Research reveals top SD-WAN drivers

GTT Communications has published the results of a new study that shows current SD-WAN deployments are mainly driven by the need to optimize network connections to cloud-based applications (86%) and improve overall security posture (81%). The findings underscore the strategic importance of SD-WAN in enhancing connectivity to cloud services and ensuring access to critical resources supporting productivity and operational agility, while bolstering cybersecurity measures against ever-evolving threats.

  • Thursday, 2nd May 2024 Posted 11 months ago in by Phil Alsop

The results of the study, conducted by Hanover Research and commissioned by GTT, reflect the importance of SD-WAN as a foundation for the enterprise networking and security stack. SD-WAN continues to see rapid cross-industry growth and technology enhancements, marked by the integration of AI and automation features. Notably, it is also a key component in the convergence with advanced security championed by the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, which integrates managed cloud-based security (also known as Secure Service Edge) and SD-WAN into a complete solution.

“As organizations become more digital, distributed and data-driven, managed SD-WAN continues to provide the foundation for the flexibility, security and efficiency needed to address their use cases and deliver the right business outcomes,” said Tom Major, senior vice president, Product Management, GTT. “Rapid innovation and security convergence through frameworks like SASE are driving shorter cycles for solution reviews and upgrades. Managed service providers can help organizations address their need to evolve, based on the ongoing technological innovations in this space, as well as the added complexity of selecting the best networking, security and connectivity for their businesses to align cost, performance and security requirements.”

According to the study, most enterprises (80%) now conduct regular upgrades of their SD-WAN solutions within two years — with around a third of these (34%) doing so every year. Organizational awareness and readiness in the area of security is also reflected, with 100% of those surveyed reporting that they plan to integrate security when deploying SD-WAN either as a multiple vendor, best-in-class choice (70%) or as a single stack, single vendor solution (30%).

The research shows that enterprises are experiencing increasing network complexity and risk, brought on by rapid data traffic growth, reliance on cloud-based applications and the shift to distributed workforces. In response, managed service providers are called upon to deploy and manage SD-WAN services. According to GTT’s research, 77% of the organizations surveyed that are currently using SD-WAN have partnered with an MSP.

Complexity, scalability and compatibility remain challenging - 70% data workers struggle with pipeline management.

Cybersecurity strategies are failing

Posted 1 day ago by Phil Alsop
Cyber firm pleads with enterprises to wake up to the data security crisis before financial and legal fallout becomes catastrophic.
Avanade is unveiling the Avanade Intelligent Garden at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

AI agents break cover

Posted 5 days ago by Phil Alsop
In a global survey of IT leaders, Cloudera found that enterprises are keen on AI agents, but fears around data privacy, integration, and data quality...
Economist Impact is pleased to announce the inaugural AI Compute summit, scheduled for May 22nd 2025, at the Scandic Copenhagen in Copenhagen. This...

Majority of AI projects don't make it to market

Posted 6 days ago by Phil Alsop
SS&C Technologies Holdings has published findings from a new survey: governance, process orchestration and strategic planning are critical to...

Security and compliance risks make VPNs obsolete

Posted 6 days ago by Phil Alsop
Zscaler has published the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report, commissioned by Cybersecurity Insiders, which highlights the widespread security,...

AI tops tech growth charts

Posted 1 week ago by Phil Alsop
Despite high interest rates, economic slowdown, stricter regulations on big tech and AI, Trump's tariff policies, and global trade wars, which hit...