Intelligent Data Centres Issue 13 | Page 64

UNCOVERING THE LAYERS Combining the power of the Internet with greater use of software and virtualisation technologies using Software-Defined Wide Area Networking technologies (SD-WAN), allows enterprises to adapt to the varying demands and dependencies placed on the network. Responding at speed is the new reality In the coming years, SD-WAN is well positioned to become a strategic enabler for companies, allowing them to increase efficiency, enhance performance and improve security without increasing costs. SD-WAN offers the promise of zero-touch provisioning, allowing for faster time of service deployment. The availability of SD- WAN with universal CPE also creates the possibility of service chaining, providing the ability to seamlessly add networking functionality such as WAN optimisation and enhanced security without the time and expense of deploying additional hardware. By prioritising a new networking approach, organisations can effectively 64 Issue 13 prepare for the future and preserve their competitive edge. For example, Europac, the international packaging brand, has embraced SD-WAN to gain competitive advantage. It has used SD-WAN to gain greater flexibility and optimise its network to support cloud-based applications, providing the organisation with the agility to support its Digital Transformation strategy. With more and more businesses across sectors and geographies digitising their offerings, it’s time to embrace SD-WAN to support a cloud-based future and gain the agility required of a digital world. SD-WAN offers businesses enhanced control of their network, improves visibility and supports performance while offering bandwidth efficiency – all without increasing costs. When moving to SD-WAN, it’s important to look for features that simplify network management. Offerings that allow businesses to use a single device to connect to multiple functions, manage TO MAKE THIS AGILE ELYSIUM A REALITY, ORGANISATIONS NEED TO CONSIDER HOW THEY CAN REARCHITECT THEIR NETWORK FOR A DIGITAL AGE. software updates all in one place, reduce hardware costs and simplify installations, will consolidate network functions. In turn, this will improve agility and make it easier to rollout new networking services. ◊ www.intelligentdatacentres.com