What Makes Managed SD-WAN Different?
It’s believed that by 2023, over 90 percent of WAN technologies will be driven by software-defined networking rather than hardware such as routers.
Why is SD-WAN superior to traditional WAN technologies? Why is managed SD-WAN even better? Managed SD-WAN providers can save organizations a significant amount of time and money, while providing superior and more reliable services.
What is Managed SD-WAN?
Traditional Wide Area Network (WAN) technology leverages hardware solutions such as traditional routers to provide connectivity between branches, headquarters, and Datacenters. A WAN allows an organization’s user to be across a nation or the globe and still access its infrastructure for internal use. But it requires that the system be optimized, managed, and maintained on a hardware level. An SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) is essentially the same technology, but the WAN edge device is configured centrally through a software controller rather than individually via Command Line Interface. It’s far easier and more intuitive to manage and configure, which in turn makes it easier to secure and more efficient.
On top of this is a new evolution: the managed SD-WAN. This provides SD-WAN configuration as a service. An Managed Service Provider (MSP) is called upon to design, manage and maintain then wide area network. The organization doesn’t have to manage anything. It’s all handled for them.
What holds organizations back from deploying their SD-WAN? Often, they just don’t have the expertise to make the transition. This is something that a technology partner like Red River can help address. With managed SD-WAN services, a complete WAN solution can be developed for a business and even maintained and monitored on its behalf; they get the benefits of a SD-WAN service without the drawbacks.
The Advantages of Managed SD-WAN Technology
With WAN and SD-WAN Technology being so relatively common, why are so many organizations switching to a managed SD-WAN solutions? There are multiple important advantages.
Managed SD-WAN is Configured and Controlled by Professionals
An organization may be intimidated by the SD-WAN process because their IT team may not be prepared to configure it. An MSP can help an organization setup and deploy the SD-WAN service, as well as arranging the transition to reduce potential disruption.
Organizations Don’t Need to Train or Hire Internal IT
Rather than having to hire internal IT departments to manage the SD-WAN, the organization can instead engage with an on-demand service with reasonable costs relative to the support that is needed. The cost of procuring good talent can be substantial, and many companies don’t want to have to bolster their internal IT departments.
Managed SD-WAN Solutions are Better Secured
A managed SD-WAN is backed by professionals and experts who can better secure the system, especially important for organizations dealing with a large number of sites or complex networks. If an organization is concerned about security risks, it makes sense to engage with professionals who are security experts.
A Managed SD-WAN Has 24/7 Monitoring and Recovery
Monitoring the network 24/7 is very tedious and simultaneously low-level work. This type of work is a great candidate to be outsourced so that your internal team can focus on projects which are strategic to your organization. No one wants to come into the office to a system that’s down. A managed SD-WAN will have faster response times and improved reliability.
Managed SD-WANs Can Provide Continued Support
Rather than simply setting up the network, MSPs can provide assitance and helpdesk ticket support whenever the system has glitches. Internal IT departments won’t need to worry about maintenance or putting out fires relative to the wide area network. Instead, they can rely upon the MSP to solve complaints and end user issues.
Managed SD-WAN Improves Productivity and Efficiency
Because the SD-WAN will be properly configured and maintained, the organization will have better productivity, speed, efficiency, and reliability. With Managed SD-WAN, the organization can reap the benefits of the technology without having to learn about the technology in-depth.
A Managed SD-WAN is Ultimately More Cost-Effective
Some organizations may hesitate to invest in managed SD-WAN because of the cost. But ultimately, it’s less expensive to hire a managed service provider than try to manage and maintain an SD-WAN internally. Furthermore, there are bottom line savings associated with greater levels of productivity and efficiency.
The advantages of managed SD-WAN solutions are significant and varied. They are more cost-effective and reliable, as well as easier and simpler to use. But how can you transition to something as complex as a managed SD-WAN infrastructure? Red River can help. Connect with Red River today to learn more about why managed SD-WAN might be the best solution for you.
