In 2023, businesses will continue to embrace digital transformation, leading to increased demand for agile and efficient network solutions. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) has emerged as an innovative technology that offers organizations the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and performance to meet the demands of modern connectivity. As the SD-WAN market evolves, choosing the right solution becomes crucial. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when evaluating an SD-WAN solution in 2023.
Application performance and quality of service (QoS)
One of the main reasons to adopt SD-WAN is to improve application performance across the entire network. Look for an SD-WAN solution that offers dynamic route selection, real-time traffic prioritization, and quality of service (QoS) capabilities. This ensures that critical applications receive the necessary bandwidth and resources, while less time-sensitive traffic is intelligently managed to avoid bottlenecks and delays.
Security Features
With the evolution of cyber threats, security is a paramount concern for any network solution. Make sure the SD-WAN solution you choose provides strong security features such as encryption, intrusion detection and prevention, state-of-the-art firewalls, and secure web gateways. Also, look for built-in integration with third-party security tools to add an extra layer of protection to your network.
Cloud connectivity and integration
With the rise of cloud-based applications and services, seamless integration with cloud providers is essential. Verify that the SD-WAN solution supports direct connections to major cloud platforms. This enables efficient and secure access to cloud resources, minimizing latency and improving the overall user experience.
Centralized management and orchestration
A centralized and easy-to-use management interface is crucial for the effective deployment and operation of SD-WAN. Seek an SD-WAN solution that provides a comprehensive management platform with a single dashboard to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot your entire network. Centralized orchestration simplifies policy management, improves visibility, and streamlines network administration.
Scalability and flexibility
As your organization grows and the demands on the network evolve, the SD-WAN solution should be able to scale with the growth of your business. At JT TECH we offer a solution that supports a wide range of deployment options, including hardware, virtual appliances, and cloud-based instances. One point to consider is that the SD-WAN solution can easily adapt to new sites, remote branches, and different bandwidth requirements without significant disruption. In JT TECH, we help you with this.
Cost effectiveness
Profitability is a critical factor for any technology investment. Compare pricing models and total cost of ownership (TCO) of different SD-WAN solutions. Evaluate whether the solution can help you optimize bandwidth utilization, reduce hardware costs, and potentially replace expensive Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) connections with more affordable broadband connections.
Support and service level agreements (SLAs)
Reliable support is essential for maintaining a smooth and efficient network. Investigate the level of technical support and service guarantees offered by the SD-WAN solution provider. Look for well-defined service level agreements (SLAs) that ensure timely resolution of problems and minimize downtime in the event of problems.
In conclusion, SD-WAN continues to be a critical technology for organizations striving for a modern, secure, and agile network infrastructure. When evaluating an SD-WAN solution, prioritize factors such as application performance and QoS, security features, cloud integration, centralized management, scalability, cost effectiveness, and support. At JT Tech, we select the right SD-WAN solution that aligns with your organization’s specific requirements and long-term goals, and can pave the way to improve connectivity, optimize network performance, and enhance user experience.
Take control of your network with SD-WAN. Contact our team to obtain specialized information for your company: info@jttechinc.net
