Ivan McPhee

GigaOm Radar for Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Solutionsv5.0

Table of Contents

  1. Executive Summary
  2. Market Categories and Deployment Types
  3. Decision Criteria Comparison
  4. GigaOm Radar
  5. Solution Insights
  6. Analyst’s Outlook
  7. About Ivan McPhee

1. Executive Summary

SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) is a transformative networking technology that has revolutionized the way organizations manage and optimize their wide area networks (WANs). At its core, SD-WAN is a software-based approach to controlling and managing WAN connections throughout enterprise networks, including branch offices, data centers, and cloud applications.

The primary purpose of SD-WAN is to improve network performance, increase agility, and reduce costs associated with traditional WAN infrastructures. It achieves this by intelligently routing traffic across multiple connection types, such as multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), broadband internet, and cellular networks, based on application requirements and network conditions. This allows organizations to leverage less expensive internet connections while maintaining the performance and reliability traditionally associated with dedicated MPLS circuits.

SD-WAN’s importance lies in its ability to address the challenges posed by the increasing adoption of cloud services, the rise of remote work, and the growing demand for bandwidth-intensive applications. As businesses become more distributed and reliant on cloud-based services, traditional WAN architectures struggle to provide the necessary flexibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness. SD-WAN offers a solution by providing:

  • Enhanced connectivity and reliability
  • Increased bandwidth and efficiency
  • Improved cybersecurity and protection
  • Enhanced flexibility to adapt to changes on demand
  • Improved application and network performance
  • Increased uptime
  • Streamlined network management
  • Enhanced user experience
  • Reduced costs

SD-WAN technology has evolved rapidly since its introduction in the early 2010s. Initially focused on replacing or augmenting MPLS connections with internet-based VPNs, as the technology matured, SD-WAN has expanded to encompass a broader range of features and capabilities:

  • Cloud optimization: SD-WAN has evolved to better support cloud-based applications and services, offering direct cloud connectivity and intelligent traffic steering.
  • Multicloud management: SD-WAN is evolving to provide better visibility and control across multiple cloud environments.
  • Edge computing support: SD-WAN is adapting to support edge computing and IoT requirements, enabling efficient data processing closer to the source.
  • Zero-touch provisioning: Advanced SD-WAN solutions now offer simplified deployment processes, reducing the need for on-site technical expertise.
  • Security integration: Modern SD-WAN solutions now incorporate advanced security features, moving towards a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) model that combines network and security functions.
  • 5G integration: As 5G networks become more prevalent, SD-WAN solutions are incorporating this high-speed, low-latency connectivity option.
  • AI/ML: Advanced SD-WAN solutions leverage AI and ML for predictive analytics, automated troubleshooting, and intelligent decision-making.

Furthermore, the SD-WAN market has matured significantly, experiencing rapid growth and evolution. Key trends shaping the market include:

  • Market consolidation: Major networking and security vendors have acquired SD-WAN startups, creating a more concentrated market with integrated offerings.
  • Shift to managed services: There is a growing preference for managed SD-WAN services, with many deployments now involving service providers.

As organizations continue to digitally transform and adapt to new ways of working, SD-WAN has become a critical component of modern network infrastructure. Its ability to provide flexible, secure, and efficient connectivity across distributed environments positions it as a key enabler of business agility and innovation. The ongoing evolution of SD-WAN, particularly its convergence with security technologies and integration with emerging networking paradigms, ensures its continued relevance in addressing the complex networking challenges of the future.

This is our fifth year evaluating the SD-WAN space in the context of our Key Criteria and Radar reports. This report builds on our previous analysis and considers how the market has evolved over the last year.

This GigaOm Radar report examines 29 of the top SD-WAN solutions and compares offerings against the capabilities (table stakes, key features, and emerging features) and nonfunctional requirements (business criteria) outlined in the companion Key Criteria report. Together, these reports provide an overview of the market, identify leading SD-WAN offerings, and help decision-makers evaluate these solutions to make a more informed investment decision.

GIGAOM KEY CRITERIA AND RADAR REPORTS

The GigaOm Key Criteria report provides a detailed decision framework for IT and executive leadership assessing enterprise technologies. Each report defines relevant functional and nonfunctional aspects of solutions in a sector. The Key Criteria report informs the GigaOm Radar report, which provides a forward-looking assessment of vendor solutions in the sector.