If your WAN (wide area network) experiences frequent downtime and congestion, there’s a new kid on the block. SD-WAN or software-defined networking in a WAN increases your business efficiency and lowers costs.
How does it make that happen? Software and the cloud. The software allows multiple connections, so wireless, broadband and special types work together. And it’s not picky about the Internet connection, economical works just fine.
Your distribution center across the bridge, with a poor internet connection, now experiences reliable service, therefore no delayed order shipments. It’s a boon for multiple location businesses of any sort, especially those with offices in rural areas. No expensive hardware stacked in numerous locations or constant travel for IT to maintain everything.
Your network costs decrease because you choose the lowest cost networking service for the location. MPLS works for HQ, but Wifi is best for the warehouse, and your satellite office uses Ethernet. No problem, the software manages them all seamlessly.
Your business is up and running all the time. The SD-WAN automatically utilizes the best connection among all your locations. Your satellite office experiences an internet outage. No problem, the system switches that office to the HQ connection.
Is your satellite office not tech savvy? No issues, the appliance for each office is plug and play. Your IT staff remotely configures everything from their chair. No driving across town or flying to Alaska necessary.
And SD-WAN’s are secure. Firewalls secure each location with data encrypted upon transfer. It’s never been more cost effective to upgrade your aging network.
Author: Kris Keppeler, writer for Crossing Genres on Medium.com, and Does This Happen to You? on Channillo. Award winning podcast producer. Follow her @KrisKKAria on Twitter or on LinkedIn.
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