5 Key drivers for SD-WAN and SASE adoption
As businesses continue to expand their global operations, the demand for robust and efficient networking solutions has never been higher. Many organizations are turning to SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) adoption and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions to augment or even replace their existing WAN infrastructure.
While the motivations behind this shift can vary greatly from one organization to another, there are several common drivers that propel enterprises toward adopting these modern networking solutions.
As your organization continues to navigate the complexities of global operations, understanding how SD-WAN and SASE can support your networking goals is crucial. Let’s dive into the key drivers to understand why SD-WAN and SASE are becoming the go-to solutions for global enterprises.
What’s driving the shift to SD-WAN and SASE?
1. Cloud enablement: The backbone of modern enterprises
The digital transformation of enterprises has been characterized by the rapid adoption of cloud technologies. Companies are increasingly leveraging public and private cloud services such as SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), and IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) to enhance business efficiency and agility.
This transformation is not just about moving applications and data to the cloud; it’s about rethinking the entire IT infrastructure to support this new paradigm.
MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) networks, which have long been the standard for enterprise networking, are struggling to keep pace with the demands of cloud computing. Originally designed to connect branch offices to centralized data centers, MPLS networks are ill-equipped to handle the dynamic, distributed nature of modern cloud environments.
Users now expect instantaneous access to cloud applications, with seamless performance regardless of their location.
SD-WAN, with its ability to dynamically route traffic across multiple connections, provides the agility and performance needed to support cloud-based platforms and applications. By virtualizing the network and integrating cloud connectivity, SD-WAN adoption ensures that enterprises can fully leverage the benefits of cloud services without being hindered by outdated network infrastructure.
2. A cost-effective way of addressing network traffic growth
As businesses continue to digitize their operations, the volume of data being transmitted across networks is increasing at an unprecedented rate. This surge in traffic can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the proliferation of cloud services, the rise of remote work, and the increasing use of data-intensive applications like video conferencing and real-time collaboration tools.
Traditionally, enterprises have relied on MPLS networks to manage their WAN traffic. However, expanding MPLS bandwidth to accommodate growing traffic needs is often cost-prohibitive.
Moreover, traditional Internet-based or hybrid VPN (Virtual Private Network) solutions, while more affordable, can be complex to deploy and manage. These solutions often lack the performance stability required for critical applications, leading to issues such as latency, jitter, and packet loss, which can severely impact user experience.
SD-WAN offers a more cost-efficient alternative by allowing enterprises to combine MPLS with Internet connections, such as broadband or LTE, to create a hybrid WAN. This approach not only reduces costs but also improves network performance by intelligently routing traffic based on application needs and network conditions. For example, SD-WAN adoption can prioritize real-time traffic, such as voice or video, over less critical data, ensuring that mission-critical applications always have the bandwidth they need.
3. Complex global networks are hard to manage
Managing a global network is a complex and resource-intensive task. Particularly for organizations that operate in multiple countries with diverse networking requirements.
This complexity is compounded by the need to manage a mix of providers, in-house solutions, and different types of technologies. This fragmented approach requires in-depth technical skills and can strain IT resources. Making it difficult for enterprises to maintain consistent network performance and security capabilities across all locations. Many organizations turn to a Managed Service Provider to handle the logistical requirements behind global network design and management.
Additionally, SD-WAN simplifies network management by providing a unified platform that can be centrally managed. With SD-WAN, IT teams can gain visibility into the entire network, regardless of the underlying connectivity options. This centralized management allows for easier deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting. Ultimately reducing the operational burden on IT staff and enabling them to focus on more strategic initiatives.
4. The need to adapt security protocol to a broader perimeter
As enterprises become more interconnected and users increasingly work remotely or on-the-go, the traditional network perimeter is dissolving. In this new landscape, traditional perimeter-based security models, such as those provided by MPLS networks, are no longer sufficient. These models were designed for a time when most users and applications were located within the corporate network. When traffic patterns were relatively predictable.
Today, enterprise traffic flows are far more complex. Users access cloud applications, collaborate with third parties, and connect from various locations outside the traditional network perimeter. This shift has introduced new security challenges. Such as securing remote access, protecting data in transit, and preventing unauthorized access to cloud applications.
SASE addresses these challenges by converging network security services with WAN capabilities in a cloud-based architecture. SASE provides secure access to users, regardless of their location, by enforcing security policies at the edge of the network, closer to where users and applications reside. This approach not only improves security but also enhances user experience by reducing latency and ensuring consistent performance.
5. Modern business requires increased flexibility and agility
Enterprises need to quickly adapt to changing market conditions, scale their operations, and deploy new applications and services. However, traditional network solutions, such as MPLS and hybrid VPNs, are inherently rigid and difficult to modify. Adding new sites, adjusting capacity, or reconfiguring software often requires significant time and technical expertise, which can slow down business operations.
SD-WAN and SASE provide the flexibility and agility that modern businesses require. As software-defined solutions, they allow for rapid deployment and scaling of network services without the need for extensive manual intervention. This agility enables IT teams to quickly respond to changing business needs, such as opening a new branch office, supporting a remote workforce, or rolling out a new application.
SD-WAN and SASE represent the future of enterprise networking
SD-WAN and SASE are more than just networking solutions; they are enablers of digital transformation. By virtualizing network services and integrating cloud-based security, these technologies provide the flexibility, security, and performance that modern enterprises need to thrive in a digital-first world.
Whether you’re looking to improve cloud connectivity, reduce networking costs, enhance security, or increase agility, SASE and SD-WAN adoption offer the capabilities to meet your business’s evolving needs.
If you’re ready to explore these solutions further, our experts are here to help. Get in touch today to find out if our SD-WAN services and SASE solutions are right for you.