Managed SD-WAN services

What is managed SD-WAN service?

Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) solutions are among the most notable trends in the networking services market over recent decades. According to a whitepaper by VMware, Telstra, and GlobalData, over half of the large-scale enterprises are already leveraging SD-WAN services. Additionally, over 60 percent of the respondents are reinventing their WAN strategy keeping SD-WAN solutions in mind.

With the constant deployment of SaaS/IaaS applications, user experience has deteriorated within a short span, leading to reduced ROI and poor performance. The legacy network environments will no longer suffice as backhauling the entire traffic from branch locations to the headquarters hampers application performance and produces latency.  

Besides, the boundaries between on-site and remote working environments are blurring. This requires architectural elasticity to support hybrid workspaces irrespective of employees’ location or the business application they are accessing.Given their ability to deliver transparency, flexibility, and intelligent control, SD-WAN services will play a more substantial role as organisations adopt the cloud for mission-critical jobs while supporting hybrid workplaces.

The purpose of SD-WAN

The IT sector has found it easier to deliver routing, threat protection, efficiency in offloading expensive circuits, and simplification of WAN network management.

It comes with benefits in business, which may include:

• High availability for all critical enterprise applications.
• Numerous hybrid active links for all network scenarios.
• Dynamically routed application traffic aimed at efficient delivery and an improved user experience.

A managed SD-WAN provider offers more security and real-time access control. It also secures traffic across broadband internet and into the cloud.

It provides a single and centralised cloud-delivered management dashboard for managing WAN, cloud, and security. Since it can be easily scaled up or down according to business needs, it often includes features like automated traffic routing and configuration.

Who needs a DIY SD-WAN?

A do-it-yourself (DIY) SD-WAN is suitable for larger organisations that have the time, money and human capital to do so. They may have the necessary expertise and resources needed to manage their own SD-WAN infrastructure. 

A small or medium-sized company with a simple network could benefit from a DIY SD-WAN as it would have more control over how the network is implemented. 

Similarly, a company with a more highly trained and experienced IT team would manage its own SD-WAN network.

Who needs a managed SD-WAN service?

Organisations/businesses with more complex and specific needs typically require a managed SD-WAN service. Managed SD-WAN providers are usually found in regulated industries like the financial and healthcare sectors.

Some organisations may experience rapid growth and find it challenging to provide SD-WAN services internally. A managed SD-WAN solution benefits these organisations greatly, as it caters to their growing network infrastructure and security needs. 

Organisations and businesses with more complex and specific needs typically require a managed SD-WAN service. Managed SD-WAN providers are usually found in regulated industries like the financial and healthcare sectors.

Some organisations may experience rapid growth and find it challenging to internally provide SD-WAN services. A managed SD-WAN service benefits these types of organisations greatly, as it caters to their growing network infrastructure and security needs. It efficiently helps simplify these needs.

SASE Security Across Managed SD-WAN Services

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) integrates the capabilities and properties of SD-WAN with cloud-native security functions. These functions may include: securing web gateways, cloud access security brokers, firewalls, etc.

SASE security integrates globally managed SD-WAN services with cybersecurity technologies. Organisational networks are becoming increasingly dependent on cloud-based applications to run their businesses smoothly. This has resulted in an unprecedented need for these conventional organisation networks to rapidly grow beyond the conventional network edge.

If organisations/businesses choose to remain competitive, all network endpoints must be secured efficiently and managed with intense security. These security and networking policies must be the same as their in-house infrastructure. SASE intersects networking and security into one solution, which increases network performance and productivity.

An SD-WAN solution combined with the efficient connectivity capability of SASE’s secure access provides a strong solution for today’s network and work requirements.

Solution for DIY and Managed deployments:

There has to be an understanding of the differences between the different approaches of DIY and managed SD-WAN services. Factors like IT team size, budget and technical resources have to be considered.

DIY SD-WAN is best for organisations/businesses with a sizable IT department having sufficient resources to manage SD-WAN solutions. This has advantages, including direct network control and more cost-efficiency. However, it requires a significant upfront investment and more time to implement. The solution for DIY deployments mainly includes better time allocation for researching efficient resources and more experienced human capital.

Managed SD-WAN services are best for organisations/businesses that are more focused on increasing their IT value. They are provided more expertise and solutions by managed service providers as they provide more organised and simplified billing. It is more susceptible and welcoming to new changes, which may include new capacities, locations, etc. Employment of managed SD-WAN providers may not be suitable for companies that have a specific customisation need in mind. 

This is due to the fact that taking up managed SD-WAN services requires a willingness to outsource management. The solution for this is correct research regarding the managed SD-WAN providers and acceptance of challenges that come with the service.

Managed SD-WAN services are a novel way for any organisation looking to upgrade their data routing systems to be more intelligent and robust. As these services help simplify network management, they are most important for emerging businesses with a rapidly expanding model. 

The cost-effectiveness of managed SD-WAN services also comes down to employing managed SD-WAN providers with the proper knowledge. This overall system ensures simplified cloud connectivity and better workflow coordination.

Get the best SD-WAN solutions at Tata Communications

Tata Communications has developed a customisable SD-WAN solution to support businesses in the era of Industry 4.0, where brands increasingly depend on data and tech. The cloud-native offering, IZO™ SD-WAN, securely connects all branches, data centres, people, and clouds in a single environment.Providing fast, straightforward, and intelligent connectivity options, 

IZO™ SD-WAN benefits from industry-leading tech and equipment. The flexible platform promotes application creation, network agility, and easy branch implementation. Plus, organisations can safely migrate their critical data and applications into any cloud model at a suitable pace.    

Our specialists have not only in-depth networking and security knowledge but also proven dedication to offering quality-focused managed services. So, no more worrying about sluggish network and application problems with our globally-converged (over 160 countries) system. Simply your digital transformation journey today with Tata Communications. Get a Free Trail of Managed SD-WAN.