Software-defined WAN is a feature-rich technology with the ability to consolidate networking, security, reporting and management on one platform. But potential users should be aware of the challenges inherent in SD-WAN and the deployment risk factors.
We've listed five challenges that IT teams face when evaluating SD-WAN suppliers. Vendor selection, base provisioning, cloud connectivity, cost reduction and management are all challenges that should be considered alongside specific requirements.
1. Supplier selection
The first challenge associated with SD-WAN is vendor selection. Most IT decision-makers will start their SD-WAN investigation with research into leading suppliers.
This first stage is challenging due to the marketing actions within the SD-WAN product space. IT teams are overwhelmed with data suggesting that each product can offer digital transformation in WAN services.
In recent years, the WAN has evolved to encompass technologies such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), integration with the main cloud providers and various features to help with application performance and diversity.
While security, the cloud and new features allow users to work securely from wherever they are, IT teams need to analyze their users' workflows to understand how each supplier is best placed to provide their services.
In response to this challenge, IT teams can document the business application flows that currently exist and how the company intends to work over the next decade. When creating this report, teams should pay attention to how users can be more productive using SD-WAN resources.
When making technology decisions, IT teams are often limited by their existing commitments and the complexity of the network. For example, security vendor contracts don't always end at the same time as WAN services.
In this scenario, teams should consider suppliers that offer good integration with third-party security services. In many ways, existing commitments pose a challenge because vendors are consolidating features into one offering.
2. Provisioning contained
The move from private WAN technology, such as MPLS, to the Internet as the default connectivity option for SD-WAN makes sense. Almost all companies are adopting a public cloud strategy in SaaS, IaaS and PaaS.
The challenge related to SD-WAN revolves around which service providers are best suited to a company's locations - and whether to use a single IP backbone or a multi-ISP strategy.
A single IP backbone makes sense for large global companies, as traffic remains within an autonomous system, creating more predictable latency and instability in application performance.
On the other hand, national networks are not so concerned about the round-trip delay, so they may consider a multi-ISP strategy based on individual zip codes.
Teams must consider more than network performance, however. Traditional MPLS network operations centers are known for their focus and problem-solving capabilities, providing end-to-end management of the WAN edge and circuit.
Generally, ISPs are not as focused, which means that the responsibility falls on the provider to troubleshoot and manage connectivity problems.
Depending on an IT team's management choice - adopting DIY SD-WAN versus managed SD-WAN - it is essential that they understand how potential suppliers will provide a service level agreement to monitor and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
3. Cloud connectivity
In almost all SD-WAN vendor selection projects, IT teams require connection to the main cloud platforms. SD-WAN suppliers generally fall into the following three categories in terms of their ability to access cloud services:
- Native cloud access is integrated into the vendor's architecture and uses the cloud's backbone infrastructure to connect branches.
- Vendors deliver their SD-WAN devices in cloud environments with public gateways or private backbones.
- Vendors make it the customer's responsibility to deploy devices in their local cloud data center.
The first option describes SD-WAN providers who are adopting the cloud as their global backbone. The deployment of cloud gateway architecture is not yet widespread, but it is a sensible option because the connection to the local data center in the cloud is the final destination for user traffic.
The second option provides some flexibility in relation to providers' go-to-market resources, including private backbones or public gateways, which route traffic more efficiently compared to the Internet.
Finally, the third option provides access to cloud providers, but in a more ad hoc and simplified architecture.
4. Cost reduction
Reducing costs is one of the main drivers and marketing statements associated with SD-WAN. But cost reduction is often not quantified in the final savings and requires consideration of the overall benefit to the business.
For example, adopting SD-WAN with SASE enables more efficient working practices. Although enabling users to access applications efficiently doesn't appear as a line item in the budget, the overall effect on business can be enormous.
Another standard way of reducing costs is to purchase local Internet underlay by site from the lowest-cost service provider. By comparing similar prices and MPLS circuits, companies are saving significantly.
Consolidation of resources also represents significant cost savings, as IT teams consider vendors that offer devices with SD-WAN, SASE and cloud provider access integrated into their platform.
With consolidation, the SD-WAN is simpler to manage and use, which has a positive impact on IT departments, as they require fewer resources to manage the system.
5. Management
SD-WAN is helping to define the boundaries between DIY, co-managed and fully managed. Companies don't have to choose their management level in a traditional, static way.
When a provider doesn't have the full technology stack, it must bring in additional expertise to deliver the system. This is the traditional way of providing WAN offerings: build a capability by assembling the platform.
This usually results in slow processes, as the systems between each technology stack often don't work well together.
Vendors who have their full technology stack can help customers manage their WANs depending on the requirements of any situation. By maintaining control of the technology, vendors are well placed to deal with any requirement at all levels of managed services.
If IT teams want to manage changes, the SD-WAN management interfaces make it easy. If the teams need a little help, a supplier will do their part, as they understand the different aspects of the offer delivered.
In contrast, service providers offer their vision of SD-WAN, bringing together underlay and overlay with various supplier options. The platform is built on multiple suppliers, which can result in a less agile and more time-consuming process. If companies don't require flexibility in managed services, the managed service provider route is viable.
About Conversys
Conversys IT Solutions is a provider of Information and Communication Technology services and solutions operating throughout Brazil.
With a highly qualified technical and commercial team and a network of partners that includes the main global technology manufacturers, Conversys IT Solutions is able to deliver customized IT and Telecom Infrastructure solutions to clients.
We invest in our employees and partners and strive for a long-lasting relationship with our clients, because we believe that this is how we gain the skills and knowledge we need to innovate and generate value for the businesses in which we operate.
