Is the Channel Ready for SD-WAN?
SD-WAN is generating a lot of noise at the moment, and it’s no wonder when IDC predicts the SD-WAN market will enjoy a compound annual growth rate of 40% until 2022. The reasons for its growing popularity aren’t that hard to discern. From a technological point of view, it promises to simplify operations while allowing central management, rapid new site configuration and quicker application roll out. It enables organisations to improve performance and reduce OPEX costs while making full use of their bandwidth.
Additionally, SD-WAN also provides a much clearer view of the security status of the whole network, with deep visibility into applications, users and threats, while allowing direct internet access for SaaS or cloud-based applications. Intelligent application control means multiple circuits (and circuit types) can be utilised simultaneously, as well as providing the most appropriate path for the application types.
From a business point of view, SD-WAN is proving attractive to companies because it frees them from the prospect of being locked into lengthy contracts with providers. In turn, this is likely to make the market more competitive and help to raise standards across the board.
The technology is also popular with carriers because it makes it easier for them to offer multiple supply chains. No wonder a number of tier one carriers have launched their own offering in this area, given that they control the physical services that underpin the SD-WAN infrastructure.
SD-WAN is not a straight swap for MPLS
There is a temptation to view SD-WAN as a replacement for MPLS. It isn’t. The best way to view it is as a technology that sits alongside MPLS and supports it. In tandem with MPLS, SD-WAN gives customers increased control over application-level routing.
In any case, users are likely to be reluctant to ditch MPLS because it guarantees security pathways from point to point. If they implemented SD-WAN over standard internet in its place, packages could be routed to suit the providers rather than in the most secure or appropriate way for the user.
If businesses choose to overlay SD-WAN with MPLS they can mix internet access and MPLS connections to drive cost and performance benefits. They also have the freedom to switch to a new provider, or providers, without being locked in – and benefit from additional services in the process. This approach enables organisations to look beyond just a single provider to get the most appropriate and cost-effect solution for them.
Is the channel ready for SD-WAN?
Despite the noise around SD-WAN, it’s fair to say that awareness of SD-WAN in the channel is not as high as it could be at the moment. But there is no doubt that customers are interested in evaluating the technology, either as they come to the point of a WAN refresh or as they increasingly move to cloud-based applications. The ability to run SD-WAN alongside MPLS is an attractive option for those interested in adopting the technology.
That should also offer a mechanism for partners to promote a hybrid WAN model that enables customers to implement SD-WAN in their existing environments. The benefits are clear but the concern is whether most partners are capable of articulating them to customers. There is a suspicion that much more education work may need to occur if partners are going to be capable of engaging with their customers’ growing interest in the SD-WAN proposition.
But as with any new technology, partners are often the best conduit to and from customers when it comes to ascertaining how a solution can be implemented within the existing environment in the most effective and least disruptive manner. As a consequence, vendors are likely to ramp up their efforts to educate and empower partners to promote, market and implement their SD-WAN technology for customers. That should represent significant opportunity for channel partners in 2019 and beyond.
What happens next?
There’s no doubt this will be an interesting year for SD-WAN. Its continued impressive growth will mean greater volatility for larger carriers as customers gain the freedom to change elements of their network seamlessly. Customers will be empowered to chop and change suppliers on an individual circuit or site level if the service being provided is not up to standard. This will force suppliers to keep standards high and break up the dominance of leading providers, paving the way for mid-market suppliers to make their mark. The noise around SD-WAN is not going to abate anytime soon.
