Network & Security
SD-WAN
Software defined networking is here
HybrIT’s experience with software-defined networking for WAN connections such as broadband internet, 4G, LTE, or MPLS is extensive. We are experts at connecting enterprise networks, including data centres, over large geographic distance.
Software-defined networking is here
Many organisations that are in the midst of digital transformation initiatives are seeking to replace their outdated wide-area network (WAN) infrastructures.
As the use of business-critical, cloud-based applications and tools continue to rise, organisations with multiple offices are switching from performance-inhibited WANs to software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) architectures. The high cost and complexities of reliable wide-area connectivity over traditional carrier-based networks is driving most decision makers towards some form of SD-WAN.
Choosing the right SD-WAN partner
If your current WAN solution is coming up for renewal, you have the perfect opportunity to explore the benefits that SD-WAN can deliver to your business.
Instead of just sending you a quote for a few new lines or a slightly cheaper MPLS, HybrIT take a consultative approach to finding out how if SD-WAN is right for your business.
Offset costs
Typically, you would have an idea of what your connectivity renewal is going to be, especially from a budget point of view. But by reviewing things differently and incorporating an SD-WAN design, suddenly you have released a significant amount of OPEX which can be used elsewhere within your infrastructure or to improve an existing service. The upfront cost for implementing an SD-WAN solution typically sees an ROI after 12 months, meaning that the remaining 2 years of a typical WAN contract cost can be used more effectively.
SD-WAN benefits
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Save up to 40% on OPEX costs.
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Deliver business app aware digital transformation.
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Simplify operations and management.
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Improve performance for end users and overall experience.
SD-WAN security
So, you’ve tackled your heritage WAN solution, implemented an SD-WAN solution, improved performance and app experience across the organisation, but what does this mean for security. According to recent Gartner research, 40% of enterprises are expected to adopt SD-WAN by end of 2019. However, technology managers must find SD-WAN solutions that meet the needs of both digital applications and secure cloud connectivity.
SD-WAN technology enables direct internet connectivity from the branch for more efficient access to the cloud and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications. Though it helps to move the business to the next level, SD-WAN also expands the network attack surface and exposes enterprise branches to significant risk. This is why every SD-WAN offering must include next-generation firewall (NGFW) protection for successful WAN edge transformation.
In a recent Fortinet Threat Landscape Report, the typical organization saw 20 cyberattack related intrusions, with four of those resulting in breaches that caused damage (data loss, downtime, or a compliance issue).1 The majority of these were advanced threats, designed to bypass conventional security measures. In these instances, a stateful firewall cannot provide sufficient protection.
HybrIT partner with Fortinet to deliver security solutions. Fortinet is the first NGFW vendor to provide native SD-WAN capabilities, which include an application-aware WAN path controller. Over 360,000 customers have already deployed FortiGate NGFWs. With a simple software upgrade, these solutions can leverage best-of-breed SD-WAN capabilities. In the same offering, customers can now enable advanced security features such as intrusion prevention (IPS), web filtering, SSL inspection, anti-malware, and many more features, all of which are organically developed and validated.
Firewall management
Once you have implemented a new SD-WAN solution with the latest NGFW security, you will need an IT partner to help you keep your security solution up to date, constantly protecting your organisation from an ever-aggressive threat landscape.
HybrIT will help you to review, design, implement and support your solution via our ITIL driven Service Desk team, 24x7x365.
