Unlocking the power of HCLTech’s Managed SD-WAN Services

Introduction

As organizations across the globe look to thrive in the GenAI era, they are increasingly realizing the importance of their network and connectivity strategy to meet their digital goals. As radical technologies pressure businesses to transform and digitalize, having a robust SD-WAN is more than a luxury – it is a necessity. Businesses that deployed their first SD-WAN a decade ago have started to realize and quantify initial benefits. However, as the years passed, SD-WAN continued to advance, and now we are seeing the emergence of SASE on integrated SD-WAN and SSE. While several native SD-WAN OEMs claim to solve the SD-WAN puzzle alone, the ‘two-in-a-box’ approach (System integrator + OEM) would pave the full-spectrum SD-WAN adoption. But how do you know when to upgrade or replace your legacy SD-WAN solution? In this blog, we explore HCLTech’s Managed SD-WAN Services and how we cater to changing SD-WAN requirements.

Key trends in the SD-WAN evolution

As enterprises increasingly embrace SD-WAN transformation, the demand for a flexible, secure and scalable solution continues to rise. In this dynamic landscape, several trends are shaping the future of SD-WAN adoption:

As customers move from traditional CAPEX-based commercial models, Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) will gain mainstream adoption. According to Gartner, By 2026, 30% of new SD-WAN procurements will be NaaS, up from 10% in 2022.
With enterprises adopting more intelligent network automation, we believe that NetDevOps will take center stage. Again, Gartner believes that 40% of enterprises with SD-WAN deployments will use AI to automate Day 2 operations by 2025, compared to less than 10% in 2022.
Multicloud Integration is on the rise. According to Cisco's Global Network Report, 53% of respondents are prioritizing SD-WAN integration with cloud services, SaaS and middle-mile providers.
As enterprises look for a converged network and security operations, SASE deployments are on the rise and SASE revenue is expected to reach $21B by 2028, covering 17% of combined SD-WAN and cloud security expenditures.

These are just a few key trends from the SD-WAN evolution. And HCLTech not only caters to them but also delivers them exceptionally well when it comes to delivery, timelines and meeting our clients' digital objectives.

Existing WAN challenges and how HCLTech Managed SD-WAN Services, powered by Cisco, help

As more enterprises transition to true SD-WAN deployments, they have begun to realize that the promises offered by SD-WAN technology are much harder to fulfill than anticipated. While SD-WAN brings many benefits, like every other innovation, it comes with a set of challenges, too. Based on our own client interactions, the top 3 concerns to be aware of are:

With multiple vendors offering a wide range of features, choosing the right vendor can be difficult and time-consuming. The right service provider must leverage managed services capabilities to meet unique business needs while creating a solution that streamlines the client’s budget.
One of the most prevalent SD-WAN marketing messages is ‘cost reduction.’ However, this is hard to achieve with quantifiable bottom-line savings and largely depends on how your ROI business case is constructed.
Securing SD-WAN is one of the most discussed SD-WAN design topics. While SD-WAN native OEMs boast about providing a ‘zero trust' infrastructure, they’ve largely failed. Deploying a robust SD-WAN requires partnerships with cloud-delivered security providers who can complement the delivery of SASE architecture.

Businesses require an innovative SD-WAN solution built to deliver flexible connectivity and superior application performance while simplifying Day 2 operations. HCLTech Managed SD-WAN Services power the next-gen SD-WAN with a future-ready and technology-agnostic (choose between Catalyst SD-WAN and Meraki) framework that dynamically routes and intelligently connects the enterprise's global WAN infrastructure to make it truly transport-agnostic.

So, to overcome and avoid SD-WAN pitfalls, choosing HCLTech Managed SD-WAN Services is the ultimate strategy. And why shouldn’t you? HCLTech has been rated as an SD-WAN leader by all major analyst firms, including ISG, Gartner and Avasant. Our strategic partnership with Cisco helps customers gain significant savings, expedite deployments and improve operational efficiency.

Our joint offer, packages, case studies and pricing

Whether you are new to SD-WAN or looking to optimize your SD-WAN as you prepare for your AI future, HCLTech offers a range of SD-WAN deployment options. With our Managed SD-WAN services, clients can choose the SD-WAN technology, i.e., Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Cisco Meraki and tiers – Silver, Gold and Platinum.

The Silver tier, designed for single sites and small businesses, offers flexible transport options like MPLS, Internet and LTE. It provides essential network observability for real-time visibility and security using Cisco’s in-box solutions. Automated network tasks are managed through DRYiCE iAutomate NetBot, making it ideal for streamlined operations at smaller scales.
The Gold tier expands on this by enhancing security with future-proof SASE capabilities like CASB, SWG, DLP, etc., and providing extended visibility and automation. It supports multicloud connectivity for seamless, secure access across cloud environments, utilizing the cloud as a middle-mile backbone coupled with advanced threat detection — perfect for businesses with more complex IT needs.
At the top, the Platinum tier is the most feature-rich offering, designed for large enterprises with sophisticated requirements. This tier delivers multi-layered analytics and advanced visibility from applications to the network and internet, using tools like Cisco SD-WAN Analytics and ThousandEyes. It enables comprehensive network reporting, AI-driven operations (AIOps), and trends analysis to optimize performance and drive decision-making. The Platinum tier maximizes automation, operational efficiency, and advanced insights, making it the optimal choice for organizations seeking top-tier performance and security.

In addition, our SD-WAN consulting and assessment services help customers simplify SD-WAN choices and select the right technology based on their unique business needs.

Why choose HCLTech as your preferred SD-WAN Managed Network Services provider?

This is one question that greets us each day, woven into the fabric of every client exchange. Our 30+ years of legacy in network transformation have helped us deliver SD-WAN solutions to Global 2000 enterprises across 60+ countries. Not only clients but leading analyst firms such as Gartner, ISG, Forrester and Everest Group have also featured us as an undisputed leader in the Managed SD-WAN space – a true testament to our client service delivery. Over and above, our flexible commercial models make it easier for businesses to plan and manage their expenses. Our team of more than 2,000 certified professionals ensures prompt services and seamless transformation journeys. Lastly, our AI-enabled service delivery platform (SDP), powered by DRYiCE iAutomate, helps clients get and stay ahead with complete network lifecycle management and operations.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the future of connectivity lies in agile, intelligent and secure networks, and HCLTech's Managed SD-WAN, powered by Cisco, is at the forefront of this evolution. As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the need for seamless, high-performance and scalable networks will only grow. With our solution, we’re not just addressing today’s challenges — we’re future-proofing your network for tomorrow’s innovations. Our strategic partnership with Cisco will further benefit our clients in delivering exceptional user experience and improved security outcomes while significantly simplifying operations.

HCLTech has implemented Cisco’s Catalyst SD-WAN and Meraki across industry verticals, providing clients with a modernized, cost-effective and secure network infrastructure that empowers them to improve user experience and business continuity.