# Best Enterprise SD-WAN Solutions *By [Tian Lin](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/tian-lin)* Products classified in the overall SD-WAN category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, enterprise business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Enterprise Business SD-WAN to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Enterprise Business SD-WAN category. In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the SD-WAN Solutions category, to qualify for inclusion in the Enterprise Business SD-WAN Solutions category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from an enterprise business. ## Category Overview **Total Products under this Category:** 90 ## Trust & Credibility Stats **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 1,300+ Authentic Reviews - 90+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. ## Top-Rated Products (Ranked by G2 Score) ### 1. [Cato SASE Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud/reviews) Cato provides the world’s leading single-vendor SASE platform. Cato creates a seamless and elegant customer experience that effortlessly enables threat prevention, data protection, and timely incident detection and response. Using Cato, businesses easily replace costly and rigid legacy infrastructure with an open and modular SASE architecture based on SD-WAN, a purpose-built global cloud network, and an embedded cloud-native security stack **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 80 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Cato Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cato-networks) - **Company Website:** https://www.catonetworks.com - **Year Founded:** 2015 - **HQ Location:** Tel-Aviv, Israel - **Twitter:** @CatoNetworks (12,664 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3533853/ (1,479 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Financial Services - **Company Size:** 55% Mid-Market, 23% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (5 reviews) - Customer Support (4 reviews) - Reliability (4 reviews) - Threat Protection (4 reviews) - Deployment Ease (3 reviews) **Cons:** - Limited Features (3 reviews) - Connection Issues (2 reviews) - Expensive (2 reviews) - Compatibility Issues (1 reviews) - Expensive Licensing (1 reviews) ### 2. [Aryaka Networks](https://www.g2.com/products/aryaka-networks/reviews) Aryaka Networks is the leader in delivering Unified SASE as a Service, the only solution designed to provide performance, agility, simplicity, and security without compromise. Aryaka's platform integrates networking and security into a single, cloud-delivered service, enabling enterprises to modernize, optimize, and transform their environments seamlessly. With flexible delivery options, Aryaka empowers organizations to implement and manage their solutions according to their unique needs. Trusted by hundreds of global enterprises, including several Fortune 100 companies, Aryaka provides cutting-edge software-defined networking and security services. For more information, please visit www.aryaka.com<http:></http:>. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 73 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Aryaka Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/aryaka-networks) - **Company Website:** https://www.aryaka.com - **Year Founded:** 2009 - **HQ Location:** Santa Clara - **Twitter:** @AryakaNetworks (12,096 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/304863/ (572 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Manufacturing, Airlines/Aviation - **Company Size:** 58% Mid-Market, 42% Enterprise ### 3. [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/prisma-sd-wan/reviews) Prisma SD-WAN is an application-aware SD-WAN solution that delivers end-to-end application assurance for all applications by accurately identifying apps up to layer 7 to provide direct-to-app access, intelligent traffic engineering, and prioritization based on application SLAs. It natively integrates with Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access - a cloud-delivered security services edge to provide the industry’s most comprehensive SASE solution that protects all users, apps and devices and simplifies branch operations with complete visibility and AI-powered ops. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 64 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Palo Alto Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/palo-alto-networks) - **Year Founded:** 2005 - **HQ Location:** Santa Clara, CA - **Twitter:** @PaloAltoNtwks (128,686 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/30086/ (21,355 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE: PANW **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Computer & Network Security, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 41% Mid-Market, 30% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Security (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Connection Issues (1 reviews) ### 4. [Cisco Meraki](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-meraki/reviews) Cisco Meraki is a cloud-managed IT solutions provider that simplifies the management of complex networks through a centralized, web-based dashboard. Their comprehensive product portfolio includes wireless access points, switches, security appliances, and IoT