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As enterprises grow, their Wide Area Network (WAN) becomes increasingly complex – geographically distributed with diverse connectivity links. They are also consuming more bandwidth capacity as users collaborate across regions, use Cloud-based services, access large rich-media files, and leverage other bandwidth-intensive applications.

In-house IT teams are facing significant challenges when addressing these demands due to the complexity, cost and static infrastructure of their existing WAN. Many of them are turning to Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) for a simpler, centralised way to manage their enterprise network, replacing more expensive and difficult to manage services such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).

However, SD-WAN is still a relatively new technology for many businesses today. Building a whole SD-WAN architecture across enterprise locations in multiple regions can be a daunting task.

In such situations, businesses should consider choosing managed SD-WAN instead of a DIY approach. A managed SD-WAN is cost-effective and quick to deploy using a self-service platform with round-the-clock network performance monitoring and support.
With so many managed SD-WAN providers to choose from, it is important to remember that not all service offering is created equally. Here are 3 key elements to look for when choosing your managed SD-WAN provider:
Performance
In a hyper-connected world, end-users expect everything to be seamlessly integrated and always-on. Most carriers offer traditional WAN services that are not built for managing high-bandwidth applications and services across various markets.
A managed SD-WAN provider should be able to offer extension global reach and deliver the service over a carrier-grade network for better security and performance. The underlying infrastructure is a crucial puzzle piece in bringing greater reliability and peace of mind.
Security
Data is everything, but nothing without security.
A managed SD-WAN security features should be integrated at the edge or cloud-based with centralised security management. Enterprise no longer need to source for external security vendors or integrated their own security system or equipment.
They should have the ability to configure next-generation firewalls, encryption and security protocols through a self-service platform. Additionally, utilising a private network ensures the enterprise data are protected from intrusion or unauthorised access.
Simplicity
A managed SD-WAN is handled by the service provider, but it is essential for the enterprise users to have some control over the WAN. With a self-service management platform, it is much faster to deploy new sites and more efficient when orchestrating WAN services as well as centralised control over security policies.
The platform should also offer visibility into the network with real-time analytics and traffic summary reports, in the event of any planned or unplanned outages. A simple and powerful platform makes the managed SD-WAN service a league above the rest.
Get in touch with us to find out how Epsilon’s Managed SD-WAN solution can enable you to accelerate your enterprise connectivity, while gaining greater global reach and network agility.
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