Source: uctoday
Industry: Unified Communication news
Latest Jobs
-
- Senior Client Microsoft Security Delivery Consultant - Hybrid (London | Remote)
- London
- N/A
-
Senior Client Microsoft Security Delivery Consultant - Hybrid (London | Remote) We are seeking an experienced technical Security Consultant to help clients deploy and enhance their cyber defences across Microsoft and vulnerability management technologies. You will work with enterprise customers to deliver tailored solutions across threat detection, endpoint protection and exposure management, ensuring security platforms are efficient, integrated and aligned with operational goals. Whilst you won't do the design yourself- you will work alongside technical Presales to document, agree and then deliver the solution. You will have experience leading delivery the implementation and improvement projects, providing hands-on support with configuration, integration and optimisation. You will assess existing environments, recommend enhancements and guide clients on best practice to strengthen visibility and control. Strong experience with SIEM, XDR and vulnerability tooling (Microsoft & Tenable ecosystems ideal) Understanding of Azure security, identity and access controls Background in consulting or project-based cyber delivery Clear communication skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders Extra points if you have the SC-100. You must be eligible to achieve UK Security Clearance to be considered for this role.
-
- Account Director | Cyber Security Consulting | UK - South East
- London
- N/A
-
Account Director | Cyber Security Consulting - Financial Services | UK - South East. New Role due to Growth We are looking for an experienced Account Director to develop and expand existing relationships across the financial services sector, working with investment firms, asset managers, private equity groups and strategic partners to deliver intelligent cyber consulting and a bespoke Cyber product offerings. You will act as a trusted advisor, helping organisations strengthen digital resilience, manage third-party and regulatory risk and adopt a proactive approach to cyber assurance. Key Responsibilities Manage a defined portfolio of financial clients, understanding business priorities and aligning tailored cyber solutions. Drive new client engagement while nurturing existing partnerships through a consultative, long-term approach. Present the benefits of advanced cyber services including threat intelligence, vulnerability management, incident readiness, and continuous risk monitoring. Collaborate with technical and delivery teams to ensure smooth engagement from proposal through to implementation and ongoing support. Prepare proposals, negotiate commercial terms, and clearly articulate value and business outcomes. Build trusted relationships at senior and board level. Ideal Profile Strong background in cybersecurity, consulting, or risk management within financial services. Skilled communicator with proven success managing and growing key accounts. Able to translate complex technical insight into commercial and strategic value for clients. Confident engaging with senior stakeholders and decision makers. Please note: Sponsorship is not available.
-
- SOC Analyst- Level 2- Hybrid Greater London
- London
- N/A
-
SOC Analyst- Level 2- Hybrid Greater London New opportunity created through continued growth. We’re looking for a SOC Analyst (Level 2) to strengthen a growing managed security team. You’ll work hands-on with Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR, investigating alerts, responding to incidents, and helping improve how clients stay protected. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys unravelling security events, thinking critically under pressure, and making a real difference day to day. What you’ll do · Investigate and respond to security activity across SIEM and endpoint tools · Analyse network and log data to uncover real threats · Support automation initiatives to streamline response processes · Help maintain visibility, data flow, and performance across SOC platforms What you’ll need · Practical experience using Microsoft Sentinel and Defender XDR · Confident working with KQL or similar query languages · Understanding of attacker tactics and response techniques · SC-200 certifications would be nice. · Experience supporting multiple customer environments Please note: Sponsorship is not available.
-
- Senior SOC Engineer - UK - New role due to growth
- London
- N/A
-
Senior SOC Engineer – New role due to growth We are hiring a Senior SOC Engineer to take the lead across security operations for a growing managed service. You will lead detection, response and onboarding activity across multiple clients, helping shape how the SOC evolves. Expect variety; from fine-tuning alerts and threat hunting to supporting customers and mentoring junior analysts. What you’ll bring · Strong experience across SIEM, EDR, and threat detection tools · Confident working with customers in a managed service environment · Skilled in scripting or query languages such as KQL or PowerShell · Knowledge of frameworks like NIST, ISO27001, MITRE ATT&CK · Calm communicator with a problem-solving mindset · Experience with Azure Lighthouse or delegated access models · Prior involvement in automation or SOC improvement projects Location: South East England- Hybrid role Please note: Sponsorship cannot be offered now or in the future.