devices, all designed to deliver secure, scalable, and high-performance networking experiences. Key Features and Functionality: - Cloud-Managed Access: Meraki's wireless access points and switches enable seamless connectivity for users, devices, and applications, ensuring robust security and simplified management from the edge to the cloud. - Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN): Their SD-WAN solutions connect users and sites to applications over wide area networks without compromising security, speed, or user experience. - Connected IoT Solutions: Meraki offers smart cameras and sensors that create intuitive and secure experiences for various environments, including workplaces and educational institutions. - Centralized Management: The Meraki dashboard provides a unified platform to monitor, manage, and optimize the entire network infrastructure, offering real-time visibility and control. Primary Value and User Solutions: Cisco Meraki addresses the challenges of managing complex IT infrastructures by offering a cloud-first platform that simplifies deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting. By integrating networking and security capabilities, Meraki enables organizations to deliver exceptional network experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and adapt to evolving business needs with agility. This approach reduces operational expenses and allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance tasks. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 200 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 9.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA - **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** IT Manager, Network Engineer - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Hospital & Health Care - **Company Size:** 62% Mid-Market, 20% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Ease of Use (7 reviews) - Device Management (6 reviews) - Features (6 reviews) - Security (6 reviews) - Deployment Ease (5 reviews) **Cons:** - Expensive (7 reviews) - Limited Customization (3 reviews) - Connection Issues (2 reviews) - Lacking Features (2 reviews) - Licensing Issues (2 reviews) ### 5. [Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/cisco-catalyst-sd-wan/reviews) Cisco SD-WAN gives users the ability to manage connectivity across their WAN from a single dashboard that simplifies day to day monitoring and operations. Cisco SD-WAN can be cloud-managed or deployed on premise offering comprehensive routing, security and policy control, along with advanced analytics with the flexibility to connect to multiple clouds with greater speed, reliability, and efficiency. It can be deployed across a small number of locations or easily scales to thousands of locations across all major industries, globally. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 79 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Cisco](https://www.g2.com/sellers/cisco) - **Year Founded:** 1984 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA - **Twitter:** @Cisco (721,388 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco/ (95,742 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CSCO **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Network Engineer - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Hospital & Health Care - **Company Size:** 43% Mid-Market, 41% Enterprise ### 6. [Symantec SSL Visibility](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-ssl-visibility/reviews) Caching web and video to save on bandwidth, reduce backhaul and accelerate content for an improved user experience **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 19 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Broadcom](https://www.g2.com/sellers/broadcom-ab3091cd-4724-46a8-ac89-219d6bc8e166) - **Year Founded:** 1991 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA - **Twitter:** @broadcom (63,117 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/broadcom/ (55,707 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: CA **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 30% Mid-Market #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Affordable (1 reviews) - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Security Protection (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Slow Performance (2 reviews) ### 7. [FortiGate SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/fortigate-sd-wan/reviews) FortiGate SD-WAN is a comprehensive solution that integrates software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) capabilities with advanced security features into a single platform. Designed to enhance network performance and security, it enables organizations to manage and optimize their WAN infrastructure efficiently. Key Features and Functionality: - Integrated Security and Networking: Combines SD-WAN functionalities with next-generation firewall (NGFW) security, intrusion prevention, and secure web gateway services, eliminating the need for separate security appliances at branch locations. - High Performance: Utilizes purpose-built ASIC processors to deliver accelerated performance for application identification, steering, and overlay performance, ensuring low latency and optimal user experience for business-critical applications. - Flexible Deployment Options: Available in various form factors, including