SD-WAN: The evolution continues | Computer Weekly
Summary
The growing global adoption of cloud computing has been a boon to SD-WAN, which even before March 2020 was seeing an uptick in demand as more enterprises looked to speed up connectivity and improve network resiliency, facets which have only become more important. Fast forward to 2024, and among the key drivers behind global SD-WAN investments are the need to optimise network connections to cloud-based applications and improve overall security posture. Research by managed network and security services provider GTT Communications in May 2024, the results of which are presented in its Unlocking the potential – understanding managed SD-WAN adoption report, highlights the strategic importance of SD-WAN in enhancing connectivity to cloud services and ensuring access to critical resources supporting productivity and operational agility, while bolstering cyber security measures against ever-evolving threats. The GTT research reveals that current SD-WAN deployments are mainly being driven by the need to optimise network connections to cloud-based applications (86%) and improve overall security posture (81%). “Rapid innovation and security convergence through frameworks like SASE are driving shorter cycles for solution reviews and upgrades.” Yet as well as looking at how SD-WAN is evolving technologically, it’s also necessary to see the evolution in how it is being deployed.