Today's networking needs require a more agile system
More than ever, businesses rely on advanced connectivity networks. Homeworking, a growing number of offices, employees switching between these offices and other remote locations, the use of cloud applications ... Sustaining this connectivity is usually done by a classic WAN network, with static routing configurations via MPLS or VPN.
However, traditional WAN's take a few weeks/months to implement. Nor are they designed for the cloud. MPLS & VPN (static routing) usually requires backhauling which is associated with delays, which affects application performance, user experience and brings loss of productivity. You get it, the classic WAN network is lagging behind. The solution to all these problems lies in SD-WAN.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN stands for Software-Defined Wide-Area Network. Compared to a typical WAN router, the control plane will no longer be located in the router but will be controlled centrally in a so-called orchestrator. By using such a centrally managed orchestrator, routing is now done in a hybrid way. This allows to make a smart usage of your WAN links: providing a dynamic path selection among connectivity options (MPLS, 4G/5G, or broadband) ensuring organizations can quickly and easily access any business-critical cloud application. It provides multi-cloud connectivity & high speed performance to all WAN edges of branch sites or people working from home.
"Easi's SD-WAN solution not only improved our network performance, but also our cybersecurity."
Carl Van Mol - Operations Manager at SBS Skill BuilderS
Why SD-WAN and what are the benefits?
Security
One of the critical requirements for SD-WAN success is fully integrated security. Most SD-WAN implementations offer a way to encrypt your branch-to-branch corporate traffic using IPsec, which protects the data in transit. At EASI, we go a step further by offering a wide range of customized security offerings tailored to your case. This ensures that your data is not only safe during transfer, but also protected against break-ins and malware.
Simplicity
An SD-WAN can be managed via a single central management portal which makes deploying branch-level WAN services fast & simple. Streamline your branch infrastructure by inserting network services - whether in the cloud, branch edge or in data centers. IT staff can globally automate zero-touch deployment with a single management interface. On top, SD-WAN offers WAN optimization, so fewer network appliances are needed at each location.
Agility
Cost shouldn’t be your only driver for SD-WAN adoption. An SD-WAN lets the network adjust and follow IT requirements, delivering the organizational agility needed to support digital transformation ambitions: adding or removing WAN connections, as well as combining cellular and fixed-line connections. Branches become more agile because SD-WAN allows multiple links, devices, and services to coexist with the older infrastructure.
Performance
SD-WAN enables you to assign key applications to different links (internal lines, internet connections, ...), assigning different Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees to each: a perfect way to make sure your resources are used in an optimized way. New lines can be added quickly and easily to branches that need more capacity. SD-WAN reduces the bottlenecks and delays that are common in older WANs, increasing performance for cloud applications.
Cost savings
With SD-WAN, you expand the capabilities of your actual MPLS network with internet connectivity. In short, you add a hybrid overlay which gives you more flexibility at internet prices. Broadband connectivity is more economical and flexible than expensive carrier-grade MPLS connections that - generally - have a higher TCO. In our experience, we see that the transition to SD-WAN generates an estimated saving of 0-40% at best for our customers.
User Experience
Employees are demanding a lot and expect high-performance and fast applications as they are used to in their private life. SD-WAN allows making sure that any application will get the best available connection anytime, which results in an optimized User Experience for your end users. If a link fails or there is degradation, the SD-WAN will dynamically route traffic between dedicated circuits which results in fewer network outages.
"A one size fits all solution does not exist. EASI's status as preferred partner at various SD-WAN suppliers allows us to offer a customized solution. From the analysis of your needs, the choice of technology, to the implementation and all related support and the optmization of your connectivity contracts. Together we look for the most efficient and cost saving solution."
Thomas Van Eeckhout - CEO - EASI
Why EASI?
Generally, SD-WAN projects arise from two angles: a connectivity need (more simplicity, better UX, increased performance, cost savings) or a security need (protecting data that lives in the network).
The good news is that we can tackle both: our Telecom & Connectivity team has multiple years of experience in configuring an optimal networking setup based on specific needs, while our Security team can count on several years of experience in all kinds of security projects & technologies.
This makes us a unique partner in the market for SD-WAN: we develop strong partnerships with virtually any technological player, and we combine this with our expertise in optimizing telecom setups.