physical appliances and virtual machines, to accommodate diverse branch sizes and bandwidth requirements. - Centralized Management: Offers single-pane-of-glass management through FortiManager, simplifying operations and providing unified visibility and control over the entire network. - Advanced Routing and WAN Optimization: Supports advanced routing protocols and WAN optimization techniques, such as protocol optimization and caching, to enhance application performance and bandwidth efficiency. Primary Value and Solutions Provided: FortiGate SD-WAN addresses the challenges of modern WAN management by reducing operational costs, simplifying network complexity, and improving application performance. By integrating security and networking functions, it ensures consistent policy enforcement and protection against cyber threats across all WAN connections. The solution's high-performance capabilities and flexible deployment options make it suitable for organizations transitioning from traditional MPLS to broadband, seeking to enhance their network agility and user experience without compromising security. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 44 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 9.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Fortinet](https://www.g2.com/sellers/fortinet) - **Year Founded:** 2000 - **HQ Location:** Sunnyvale, CA - **Twitter:** @Fortinet (151,464 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/6460/ (16,112 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: FTNT **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Who Uses This:** Network Engineer - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer & Network Security - **Company Size:** 54% Mid-Market, 32% Enterprise #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Management Ease (2 reviews) - Affordable Pricing (1 reviews) - Automation (1 reviews) - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Reliability (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Implementation (2 reviews) - Expensive (1 reviews) - Limited Customization (1 reviews) ### 8. [Oracle SD-WAN](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-sd-wan/reviews) The Oracle SD-WAN delivers a reliable high performing network for business critical Services. Business outcomes are highly dependent on availability and performance of enterprise critical services that span across geographies. Employee productivity is dependent upon constant availability and responsiveness of remote services from their location. In order to provide the highest customers satisfaction, services are highly dependent on the ability to deliver the services consistently and reliably even when infrastructure is compromised. The cost of operating and maintaining business critical infrastructure is highly corelated to the infrastructure’s ability to self maintain and self heal. The Oracle SD-WAN reduces the operational burden of provisioning, administrating, and monitoring the IT networks, as well as providing a safe and secure network from clouds to data centers to the edge. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 27 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Oracle](https://www.g2.com/sellers/oracle) - **Year Founded:** 1977 - **HQ Location:** Austin, TX - **Twitter:** @Oracle (827,310 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/1028/ (199,301 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE:ORCL **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Company Size:** 55% Enterprise, 34% Mid-Market ### 9. [Check Point SASE](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-sase/reviews) The internet is the new corporate network, leading organizations to transition to their network security to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). However, current solutions break the user experience with slow connections and complex management. Check Point SASE is a game-changing solution that delivers 10x faster internet security, SaaS Security, and full mesh Zero Trust Access and optimized SD-WAN performance—all with an emphasis on streamlined management. Combining innovative on-device and cloud-delivered network protections, Check Point SASE offers a local browsing experience with tighter security and privacy, and an identity-centric zero trust access policy that accommodates everyone: employees, BYOD and third parties. Its SD-WAN solution unifies industry-leading threat prevention with optimized connectivity, automated steering for over 10,000 applications and seamless link failover for uninterrupted web conferencing. Using Check Point SASE, business can build a secure corporate network over a private global backbone in less than an hour. The service is managed from a unified console and is backed by an award-winning global support team that has you covered 24/7. