A Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) is a virtualized architecture that simplifies the management of distributed WAN networks. It enables organizations to connect branch offices, remote workers, and devices across diverse geographic locations and telecommunications infrastructures.

Investing in SD-WAN technology is a strategic move for the enterprise, as the market is large and projected to grow significantly. From USD 3.4 billion in 2021, the SD-WAN market is expected to reach USD 13.7 billion by 2026 [source] . IDC forecast data shows that the SD-WAN market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1% to reach $7.5 billion by 2027. (source)

This growth underscores SD-WAN solutions’ increasing adoption and long-term viability, providing assurance that your investment is aligned with a rapidly expanding industry.

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) SD-WAN technology enables secure, centralized management of WAN connections, which can improve network agility, reduce costs, and enhance network performance.

DIY SD-WAN (Do It Yourself SD-WAN) DIY SD-WAN is the on-premises deployment and management of SD-WAN technology. With DIY SD-WAN, an organization purchases, installs and configures its hardware and software. The organization’s internal IT staff are responsible for maintenance and support.

Managed SD-WAN With Managed SD-WAN, an organization outsources networking applications and services to a third-party MSP (Managed Service Provider). The MSP provides expert service, support and SLAs for uptime and performance. In summary, SD-WAN is the technology, DIY SD-WAN is the self-managed approach, and Managed SD-WAN is the outsourced, third-party managed approach.

SD-WAN is a worthwhile endeavor, although the deployment can be complex and pose several challenges, like:

• Choosing the right SD-WAN vendor that aligns with your organization's goals.
• Ensuring the underlying network infrastructure can support SD-WAN.
• Effectively managing costs, including licensing, hardware and operational expenses.
• Selecting the appropriate SD-WAN deployment model, such as DIY, Managed or Hybrid.

To create a solid SASE strategy, start by identifying your primary goals—whether modernizing your WAN edge, enhancing security or both. Carefully select vendors that offer true SASE capabilities and prioritize automation and orchestration to boost security and efficiency. This approach enables you to effectively address the complexity and challenges of deploying SASE, ultimately leading to a more secure and streamlined network infrastructure.

HCLTech offers comprehensive Managed SD-WAN services designed to enhance WAN utilization, reduce costs and increase enterprise agility. Our technology-agnostic approach provides flexible and customizable solutions that integrate seamlessly with multiple vendors such as Cisco, VMware, Aruba, Fortinet, Zscaler, Versa Networks and Palo Alto Networks. Clients benefit from the freedom of choice for the right solution for their unique needs.

HCLTech’ s Managed SD-WAN Service includes several key features, such as:

• Transport-agnostic connectivity
• Converged network and security services
• As-a-service commercial models
• AIOps Service Delivery
• Consulting-led SD-WAN transformation approach

HCLTech offers different types of Managed SD-WAN services divided into two categories:

Option 1. Classic SD-WAN

• Cloud OnRamp
• Application-aware routing
• Performance-based routing
• Managed WAN backbone (Telco, Equinix, Megaport)
• Secure Edge

Option 2. NextGen SD-WAN

• Direct Internet Access (DIA)
• Lightweight uCPE
• Security Service Edge (SSE)
• SSE WAN Backbone (Prisma Access, Cisco Secure Connect, Versa, VeloCloud, Fortinet SSE, Zscaler)

SASE (secure access service edge) is a network architecture model combining network security functions with wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities to provide secure, flexible and scalable connectivity for users and applications. SASE typically includes a range of features and functions such as SD-WAN with Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Data Loss Prevention (DLP).