A study published by GTT Communications Inc confirms that companies continue to bet strongly on SD-WAN connectivity, so much so that more than 95% of those who participated in this study have already deployed networks of this type, or plan to do so within a period of approximately 24 months. However, although this data is positive, it is important to take into account that 42% said that they do not have integrated security with SD-WAN, or that they They do not have specific security for this.
The study also shows that companies experience multiple challenges when they try to adopt SD-WAN on their own. Asked to list the challenges they face when adopting a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to SD-WAN, respondents cited difficulties related to recruiting and retaining skilled internal staff, maintaining developments technologies and the ability to negotiate favorable terms with technology providers.
But that’s not all, this study also revealed that over 80% of global respondents have made SASE a priority (39%) or have recognized its benefits and already incorporate it into company initiatives (42%). Only 19% of respondents worldwide stated that they do not consider SASE as a priority. Seven in 10 respondents (71%) globally expect to use integrated security in the next 12 months with their SD-WAN networks.
Lisa Brown, CMO of GTT, has commented on this:
“This IDC study underscores the critical role of expert managed services support for enterprises deploying SD-WAN. Experienced managed service providers can help integrate technology, connectivity and security, while controlling costs and increased complexity. Research shows that a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to SD-WAN presents a number of challenges that can be addressed by teaming up with a managed service provider«.
When survey respondents were asked why they had adopted a managed services approach to SD-WAN, many said they wanted to outsource day-to-day management tasks. Globally, the top reason cited by respondents for using a managed service provider was the advantage of have a permanent technical assistance service in local languages, with 36%. 35% of those surveyed said that the main reason was other advantages such as visibility, knowledge and control without the need for technological certification, and 34% cited ease of configuration management; the ability to manage, maintain and facilitate technology upgrades; and better protection against security threats.
