits make it an attractive solution for businesses looking to improve network performance and scalability, which can ultimately lead to improved business efficiency and growth. Its software-defined approach and enhanced security features makes it a viable solution for integrating newer applications, including cloud-based ones. With its improved network management capabilities, a company’s IT team can easily manage and optimize their wide area network, reduce operational costs and improve overall business performance and user experience.
In conclusion, SD-WAN technology has emerged as a game-changer in enterprise networking, offering businesses a unique and more efficient approach to managing their network infrastructure. As more and more enterprises move their applications and data to the cloud, SD-WAN provides a cost-effective way to manage and scale a wide area network while maintaining the flexibility and security required by modern businesses. Gartner’s endorsement of SD-WAN technology makes it inevitable that the approach is only going to get more popular in 2021 and beyond.