Enterprises all across the globe are utilizing new technology to stay ahead of the market competition. The majority of businesses use traditional WAN for networking and connectivity, especially for different offices and locations. But, traditional network architectures are not scalable and flexible to address modern day business aspirations and challenges. It is difficult for those enterprises who don’t adopt the up-gradation of network architecture to stay relevant in today’s competitive market. SD-WAN is the most effective and efficient approach that works on networking interfaces. For cloud-based applications, SD-WAN is proving the best WAN architecture option.
When a business implements this SD-WAN technology, it experiences several positive impacts. Right from performance improvement to security enhancement, an enterprise is going to experience all these chances with SD-WAN. Let’s have a close look at these benefits of SD-WAN:
1. Reduction of costs of WAN architecture
A business requires both capital and network connectivity to perform well and ensure productivity. But if the WAN cost increases it ultimately affects the business cash flow. For network connectivity, most businesses still rely on MPLS which is too expensive and complex to maintain.
One thing to keep in mind is that MPLS is more expensive than public Internet bandwidth. Along with location, there are many more variables on which the cost of MPLS depends. So, for long-term applications and savings, the majority of businesses look for SD-WAN architecture. According to the reports, the implementation cost of SDWAN will be at least 40% less than that of MPLS.
MPLS’s bandwidth charges are one crucial factor that increases its costs. Along with this, the provisioning and implementation of the MPLS link might take months which ultimately increases its costs and defies the need of business agility. However, with SD-WAN, the provisioning will be done in just a few days. A business that’s just keeping its foot in the business world requires ample funds for business operations with lesser dependency on ISP. So, cost saving is one of the major benefits that a business will experience after utilizing this newer WAN technology.
2. Boosting the security of the network
As digital transformation is increasing, cybercrimes are also increasing resulting in data security as the need of the hour. For ensuring the security of the data coming from different devices, organizations use traditional WAN. The traditional WAN solutions can manage security well and there’s no doubt in it. For doing so, traditional WAN uses multiple appliances at every location, branch, and office.
But, the level of security that SD-WAN technology gives is impeccable as it consists of inbuilt security protocols. Today, companies from different industries are now switching to SD-WAN as its default encryption capabilities are ensuring the complete security of critical data.
Businesses that want to ensure data security must also focus on the type of network they choose. Investing in newer technology like SD-WAN assures a better and more precise way of data protection.
Along with this, SD-WAN solution has several incredible firewall features that help in allowing authorized users. Right from DNS filtering to encryption, SD-WAN takes care of these things to manage high-risk traffic. If an enterprise is using SD-WAN then only those who have authorization will be able to access the data and check the corporate network.
3. Improving the performance of the enterprise’s applications
In an organization, different applications work as the lifeline of the business. Be it resources or business processes, everything works with the help of applications. As most of the critical applications are running on the cloud, there will be a requirement for enhanced security.
The implementation of the SD-WAN solution helps in separating the business’s applications from the network services. This way, each application of the enterprise will show improved performance. If the applications have increased performance then this will ultimately help the business’s productivity and efficiency.
4. Solving complexity issues of network
No matter what sort of business it is, there are huge chances of complexity in the network. This complexity in the network arises because of additional numbers of devices. The process of digital transformation causes most corporate networks to get additional layers. This not only leads to weak network performance but also creates a situation of complexity.
No doubt, the traditional WAN that most businesses are still using is a lot more complex. Along with this, it requires ample time and money to set up.
But, this is not the case when your business chooses SDWAN. This WAN architecture can reduce the issue of the complexity of the network by simplifying the overall infrastructure. When a business starts using SD-WAN, it witnesses several benefits related to solving the issue of the network’s complexity. Thus, it is necessary to consider looking for the right SDWAN providers that assure security and performance.
5. Making IT staff available for other productive works
Because of advancements in technology, there will be the use of multiple devices which will cause layers of complexity. As a result of this, this complicates the WAN architecture too. A challenging network impacts business operations, and connectivity and engages all the IT staff. If a business doesn’t want several network challenges then it would be better to adopt & implement SD-WAN.
All network-related concerns and challenges require IT staff to get them fixed. This stresses the IT team as they will have to take care of the challenges. But, a lot of work burden on the IT team of the enterprise makes it tough for them to do other core business operations.
Thus, your business requires an SD-WAN solution that can manage network challenges and lessen the IT team pressure. As SD-WAN uses a centralized controller, it is easy for this WAN architecture to manage the configuration, and traffic and solve the network complexities.
To sum up
No doubt, SD-WAN technology is one of the biggest technological breakthroughs in today’s digitally paced world. Because of this technology, there can be seen a revolution in networking. Most of the businesses that are adopting SD-WAN experiences multiple and major benefits. These include data security enhancement, improved application performance, and reliability.