Managed SD-WAN takes the complexity out of software-defined networking by entrusting its operation to experienced professionals. But who are these providers, what are their strengths and what are the benefits?
Here's a breakdown of the key players in the Managed SD-WAN landscape:
1. Telecommunications Companies:
- Network Giants: Think established names like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast. These companies have vast network backbones and last mile infrastructure. They have been doing this for a long time, making them a logical fit for Managed SD-WAN.
- Network Aggregators / resellers: There are lots of telcos with National or global reach that do a good or better job, for a lot less, and who are a lot easier to deal with. I specialize in these options, think aggregator resellers like GTT and CommandLink among others. Great backbone transport, don't own and have to maintain that expensive last mile access.
- You don’t have to sign with a giant to get access to their last mile loops. For instance, aggregators like GTT do a great job in the US and we get to pick and choose from any available fiber, copper or coax last mile facilities for network access from the big boys, many times for a fraction of the big boy price. You gotta love AT&T in a white wrapper, or Comcast in a bag instead of a box for less!
- Strengths: Extensive network reach and WAN specialization can be bundled with other telecom services like SIP trunks, MS Teams licensing with dial tone integration, managed firewalls, DDoS mitigation and many others. Competent offerings, generally at very competitive pricing. I also have numerous security solutions we can layer on top of these offerings like virtual CSO, written company security procedures and posturing, penetration testing, employee security training and testing, etc.
- Considerations: Many of the larger carriers suffer from trying to be “all things to all people”. Bigger is not always better. These gigantic players will have less flexibility in tailoring solutions to specific needs, and are in general harder to deal with, especially when it comes to install intervals, bill credits and tactical pricing (contracting to get more for less).
- If you’re coming to The Telecom Broker for your needs, I will make sure you get the best fit for your unique needs, at the best price points. Suffice it to say after working with the big boys for years, there are many times better, more nimble and proactive options.
2. Specialized Managed Service Providers (MSPs):
- SD-WAN Experts: These providers focus exclusively on managed services, they may or may not specialize in SD-WAN and related technologies.
- Strengths: Deep technical expertise, strong focus on customer service, and the ability to customize solutions to meet specific business requirements.
- Considerations: Still rely on regional or national telcos for network access circuits. So will have less network reach than telecom giants. May have lower economies of scale and hence potentially higher costs for SMB businesses.
3. Value-Added Resellers (VARs):
- Solution Integrators: VARs act as intermediaries between technology vendors and customers, bundling SD-WAN with other IT services like PCs, software, cybersecurity and cloud solutions.
- Strengths: One-stop-shop for multiple IT needs. Like MSPs probably can also manage your LAN and other premise based non-telco boxes like servers, security cameras and so forth, although increasingly many telcos are offering these solutions as well (not LAN management, but certainly managed security and cloud-based offerings like UCaaS, etc). None the less, VARs can integrate SD-WAN with existing internet access, systems and provide local, personalized support.
- Considerations: Varying levels of expertise in SD-WAN, especially lacking in highly certified security engineers and security management. No economies of scale compared to National telco carriers or MSPs, and potential for higher costs when bundling licensed services. My general view here is leave the telco network to the telcos, buy your PCs and software from your LAN integrator if you don't handle it yourself.
Why Choose Managed SD-WAN? Unlocking the Benefits
Managed SD-WAN offers a compelling value proposition for businesses of all sizes, from a network of regional based retail stores to the largest international enterprise. Here's how outsourcing your SD-WAN management can benefit your organization:
1. Reduced Operational Burden:
- Free Up Your IT Team: Offload the complexities of SD-WAN management, security design and implementation as well as UCaaS and dial tone needs, allowing your internal IT team to focus on strategic initiatives.
- Retain Control: While the provider handles day-to-day operations, you maintain access to the centralized management platform for visibility and control.
- Streamlined Operations: Simplify network management with automated tasks, reducing manual intervention and the risk of human error.
2. Proactive Monitoring and Management:
- 24/7 Network Surveillance: Benefit from continuous monitoring of your network, ensuring optimal performance and rapid issue resolution.
- Proactive Problem Solving: Providers identify and address potential issues before they impact your business, minimizing downtime and disruptions. Make sure your provider will be proactively opening trouble tickets for circuit issues as well, not all do.
- Comprehensive Support: Receive support for all aspects of your SD-WAN, including circuit troubleshooting and vendor management.
3. Enhanced Security:
- Integrated Security Solutions: Strengthen your security posture with network or endpoint based managed firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and secure web gateways for VPNs and internet traffic.
- Expert Security Management: Leverage the expertise of seasoned, certified security professionals to protect your network from evolving threats.
- Simplified Compliance: Ensure adherence to security regulations and industry standards with managed security services.
4. Optimized Performance:
- Application-Aware Routing: Prioritize critical applications and ensure optimal performance for business-critical traffic.
- Bandwidth Optimization: Maximize your network resources with efficient bandwidth allocation and traffic shaping. This is one of the major benefits over MPLS, we get to efficiently use our bandwidth, at a lower cost than those expensive, dedicated circuits.
- Continuous Optimization: Some providers will constantly monitor and fine-tune your network to ensure peak performance and efficiency. Most say they will, but it’s a mixed bag, as they know the SD-WAN gear is doing the heavy lifting here.
5. Expert Support:
- Dedicated Support Team: Access a team of skilled network engineers for network design prompt assistance and issue resolution. Of course, as your telecom broker, I assist in all these areas, especially as an escalation point down the road, when most sales guys and gals have moved on from all the promises they made up front.
- Proactive Guidance: Receive expert advice on network design, optimization, and future-proofing your SD-WAN. Again, I’m intimately involved here as well, with over two decades of WAN design and implementation.
- Reduced Downtime: Minimize downtime and disruptions with rapid response times and efficient troubleshooting. Again, a mixed bag here, but choosing the right vendor is key. As time passes, great vendors can become “OK” vendors or even not so good. Then it’s time to shop the market and take your network to bid with more attentive providers. All a benefit of dealing with a telecom broker like me.
6. Scalability and Flexibility:
- Effortless Scalability: Easily scale your network bandwidth and add new locations as your business grows. Because we can use cheap, rapidly provisioned best effort circuits like cable and cellular, we can spin up a new branch pretty quickly.
- Flexible Solutions: Adapt your network to changing business needs with flexible service plans and customized solutions. Downsizing? Let’s drop the expensive MPLS or DIA dedicated circuit and leave the cable modem with an ADSL or cellular connection. If the dedicated circuit is still under contract, I generally get the carrier to reposition the Early Termination Liability (ETL) to a new location if we have one.
- Future-Proof Your Network: Ensure your SD-WAN can support future technologies and evolving business requirements.
By partnering with The Telecom Broker and one of my Managed SD-WAN providers, you gain the best of all worlds. Access to expertise, resources, and support that will simplify design, purchasing and management while transforming your network operations.
This allows you to focus on your core business objectives while enjoying the benefits of a optimally designed, secure, and scalable network, knowing the SD-WAN Guru has your back at all times.