When talking about software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), there are many benefits that can be listed that apply in a general way to many organizations. They are easy to scale up or down, use a subscription-based payment model, allow for centralized visibility and troubleshooting on the network and permit prioritization of network traffic based on business policy.
SD-WAN also allows for the easy addition of new branch locations into the network, relieving companies of the need to send a technician out to the location to configure the router. New branches can be added to an existing SD-WAN setup in minutes.
With all of these benefits, you might assume that SD-WAN is a prepackaged dream that fits the needs of every organization. It’s because it is software-defined that makes it easily customizable to the needs of each organization. While bigger enterprises may all have similar needs, mid-size companies vary widely in their priorities for the networks, and it’s in these organizations that SD-WAN’s flexibility is often most able to shine.
A variety of priorities for mid-size companies: While one SD-WAN subscriber may require the ability to bring on new locations quickly in an explosive growth period, another subscriber may value the ability to prioritize Internet traffic. Their remote workforce requires the ability to conduct virtual meetings through video conferencing that can be prioritized over an employee on break watching Netflix.
Yet another mid-size company may be looking for ways to handle network traffic for a large set of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. SD-WAN allows them to segment the data flow for their IoT devices and also protect the rest of the network in case of a security breach on one of the devices.
Mid-size companies have a wide range of network needs, and SD-WAN can be configured to handle all of them.
Begin by documenting needs: Every mid-size company should begin by determining their current needs and future goals for their network solution. Increased customization is often the driver behind a company’s choice to leave behind a do-it-yourself network approach and move to managed services.
It’s important to work with a service provider that has in-depth knowledge of the industry and can walk the team through the considerations they need to include in their assessment before making any decision about a network solution.
To find out how your mid-size company might benefit from SD-WAN, talk to Truthcomm. Contact us for an appointment to begin your needs assessment and determine what kind of network solution is ideal for your current situation and your future plans.