Many multi-site enterprises are leaving 2021 with an increased resolve to explore the possibility of moving from MPLS to SD-WAN. This is a transition that may seem intimidating, but it can offer your business a great alternative to legacy networks and technology, providing opportunities for limitless future growth.
This move is so popular that predictions have 60% of enterprises1 making the switch by 2024. This switch is being driven by factors such as the cost savings made possible by automation, increased cloud adoption, changing security requirements, and many more.
Despite its growing global popularity, individual IT and company leaders need to weigh their options and consider when the move is right for their business. Today, we’ll explore how this switch can benefit your organization and what considerations you’ll need to be aware of before, during, and after the transition.
The Benefits of Moving From MPLS to SD-WAN
Many different benefits can be gained when moving from MPLS to SD-WAN. These can be broken down into three primary areas.
Agility
Your SD-WAN solution can be configured to intelligently manage its own network performance and scale features and functions to match the current needs of your business. With these settings enabled, your data can move faster and more efficiently.
Flexibility
Administrators can dial in the performance levels of SD-WAN, giving them the flexibility to control and configure their network and customize it to their needs.
Scalability
With SD-WAN, it’s easy to add or remove branches. Onboarding new locations is simple, and adding new applications can be done quickly with no disruption to work.
Considerations to Make Before Your Transition to SD-WAN
One of the most important considerations to make before you switch from MPLS to SD-WAN is which type would be the best fit for your business. There are a few different types of SD-WAN available today.
Carrier Managed
With a carrier-managed SD-WAN, your business pays your provider to design and install the solution. This often results in a solution that relies on the public internet for access to some applications, and can create security risks due to multiple vendors being involved.
Appliance
This type of SD-WAN uses appliances that are either set up alongside routers or replace them entirely. Then, network traffic is forwarded via existing MPLS architecture or an internet connection.
Cloud Managed
Cloud-managed SD-WAN combines the security of a private network with the flexibility of the internet to offer an option that’s simultaneously less expensive over time and more reliable. This allows for better performance within your app environment and offers easier support.
Make the Transition to SD-WAN With Help From TailWind
Many considerations go into moving from MPLS to SD-WAN and choosing the right solution for your business. Instead of making this decision on your own, consult a company like TailWind.
Our experts can take a look at the data and applications you use on a regular basis and use that information to deliver a custom SD-WAN solution that will facilitate future growth, increase ROI, and ensure ongoing team productivity. Contact TailWind today to get that conversation started.