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 210 **User Satisfaction Scores:** - **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Ease of Admin:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.7/10) - **Quality of Support:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.6/10) **Seller Details:** - **Seller:** [Check Point Software Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/check-point-software-technologies) - **Company Website:** https://www.checkpoint.com/ - **Year Founded:** 1993 - **HQ Location:** Redwood City, CA - **Twitter:** @CheckPointSW (70,978 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies/ (8,356 employees on LinkedIn®) **Reviewer Demographics:** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer & Network Security - **Company Size:** 46% Mid-Market, 36% Small-Business #### Pros & Cons **Pros:** - Security (46 reviews) - Ease of Use (39 reviews) - Secure Access (34 reviews) - Protection (26 reviews) - Reliability (25 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Implementation (28 reviews) - Complex Configuration (24 reviews) - Complex Setup (22 reviews) - Expensive (17 reviews) - Learning Curve (17 reviews) ## Parent Category [IT Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/it-management) ## Related Categories - [WAN Edge Infrastructure Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/wan-edge-infrastructure) - [Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/secure-access-service-edge-sase-platforms) - [Secure Service Edge (SSE) Solutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/secure-service-edge-sse-solutions) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About SD-WAN Solutions ### What are SD-WAN Solutions? SD-WAN is a wide area network (WAN) architecture used to connect users to applications safely and reduce network management costs. It aids in virtualizing the WAN with centralized control to deploy and manage branch-office services. WAN functionality typically helps to establish a connection between end-users at the workstation and server-based applications in the data center. Usually, dedicated [multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)](https://www.g2.com/articles/multiprotocol-label-switching) circuits were used to provide a secure and reliable connection. However, on the cloud, SD-WAN technology utilizes [virtual private networks](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-private-network-vpn) (VPN), internet, and wireless services. It helps reduce costs, optimize resources for multisite implementation, and ensure optimal performance of essential applications. **What Does SD-WAN Stand For?** SD-WAN stands for software-defined wide area network (or networking). WAN&nbsp; is a private telecom network that connects geographically distributed local area networks (LANs). SD-WAN solutions combine software-defined networking (SDN) with WAN connectors to help organizations connect corporate networks across vast geographic locations. #### What Types of SD-WAN Solutions Exist? The types of SD-WAN are differentiated based on their deployment. There are three types of SD-WAN:&nbsp;&nbsp; **On-premises SD-WAN solutions** An on-premises SD-WAN solution either replaces or increases the effectiveness of an existing private network. It is deployed within the organization's premises as an SD-WAN box, i.e., a plug-and-play router. The SD-WAN box helps in real-time congestion management and network performance optimization by regulating network data transfer at each site. This SD-WAN architecture connects not to a cloud gateway but to other organizational sites. Hence, it provides complete control over the SD-WAN controller environment.&nbsp; This architecture helps cut down cloud-enablement costs, provides multi-circuit load-balancing functionalities, aids real-time packet or traffic shaping, enhances WAN application performance, and supports disaster recovery (DR). **MPLS-based SD-WAN solutions** Multiprotocol label switching or MPLS-based SD-WAN architecture consists of multiple appliances placed at network endpoints. These tools create a virtual internet protocol (IP) network between appliances exclusive to the vendor, providing them with end-to-end control of network packets. While SD-WANs offer higher speed and bandwidth at lower costs, some companies utilize MPLS links. This is because MPLS links are network lines dedicated to a particular organization with a low risk of a data breach. **Cloud-enabled SD-WAN solutions** A cloud-enabled SD-WAN solution has an onsite SD-WAN box connecting to a cloud gateway. This architecture provides the advantages of an on-premises SD-WAN along with enhanced speed and reliability of cloud applications. If the organization’s internet circuit fails while using a cloud-based application, the gateway helps keep the cloud session active. Additionally, if the organization has an alternate internet circuit, the cloud-enabled SD-WAN can re-route the application on the cloud immediately to the alternate circuit, thereby preventing bottlenecks during the session. **What are the Common Features of SD-WAN solutions?