A specialist’s guide to your SD-WAN journey

When talking about digital transformation, the path quickly leads to networks – and therefore to SD-WAN and cloud applications. No wonder: networks are crucial for the performance of modern applications that are increasingly operated in the cloud. It is precisely these applications that are at the heart of digital transformation – they ensure innovative strength and competitive advantages.

Cloud has changed the network paradigm

As applications moved from the data center to the cloud, traditional hub-and-spoke network architectures became less important.

SD-WAN was introduced. Companies realized that they could use different transmission types such as 4G/5G and the Internet with MPLS, orchestrate them with SD-WAN and reduce transmission costs at the same time.

SD-WAN’s software-based approach to network management promised to solve a number of problems. However, experience shows that this is often not the case.

SD-WAN Box should be last on your list

SD-WAN and its up-and-coming successor, the SASE framework, are the future of networking. But your network is made up of several moving parts. Before you deploy either technology, you should consider how the rest of your network environment can support it.

Most importantly, your business goals must come first. No two companies have the same needs, so a one-size-fits-all approach will not deliver the best results. Define your business requirements and then deploy the right technology solution.

Below are some of the key points to consider before implementing SD-WAN to support digital transformation.

Insist on the choice of technology

You will probably not set up SD-WAN yourself. You will rely on the expertise of a third party.

This approach has its pitfalls. Vendors recommend their own devices, and most integrators recommend the vendors they are connected to. The problem is that different SD-WAN/SASE-led solutions have different levels of performance. The technologies offered by the vendor or integrator may not fully support you. But that’s all you’re going to get, because that’s all they’re selling.

Savecall ensures that you receive manufacturer-independent advice. And, above all, that you are familiar with the entire range of provider technologies. However, most integrators are only familiar with a few technologies or refer to a few providers.

Savecall and its partners, on the other hand, have expertise in most major vendors and technology areas for medium and large enterprises. As a result, we can put your business objective first and then match the technology to it – and that’s how it should be.

Check the quality of the network connections.

The performance of an overlay technology such as SD-WAN ultimately depends on the strength of the networks over which it runs – or the underlay. Several networks are involved in the underlay.

The core network. Performance is highly dependent on the quality of the core network, which should have a high capacity and multiple fail-safe paths.

Internet. Direct internet access is now the preferred method of connecting users to the cloud. However, some internet providers offer shared services, so check what you’re getting into. The other option is to use dedicated internet access, which provides a dedicated, unattended internet connection with guaranteed bandwidth.

Mobile. With the introduction of 5G, mobile technologies are being used, both as a backup and as the main connection. But coverage is the be-all and end-all.

Check how everything is connected

Good core networks are only one side of the coin. Just as important is how the network is connected to the functions you use every day.

Most companies today use one or more public clouds. The peering links between these cloud providers play an important role in network performance. The more connections your network provider offers and the closer they are to clouds and other networks, the fewer hops users have to make to get to their applications.

Peering links therefore have an impact on the functionality of applications and ultimately on productivity as well as the user and customer experience.

Will you be flexible for business?

Regardless of your SD-WAN solution, you need to buy connectivity. However, with some providers, you are locked into bandwidth, access types and pricing. This can prove to be a stumbling block in an evolving application landscape, especially as your digital transformation progresses. It pays to choose a network provider that offers flexibility.

SD-WAN and digital transformation

SD-WAN is an important part of digital transformation. But it is only one part of many, and most of them are interlinked.

When considering these technologies, it pays to have a partner who has the big picture in mind. A partner whose skills not only cover the entire technology area, but also incorporate your entire business strategy. This makes it easier to achieve your transformation goals.

Savecall is that partner. As trusted advisors with over 25 years of experience in brokering cloud and network solutions for over 1300 existing customers, we offer customized solutions that reduce costs and increase performance. Our vendor-independent advice and our Savecall procurement pool enable the best conditions and average savings of 15%. In addition, our mySavecall portal offers full transparency regarding contracts, invoices and the status of your installations. Sourcing that inspires – that’s our promise for your digital future.

I look forward to your questions!

Frank Frommknecht

Key Account Consultant