What is SD-WAN as a Service?

SD-WAN as a Service refers to software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) connectivity delivered to customers as a managed service using software orchestration.

SD-WAN architecture is appealing because it is a replacement for traditional WAN routers and supports transport technologies like MPLS, internet, and cellular networks. SD-WAN also allows load sharing of traffic across multiple WAN connections, making data transmission more efficient.

According to Prescient & Strategic Intelligence, the 2017 global SD-WAN market value was $676.9 million. Frost & Sullivan predict the market value will be $1.5 billion in 2022.

SD-WAN as a Service vs. Managed SD-WAN

“Managed SD-WAN” is another way to refer to this offering because a customer typically pays a service provider a fee to install and deliver connectivity, as well as any applications, monitoring, and maintenance services.
For service providers, managed SD-WAN is a chance for them to offer value-added services such as SD-WAN security and application performance enhancement. These value-added services often come with service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee minimum service levels..

Benefits

One of the main benefits of SD-WAN is that it can reduce WAN costs because it supplements or replaces dedicated private WAN networks, which usually are MPLS, with regular broadband connectivity.
That same cost-benefit can be applied to the service format. By using this, organizations can get the flexibility and cost savings of SD-WAN and at the same time minimize the headache of managing the infrastructure and connectivity.

SD-WAN as a Service: Key Takeaways

• SD-WAN as a service solves a problem organizations may have where they cannot operate their own SD-WAN.
• SD-WAN service providers can operate an SD-WAN for organizations that cannot or do not want to do so.
• A managed SD-WAN is where a service provider adds value to the network with its own additional features.
• A benefit of using a provider’s SD-WAN as a service is an organization can focus on business goals rather than managing an SD-WAN.