** The following are some core features within SD-WAN software that can help users make the most of them: **Zero-touch provisioning** : Zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) is a standard feature on most SD-WAN devices. It automatically configures the device using a switch feature that helps IT teams efficiently deploy network devices in a large-scale environment. It eliminates the time, error, and cost of configuring the devices manually. All that is needed is an internet connection so the device can connect and auto-configure quickly, efficiently, and in a standardized manner. This happens through the use of predefined templates. **Data analytics** : Organizations want their SD-WAN architecture to provide real-time network analytics. This helps provide visibility into the applications running on the corporate network and assists in the timely detection of issues. Some solutions also offer historical logs, which help in diagnosing problems easily. It provides all information and control from a centralized dashboard. **Application-aware routing** : Cloud-based SD-WANs can bring high degrees of application intelligence. This is achieved through application-aware routing that outlines the paths applications need to take for better app monitoring and management. It enhances application reliability and consistency. SD-WAN solutions can be configured to emphasize business-critical applications and services and direct them via the most efficient route. Application-aware routing helps reduce bandwidth costs by efficiently balancing traffic among diverse circuits. Traffic is automatically directed to WAN links with the necessary network functionalities and path conditions to run these applications in real-time. ### What are the Benefits of SD-WAN Solutions? With organizations increasingly undergoing digital transformation, traditional network frameworks fall short while accommodating the complexities of most digital transformation initiatives. In such scenarios, SD-WAN benefits businesses in multiple ways, as listed below: **High-security level** : SD-WAN technology provides a robust connection with full-fledged security. It has built-in security features and encryption capabilities to ensure secure and authorized access to applications on a corporate network. In some instances, the functionality of SD-WAN can be extended to LAN connections of the branch office to enable its security features to protect locally deployed devices and secure direct connections to online resources.&nbsp; **Centralized management** : SD-WAN provides a policy-driven interface that centrally manages and audits all applications, irrespective of location. It simplifies the management of applications and their performance from a single point. Cloud-based SD-WAN offers integrated and centralized monitoring capabilities to manage and scale networks. **Automation** : Automation and self-managed protocols of SD-WAN come in handy, especially for small and mid-size businesses (SMBs), as it helps scale down the requirement for an external technical team. It offers automation capabilities, allowing network managers to configure and generate responses to dynamic network traffic conditions. For example, during instances of a dip in the voltage level of the electrical line, the inability of the network to switch over to a reliable backup system, or network congestion, SD-WAN facilitates the automatic switching of applications from one link to another. **Cloud connectivity:** The SD-WAN tool is beneficial in connecting the branch office traffic to the cloud. It allows employees direct access to cloud applications regardless of location without additional traffic burden to the core network. When using IaaS, a virtual instance of the SD-WAN router can be configured within the cloud service provider’s domain to give IT admins visibility into cloud applications. **Cost reduction** : With increased movement of applications and services to the cloud, SD-WAN helps in lowering bandwidth costs by efficiently balancing traffic among the diverse circuits ### Who Uses SD-WAN Solutions? The following personas most commonly use SD-WAN solutions. **Finance teams** : Companies that offer financial services rely heavily on secure and trustworthy network connections. Despite increasing cybersecurity risks, such organizations' network infrastructure is often compromised due to budget and other constraints. Multiple organizations flounder with outmoded VPN connections and complex, aging MPLS networks that no longer provide secure access to cloud-native applications. Modern SD-WAN solutions leverage internet broadband and 5G or LTE connections at a lower cost than expensive MPLS lines while providing the same benefits. The software also shields financial institutions against the loss of financial data by securely backing it up. **Manufacturers** : With digitalization, companies in the manufacturing sector are adopting smart manufacturing strategies, which necessitate manufacturers to migrate from traditional WAN to SD-WAN. A manufacturing business comprises warehouses, factories, and branch offices in diverse geographic locations. Manufacturers must be connected to suppliers and distributors to manage the supply chain. The SD-WAN technology adoption helps manufacturers scale quickly to meet business connectivity requirements. It enforces centralized management via an orchestration engine that ensures the optimum allocation of network resources and balances workloads. **Retailers** : Companies in the retail space have multiple branches in diverse locations that require connecting those locations into a singular network. It is imperative to ensure optimal performance and a high level of security of this network. Retail organizations transmit confidential data, such as customers' credit card details, which must be encrypted and protected. Retailers can use SD-WAN to improve the security of internal networks while also improving performance and speed. **Healthcare professionals** : Healthcare providers are now adjusting to the fact that patients may want direct access to their healthcare records to review their healthcare data. This