Digital transformation is accelerating for some businesses, prompted by a climate of uncertainty. But some are struggling to enable new capabilities at speed, and tech overhauls could fail without the right approach. Digitising your business can provide you with more savings, reduce your admin, and help you to refocus on the business of delivering critical business activities that impact your bottom line.

Software-defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) has disrupted the rules of business by providing enterprise decision-makers with the ability to transform their operating model. The technology promises to deliver the agility and flexibility needed to improve collaboration, accelerate innovation and deliver a sustained service for customers which are the necessary ingredients for a successful digital transformation initiative. With that in mind, we want to take a look at some of the key points of interest surrounding the promise of SD-WAN.

SD-WAN is positioned to simplify WAN networks

The aim of an SD-WAN is to simplify the architecture and management of a network, while still making use of existing legacy infrastructure such as MPLS, IP-SEC etc. Enterprise WANs are already complex so integrating an SD-WAN will require a certain level of expertise during deployment and in life to manage and support the network infrastructure – especially if you choose to build and manage your own network. SD-WAN is a simpler proposition to manage than its predecessors. Almost all vendors offer centrally hosted, portal-driven management where administrators can point and click their way to network management nirvana. This is a huge step forwards from the command lines of the previous generations of infrastructure.

The introduction of SASE to SD-WAN infrastructure

SASE (Secure access service edge) is a cloud-based architecture that delivers network and security services meant to protect users, applications, and data. SASE combines SD-WAN capabilities with security and delivers them as a cloud service. Including both in a single platform helps reduce costs and increase efficiency by streamlining the management of networking and security functions. 

While each cloud solution offers many benefits, such as increased flexibility, scalability, and reduced costs, SD-WAN is typically better for small and mid-sized businesses because it offers them more control over their data and voice networks. SASE‌ is better for larger organizations that need to manage large amounts of data traffic.

While SASE may be the answer if a business is searching for a comprehensive cloud security solution SD-WAN could however be the way to go if a business is in need of a method to improve traffic flow across its hybrid WAN connection.

SD-WAN implementation can improve business agility

To connect branch offices to the corporate data center, organizations have traditionally used expensive dedicated Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) lines. As more bandwidth is required to support increasing connectivity demands, MPLS lines become cost-prohibitive, preventing organizations from fully satisfying their business needs. Depending on the access medium deployed, new MPLS circuits can sometimes take months to be provisioned, greatly slowing down the ability to spin up a new branch. This hinders business changes, agility, and flexibility. The beauty of SDWAN is that it can utilize more affordable broadband internet links as part of the mix, to complement or in some instances actually replace MPLS links.

An SD-WAN network can reduce overall networking costs

As organizations deploy an ever-increasing array of cloud-based applications, the amount of data travelling over a WAN increases exponentially, thereby increasing operating costs. Fortunately, SD-WAN can reduce this price tag by leveraging low-cost local Internet access, providing direct cloud access, and reducing the amount of traffic over the backbone WAN.  According to an IDC survey (forecast), nearly a quarter of survey respondents expect SD-WAN cost savings of upwards of 39%, with two-thirds expecting more modest savings in the 5-19% range.

SD-WAN allows your organization to expand its network capabilities without risking its connections or spending on the bandwidth that isn’t necessary. It also drastically simplifies the management of your network infrastructure.

Choosing the right product for your business

Our software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) offers you the platform to “join the dots” and make your digital ambition a reality. Speak to one of our experts to find out how your organisation can benefit from Vodacom Business Africa’s managed SD-WAN service.

Find out we can help you realise your ambitions with Vodacom Business SD-WAN.