01.

Software-defined, cloud-first, versatile, & agile

Implementing technology that scales and evolves is priority number one for enterprises as they prepare for the future. SD-WAN is a crucial cornerstone to creating this versatility and agility. It increases network performance by prioritizing business-critical traffic, reducing packet loss, and latency issues.

Further, by using broadband to off-load non-critical business apps, automating monitoring tasks, and managing traffic through a centralized controller, SD-WAN can assist with the contemporary problem of network sprawl. Software-defined wide-area networks also help reduce overhead costs by eliminating certain hardware expenses.

Cloud enablement, from management to access, will also play a significant role in the future enterprise network. And SD-WAN enables direct-to-cloud access at the remote branch, thereby eliminating backhauling traffic — routing all cloud and branch office traffic through the data center — meaning that customers and employees alike can directly access cloud applications regardless of location.

02.

Application-aware and automated

Automation is driving substantial digital transformation across all industries, and network services will be a vital driver of the change. To evolve, enterprise organizations need application-aware automated networks with built-in information and intelligence about various applications and traffic patterns to dynamically route and prioritize connectivity needs.

Many IT leaders are also looking to AIOps, which uses big data, analytics, and machine learning capabilities to collect aggregate data from multiple IT infrastructure components, app demands, performance-monitoring tools, and service ticketing systems. AIOps will empower further automation through predictive analytics and response.

Network complexity will only grow with these capabilities and more, making observability a critical component moving forward. By utilizing diverse data sources, IT teams can understand what is happening inside the network and how the state of the network impacts business objectives and customer/employee-user experience.

03.

Multi-transport and high-bandwidth

Connectivity matters just as much as a future-ready enterprise network’s composition. This means enabling versatile transport modes and connectivity options like broadband, converged fiber and cable, 5G, and private wireless. And the need for speed is only increasing, so IT leaders should consider high bandwidth for communications, growing data sets, and exponential processing needs for new sources of information.

04.

Delivered as an integrated solution or under an as-a-Service model

Unique use cases across the enterprise also require an integrated approach that offers multiple connectivity modes and related solutions. IT decision-makers can further optimize access to application workloads through managed network functionality.

Some other benefits of this model include:

Managing costs
by lowering operational, service maintenance, software, and infrastructure costs from the lack of physical hardware required.

Maintaining a competitive edge
by helping enterprises function optimally and remain focused on growth, employing the latest technologies, and providing strategic network advice.

Maximizing performance
through high network availability and increased productivity reducing support time, and enabling effective monitoring.

Improving the quality of service
(QoS) by continuously keeping infrastructure up-to-date and reducing network downtime.