Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology is transforming how businesses manage their Wide Area Networks (WANs). It simplifies network management and reduces costs by decoupling hardware from its control mechanism.
One of the biggest decisions businesses must make when considering sd wan as a service is which deployment option is best suited for their needs: on-premise, cloud-based, or hybrid. Here in this article we will discuss the pros and cons of each deployment option to help businesses make informed decisions.
On-Premise SD-WAN Deployment
On-premise SD-WAN deployment involves the installation of an SD-WAN solution on the organization’s servers or hardware. This option provides businesses with complete control and ownership of their solution.
Pros:
On-premise deployment gives businesses complete control, allowing them to customize and configure this solution to meet their needs.
It can be more cost-effective, particularly for larger organizations, as it eliminates ongoing cloud-based subscription fees.
This option can provide faster access to local resources as data does not need to be routed through the cloud.
Cons:
On-premise deployment requires significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and expertise to manage and maintain the SD-WAN solution.
It may not provide the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based deployment, particularly for businesses with rapidly changing network requirements.
Such an option may require additional security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to protect the organization’s network.
Cloud-Based SD-WAN Deployment
Cloud-based SD-WAN deployment involves using a third-party provider’s infrastructure and software to deliver the SD-WAN solution. This option provides businesses with a scalable and flexible solution that is typically more cost-effective than on-premise deployment.
Pros:
Cloud-based deployment eliminates the need for upfront investment in hardware and software, making it more cost-effective for small to medium-sized businesses.
It is highly scalable and can quickly adapt to changing network requirements.
This typically provides better security and uptime than on-premise deployment, as cloud providers invest heavily in security and redundancy measures.
Cons:
Cloud-based deployment may require ongoing subscription fees, making it more expensive over the long term for larger organizations.
It may introduce additional latency and reduced performance, particularly for businesses that require fast access to local resources.
Cloud-based deployment may provide limited customization and control over the SD-WAN solution, as businesses rely on the cloud provider’s infrastructure and software.
Hybrid SD-WAN Deployment
Hybrid SD-WAN deployment involves using a combination of on-premise and cloud-based SD-WAN solutions. This option provides businesses with the flexibility to customize this solution to meet their specific needs.
Pros:
Hybrid deployment allows businesses to customize their SD-WAN solution, combining the control and security of on-premise deployment with the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based deployment.
This can be cost-effective over the long term, particularly for businesses with varying network requirements, as it allows them to optimize their network usage based on their needs.
Hybrid deployment provides businesses with fast access to local resources, while still benefiting from the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based deployment.
Cons:
Hybrid deployment can be complex to manage and maintain, requiring significant expertise and resources to ensure proper configuration and integration.
It may introduce additional latency and reduced performance, particularly if not properly configured.
This may require additional security measures to protect the organization’s network and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right deployment option for sd wan as a service is a critical decision that can significantly impact a business’s network management and cost-effectiveness. On-premise deployment may be the best option for businesses requiring complete control over their SD-WAN solution, specific customization requirements, or limited cloud connectivity.
Cloud-based deployment is ideal for businesses that require a scalable and flexible solution with minimal upfront investment and do not require fast access to local resources. A hybrid deployment is best suited for businesses that require the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based deployment but also require the control and security of on-premise deployment.
