How does SD-WAN support cloud transformation?

Cloud transformation is one of those buzzwords that’s here to stay. It gets thrown around in dozens of applications from software to data storage. Many people consider it a natural evolution from the digital transformation trends of the 2010s. But what does cloud transformation mean when it comes to MPLS and SD-WAN? How does SD-WAN support cloud transformation? We’ll explore what moving to an SD-WAN enables for your organisation in today’s quick read.

What is cloud transformation?

It might sound intuitive but cloud transformation is the process of moving everything related to your organisation to the cloud for centralised and remote access & management. You could do it in bite-sized pieces, moving your apps to the cloud, then your data, then transitioning the whole infrastructure. But one way or another, you’re probably going to want to be in the cloud. It offers better computing power, flexibility, and control than most offline or local solutions. You’ll also get access to the latest updates without any delay for a robust competitive advantage. Lastly, you’re unlikely to suffer a data loss with centralised, automated data backups.

 

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a cloud-based technology that allows for remote and centralised multi-site traffic management and device administration. It is comprised of an Edge, Gateway, Controller and Orchestrator. It’s usually installed over top of an MPLS connection for smarter routing. No Jitter says, “Secure SD-WAN technology enables companies to build high-performance WANs using a combination of lower-cost Internet and higher-cost private technologies, like Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) and customer edge devices. SD-WAN simplifies the management of WANs at a reduced cost and offers greater flexibility by directing traffic between various sites based on business rules.” We can help you understand the positive impact SD-WAN would have on your organisation.

Key Benefits of SD-WAN

To help your transition to the cloud, SD-WAN enables:

• Centralised, multi-site management
• Robust security, policy & remote updates
• Smart traffic routing that’s user and app aware
• Zero-touch provisioning
• Optimised for cloud applications like Office 365 & major SaaS
• Agile deployment with fast scaling
• Compatible with all WAN connections

Cost savings with SD-WAN

In some instances, SD-WAN will help your organisation save money by letting you eliminate MPLS altogether, and it will also allow your network to make better traffic failover decisions. SD-WAN services can additionally help your organisation reduce expenses by performing network virtualisation functions. This technology supports faster provisioning and eliminates the need for IT personnel to travel to remote branches.

Essentially, SD-WAN enables business growth by reducing the headcount and time investments involved with managing your network infrastructure. It does the prioritisation for you and optimises connectivity based on business needs. In large organisations, scalability is achieved without the need for more costly MPLS solutions. And all policies are managed from a central point – ensuring consistency. This means you can ramp up and down in line with your unique business needs.

If you’d like to explore how SD-WAN can support your cloud transformation, let’s talk. We’ll demonstrate how a robust SD-WAN implementation can enable more productivity and growth, even when it’s deployed alongside a traditional MPLS. Contact our helpful team today for an initial scoping conversation.