would translate to granting individuals access to secure information, which must be done in a way that doesn’t violate security protocols. Additionally, the healthcare sector often has to connect with many third parties. The adoption of SD-WAN technology is crucial to accommodate such requirements for enhancing network security and connectivity. ### What are the Alternatives to SD-WAN Solutions? The following software is an alternative to SD-WAN that can replace this type of software, either partially or completely: [Virtual private network (VPN) software](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-private-network-vpn): A VPN is an encrypted server that ensures the safe transmission of data over the internet from a device to a network. It prevents unauthorized access and allows remote users to work securely. It enables employees to connect to the office network and view data on their devices while working remotely. It is a helpful tool to keep confidential information safe off-site. ### Challenges with SD-WAN Solutions While SD-WANs provide numerous advantages to businesses worldwide, they pose certain challenges, as listed below, which organizations must weigh before adopting this technology: **Technical issues** : By default, routers are designed to function without updates. However, SD-WAN routers require timely software updates, without which there may be instances of failure to work. This is a potential challenge in working with routers configured with SD-WAN architecture. **Lack of the right skill sets** : SD-WAN offers a fresh approach to WAN management and requires proper training for IT teams to ensure the smooth functioning of the system. This can be expensive for organizations with a low budget as IT departments need to allocate sufficient resources to train the technical teams on SD-WAN technology. **Security** : Though SD-WAN technology provides a layer of security, there is no denying that WANs represent certain security challenges as they are outward-facing and depend on transport outside the corporate firewall. SD-WAN technology lacks onsite security features, a data leak in one machine can adversely impact the whole organization. **​​Complexity** : Most companies looking to deploy an SD-WAN solution usually have WAN infrastructure in place. The SD-WAN will be an overlay in addition to the existing WAN infrastructure, which is the underlay. Re-architecting the WAN connections to enable smooth migration of applications to the SD-WAN increases complexities for the organization. ### How to Buy SD-WAN Solutions #### Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for SD-WAN Solutions Whether a company is looking to purchase its first SD-WAN solution or upgrade to new WAN architecture—wherever a business is in its buying process, [g2.com](https://www.g2.com/categories/sd-wan) can help select the best SD-WAN solution. Choosing and deploying an SD-WAN solution can be a significant initiative for the organization, especially when multiple branch offices are located at diverse physical locations. A company can address various problems by migrating from a traditional WAN deployment to a software-defined WAN. An organization can evaluate the right software fit after determining the business goals it is trying to achieve by implementing this solution.&nbsp; Most importantly, an organization must determine whether it wants a do-it-yourself (DIY) solution or the SD-WAN service from a managed service provider (MSP). While organizations can purchase and deploy SD-WAN software from scratch to the end independently (DIY), they can also buy it as a managed service. Purchasing the service from an MSP helps save the time required for managing many of the minor tasks essential for supporting the service. Depending on the scope of the deployment, it might be helpful to produce an RFI, a one-page list with a few bullet points describing what is needed from the platform to have a successful deployment. #### Compare SD-WAN Software Products **Create a long list** Vendor evaluations are essential to the software buying process, from meeting the business functionality needs to implementation. Long lists are created by eliminating the options that do not align with the organization’s strategy. It is essential to put together a consistent list of questions to ask potential vendors keeping in mind the following considerations: - **Business requirements:** The organization must determine the purpose behind implementing SD-WAN architecture. For instance, if the organization wants to enhance the performance of various applications running on the corporate network, it must opt for SD-WAN vendors whose core strength lies in WAN optimization. If they are looking to tighten application and network security, vendor evaluation should be based on how security infrastructure is handled. Some vendors offer SD-WAN solutions with built-in security features, while others may not specifically address the organization’s security concerns with their product. So the buyer should select an offering that prioritizes security. If the concern is around deploying SD-WAN at multiple branch office locations within a limited period, they may opt for the services from an MSP.