Enterprises embrace SD-WAN but are missing out on the benefits of an integrated approach to security
TT Communications , a leading
G global provider of managed network and security services to multinational organisations , has announced the results of a new study that found over 95 % of enterprises have deployed software-defined wide area networks ( SD-WANs ) or plan to do so within the next 24 months . But nearly half ( 42 %) reported they either don ’ t have security integrated with SD-WAN or have no specific SD-WAN security at all .
The IDC White Paper , sponsored by GTT , also found that enterprises experience multiple challenges when attempting to adopt SD-WAN on their own . When asked to list the challenges they faced when taking a Do-It-Yourself ( DIY ) approach to SD-WAN , respondents cited difficulties related to hiring and retaining a skilled in-house workforce , keeping up with technology developments and the ability to negotiate favourable terms with technology vendors . dominate the next phase of SD-WAN enhancements as enterprises continue to enable the cloud IT model and a hybrid workforce .”
The survey found that more than 80 % of respondents worldwide have either made SASE a priority ( 39 %) or have recognised its benefits and are already incorporating it into company initiatives ( 42 %). Only 19 % of respondents worldwide reported they do not view SASE as a priority .
Despite this widespread recognition of the value of integrating security and SD-WAN , the survey found that many enterprises have not been able to leverage these benefits . In the US , 45 % of respondents said they either don ’ t have security integrated with SD-WAN or have no specific SD-WAN security at all . In some countries , such as Switzerland and France , that figure was more than 50 %. This trend held across vertical industries such as manufacturing ( 47 %), retail ( 46 %), healthcare ( 47 %) and transportation ( 49 %). Financial and business services were exceptions , with only 32 % and 34 %, respectively .
Still , seven out of 10 respondents ( 71 %) worldwide expect to use integrated security in the next 12 months .
“ This IDC study highlights the critical role of expert managed services support for enterprises deploying SD- WAN . Experienced managed services providers can help integrate technology , connectivity and security , while also managing costs and increased complexity ,” said Lisa Brown , CMO at GTT . “ The research shows that a DIY approach to SD-WAN presents a number of challenges that can be addressed by teaming with a managed services provider .” u
“ Now that SD-WAN has matured and has been widely adopted , the complexity of deployments has grown , challenging enterprises on multiple fronts and compromising their ability to realise the full benefits of the technology ,” said James Eibisch , Research Director , European Infrastructure and Telecoms , IDC . “ Enterprises are increasingly reliant on the resources and expertise of a managed service provider to ensure they deploy SD-WAN in a way best suited to their meet their organisations ’ objectives .
“ Security approaches like Secure Access Service Edge ( SASE ) that combine the benefits of SD-WAN with Zero Trust Network Access and content filtering features are well poised to intelligent NETWORK SECURITY www . intelligentciso . com
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