Executive Summary
SD-WAN is reshaping wide area networking by radically improving visibility and control via
simplifying WAN management while improving WAN reliability, performance, and
economics. It combines the use of multiple active branch links, intelligent direction of traffic
across those links, and centralized, policy-driven management of the WAN as a whole. The
ability to leverage multiple lower-cost services (including Internet and 4G wireless) as well
as WAN stalwarts MPLS and Carrier Ethernet transforms IT’s relationship to the WAN and
the WAN’s relationship to the business.
The message is clear: now is the time to take a close look at your company strategy, the IT
strategies meant to help drive the company forward, and at budgets and the WAN
architecture. Does your organization need more reliable WAN services? More agile ones?
Does it need higher bandwidth, lower rates, increased visibility, greater control, more
reliability, reduced operating costs? SD-WAN may be the best way to power the changes
needed.
IT now must build a compelling business case for making the transition, or risk wasting more
staff time and company money on the status quo. The base of the case must be cost: SDWAN
can stop the ballooning growth in WAN costs typical in an MPLS-based enterprise
WAN by harnessing Internet connectivity and cutting WAN service bills while delivering
substantial improvements in performance and availability. It can also dramatically reduce
the amount of staff time required to manage the WAN; particularly the time needed to
bring a new site or service online. It can reduce both branch outages and application
performance problems. It can position the network as a strategic enabler of transformative
efforts and IT as a key strategic contributor.
IT should model the cost of growing with the current architecture to meet future needs and
compare that against do-it-yourself and managed SD-WAN options. Then, pursue the course
that makes the most sense. If the best choice is SD-WAN, look for solutions and providers
that can help with planning and executing the transition
Download the full report from Nemertes Research: “Getting to the WAN You Need: Adopt SD-WAN for a Better, Faster, More Affordable Business-Critical WAN”
Evaluating and making the business case for SD-WAN.
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