Top five challenges solved by SD-WAN as a Service

There are many reasons behind the growing adoption of SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network): think simplified management, quick site turn-on, improved UX, enhanced security and reduced costs, just for starters.  

Yet SD-WAN is not a simple architecture, nor is it simple to manage or cheap to refresh when new features are released. This can present a challenge for both Capex budgets and overstretched IT teams, who may lack the time, budget and expertise to manage their SD-WAN around the clock.

The complexity and cost of managing SD-WAN can be daunting, but this is where managed SD-WAN services or SD-WAN as a Service (SD-WANaaS) offer a crucial solution. A new paper from leading IT analyst research firm Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) explores the new imperative for these solutions and the key pain points they address as summarised below.

1.     Shift to hybrid network

The shift to hybrid work has transformed how we do business. But distributing users and applications across cloud environments has hampered visibility into what’s happening where, made network management more complex and exposed new vulnerabilities. 

SD-WAN technology can make your wide area network more visible, secure and flexible. By also partnering with a Managed Services Provider (MSP), your IT team won't be burdened with more administrative tasks. An MSP can manage your SD-WAN and its underlying network links to ensure your deployment is powered by the right technology and is strategically aligned with your broader goal of embracing Secure Access Service Edge (SASE).

2.     The talent race is heating up

The talent race is real across all areas of IT, with a global shortage of four million cybersecurity professionals in 2031. This shortage makes it harder than ever to find and afford the right people to manage and secure your network. An MSP can provide you with the skills and resources you need to improve network performance while enhancing your security.

3.     A seamless and secure experience is everything

The complexity of managing diverse network environments makes delivering consistent, secure experiences more challenging than ever. An MSP can take up the burden of unifying complex networks – giving your end users robust and secure digital infrastructure. With a dedicated MSP, your internal IT team can focus on the strategy that keeps you one step ahead of the competition.

4.     Quickly and securely scale infrastructure

Quickly scaling network services is crucial for supporting business agility and innovation yet the increasing complexity of IT environments and a lean IT team can get in the way of growth. Support from an MSP can help you build network infrastructure that can scale rapidly without compromising on its security.

5.     Untap cost efficiencies

SD-WANaaS offers a cost-effective solution by bundling all necessary hardware, software, and management into a simple per-device, per-month fee. This predictable payment model helps businesses avoid large upfront capital expenses and manage their budgets more efficiently.

Observability via Digital Experience Monitoring and a 24/7 threat monitoring service will be key – providing organisations with clear insight into the experience of the end user, whether it be an employee working from home or an IoT sensor connected to the network. Digital Experience Monitoring focuses on network and application performance, ensuring smooth and efficient operation, while Threat Monitoring with a SIEM helps ensure the security posture of an organisation. AI is increasingly playing a crucial role in both areas, helping to sift through the vast amounts of data generated.

Robust security is also must-have, given the use of internet and Wi-Fi connectivity and the fast-changing threat landscape. Zero Trust Networking needs to be baked in.

Sustainability is now firmly on the agenda of most boards, and the ability to minimise power usage is a capability now offered by our SD-WAN vendor partners. 

Unlock the power of SD-WAN to boost your network's visibility, flexibility, and control. Download the EMA whitepaper now to discover actionable insights for your organisation.

Discover why Optus is trusted by many of Australia’s leading organisations for secure managed connectivity, request a call back below.