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Multinational enterprises (MNEs) face tough challenges managing their multilayered global networks. These include diverse regulatory requirements, ever-evolving cybersecurity risks, and astronomical operating costs.
By adopting robust SD-WAN services, enterprises can overcome the obstacles to successful network management. SD-WAN solutions offer countless advantages for MNEs, helping IT leaders streamline management and improve results for their businesses.
This article aims to explain four common types of SD-WAN services, describe what they’re best for, and outline their key benefits. It also dives into the overarching benefits of SD-WAN for MNEs.
What are SD-WAN services?
SD-WAN is a cloud-first service that blends software-defined computing with Wide Area Network (WAN) technology to interconnect IT infrastructure, devices, networks, and end-users across the globe.
SD-WAN optimizes and streamlines traditional WAN architecture by providing private connectivity via virtualization rather than dedicated MPLS hardware. These services use an intelligent centralized control plane and a combination of transport services to route traffic strategically through the best connections available.
These services enhance network performance, reduce costs, strengthen security posture, and augment enterprise agility. They also provide cloud connectivity and support for global expansion.
4 Types of SD-WAN services
Multinational enterprises have a few options when it comes to SD-WAN solutions.
1. Managed SD-WAN
What it is:
In this model, enterprises outsource SD-WAN design, deployment, and management to a third-party provider—such as a telecom operator or connectivity managed service provider.
Collaboration:
Managed SD-WAN is a highly collaborative approach in which the organization works closely with its third-party partner. The enterprise and provider must initially collaborate to assess organizational needs, define key requirements, and strategically design SD-WAN architecture. The third-party partner then handles setup, day-to-day management, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Providers communicate regularly to offer updates on everything from performance specs to emerging issues. Organizations can usually access network details and reports via a centralized portal, allowing them to retain visibility and some control.
Best for:
Managed SD-WAN services are best for enterprises with limited in-house IT expertise or companies looking to minimize the burden of network management.
Key benefits:
Advanced expertise, simplified network management, and augmented free time for growth initiatives.
2. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) SD-WAN
What it is:
With these SD-WAN solutions, companies purchase SD-WAN hardware and software, and then deploy and manage SD-WAN services themselves.
Collaboration:
Multinational enterprises leveraging DIY SD-WAN manage everything from configuration and deployment to maintenance and troubleshooting. Organizations may work with third-party providers or vendors for IT support or particular integrations, but collaboration is primarily within the enterprise’s IT team.
Best for:
This type of SD-WAN is perfect for enterprises with advanced in-house networking expertise, ample resources to implement SD-WAN architecture and a strong desire for maximum control.
Key benefits:
Countless customization capabilities and full authority over network management.
3. Hybrid SD-WAN
What it is:
Hybrid SD-WAN services combine managed and DIY approaches. In this model, enterprises manage some aspects of the SD-WAN while outsourcing others to a service provider. For example, an organization may elect to handle basic configuration and monitoring but elicit help for activities like advanced security or network optimization.
Collaboration:
Hybrid SD-WAN services require that the enterprise and the provider clearly define their respective responsibilities. This method also demands continuous open communication and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Best for:
This model is an excellent fit for enterprises with some in-house networking knowledge that want to offload specific tasks or access specialized connectivity expertise.
Key benefits:
Optimized costs, flexibility, and specialized expertise on specific elements.
4. SD-WAN-as-a-Service
What it is:
With SD-WAN-as-a-Service, third-party partners provide and manage entirely cloud-based network infrastructure. Enterprises usually pay through a subscription or “pay-as-you-go” model to access SD-WAN solutions “as a service.”
Collaboration:
This approach requires initial and ongoing collaboration. Multinational enterprises and their providers must first work together to assess organizational needs, create Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and design SD-WAN solutions. Companies and partners must continue collaborating to report on ongoing performance, exchange updates, and address any issues.
Best for:
SD-WAN-as-a-Service is best for enterprises seeking flexible, scalable, and rapidly deployable SD-WAN solutions—especially organizations with a strong cloud focus.
Key benefits:
Greater scalability, support and troubleshooting, agility, and simplified network management.
Benefits of SD-WAN services for multinational enterprises
Let’s discuss the overarching advantages of SD-WAN solutions—no matter which type of services organizations adopt.
Reduced costs
These services reduce expenses by consolidating network infrastructure, optimizing connectivity through more efficient routing protocols, and centralizing management activities. These impacts help IT leaders increase margins and free up funds for innovative initiatives.
Improved performance
SD-WAN solutions can improve application and network performance by optimizing traffic flow, maximizing bandwidth, reducing latency, and boosting visibility. As a result, they augment productivity while enhancing the customer and employee experience.
In a recent article, McKinsey experts stress the importance of increasing productivity: “Productivity is the imperative that can deliver business outperformance and a future of abundance.” Their insights remind enterprise leaders that adopting productivity-enhancing solutions like SD-WAN is essential.
Enhanced security
SD-WAN services can augment enterprise security posture by providing advanced security features, end-to-end protection, and a centralized platform for managing network security policies.
PwC’s Global Digital Trust Insights Survey found that organizations increasingly view cybersecurity as a key differentiator for a competitive advantage. More specifically, 57% of executives surveyed cited customer trust as an area of influence. This finding highlights security’s impact on business reputation, customer satisfaction, and overall success.
Cloud connectivity
SD-WAN helps multinational enterprises easily connect to cloud-based services with greater security and efficiency. This offers companies greater agility while facilitating seamless collaboration—which is critical to business success.
Support for global expansion
SD-WAN solutions are incredibly scalable. They allow enterprises to rapidly and seamlessly expand into new regions and countries. This benefit prepares businesses for the future by facilitating growth and engendering flexibility.
Conclusion: Partner with Advantage to optimize network operations
SD-WAN services offer enterprises countless advantages, including reduced costs, improved performance, enhanced security, cloud connectivity, and support for global expansion.
Interested in propelling your organization to new heights? Learn more about SD-WAN solutions and discover how they can benefit your business.
To explore the transformative impacts of SD-WAN services, seek advice from a connectivity MSP like Advantage Communications Group. We’re there every step of the way—providing holistic support from sourcing to implementation and beyond.
Drop us a line today to start transforming your network operations.