&nbsp; - **Integration with the existing framework:** Organizations expanding their operations through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are required to rapidly integrate their new branch offices across diverse locations with the existing corporate WAN. Such organizations should look for a solution that enables such integrations faster than traditional VPN technologies while also comparing the cost implications of such solutions. - **Bandwidth requirements and traffic prioritization:** Balancing WAN traffic load is a crucial functionality of SD-WAN solutions. An important consideration while selecting the right solution is the organization’s WAN bandwidth requirement and how it will change in the future. In a fully managed service, buyers should look for SD-WAN service providers who ensure effective bandwidth management and prioritize traffic for each site and application through a single management pane.&nbsp; **Create a short list** From the long list of vendors, buyers should read user reviews, view ratings on the [G2 Grid®](https://www.g2.com/categories/sd-wan#grid) for the SD-WAN category, read useability ratings, and shorten the list of vendors in the G2 “My List” down to a handful. With this list, businesses can compare the functionalities offered by different vendors and the pricing structure of various solutions. **Conduct demos** Demos provide an opportunity to buyers to see how the SD-WAN solution works. While pre-recorded demonstrations and tutorials are available on the product webpage, it is lucrative to request the vendor for a live demo of the SD-WAN architecture to dive deep into their technical capabilities.&nbsp; Additionally, mapping out a draft deployment plan or proof of concept (PoC) is highly recommended before selecting a product as it provides a roadmap for subsequent activities and defines the resources required in each phase. A PoC should prove (or disprove) whether the technology matches the organization’s requirements.&nbsp; #### Selection of SD-WAN Solutions **Choose a selection team** Before getting started, creating a winning team that will work together throughout the entire process, from identifying pain points to implementation, is crucial. The software selection team should consist of organization members with the proper interest, skills, and time to participate in this process. A good starting point is to aim for three to five people who fill the required roles. This can include the primary decision maker, process owner, system owner or staffing subject matter expert, technical lead, and the network or security administrator. In smaller companies, the vendor selection team may not be that big, with fewer participants that multitask and take on more responsibilities. The selection team should compare notes, facts, and figures they recorded during the process, such as the availability of advanced capabilities, usability, and security features. **Negotiation** It is imperative to open up a conversation regarding pricing and licensing. For example, the vendor may be willing to provide a discount for multi-year contracts or to recommend the solution to others. **Final decision** After this stage, and before settling for the SD-WAN solution, it is recommended to roll out a test run or pilot program to test adoption with a small sample size of users. If the solution is well used and received, the buying organization can be confident that the selection is correct. If not, it might be time to re-evaluate offerings from other vendors. ### How Much Do SD-WAN Solutions Cost? SD-WAN providers broadly offer a mix of the following two pricing models:&nbsp; - An advance purchase plan for SD-WAN hardware that cuts down subscription fees - A subscription-based model that distributes the cost throughout a multi-year contract Depending on the customer's preference, SD-WAN vendors can offer both solutions.&nbsp; Additionally, the cost of the solution also depends on whether the organization chooses a DIY SD-WAN or opts for the services of an MSP. DIY SD-WAN implementation incurs capital expenditures, licensing costs, and continuous maintenance costs. Additionally, the organization must purchase multiple WAN connections for each branch location. On the other hand, many SD-WAN providers offer managed or co-managed services. A managed service allows the organization to shift from capital expenditure (CAPEX) to operating expense (OPEX). It involves a subscription-based model, and the organization can predict future costs associated with the deployment. ### SD-WAN Solutions Trends **Adoption of SASE architectures** A trend likely to gain more visibility in the near future is the integration of SD-WAN with secure access service edge (SASE) technology. SASE combines networking (such as software-defined networking (SDN) and SD-WAN) and security features to build a highly secure, high-performing, and resilient network architecture. SD-WAN, combined with services like SASE or zero-trust network access (ZTNA), is making headway as a secure remote access solution. Adoption of SASE has snowballed recently and is expected to keep growing as network security and agility become paramount.&nbsp; **Rise of managed services** Deployment of SD-WAN demands the right skillset on the part of the technical team to set up and maintain the architecture. The team should be able to integrate and maintain all the branch offices, data centers, and various cloud deployments within a single SD-WAN architecture. Additionally, they should be able to quickly troubleshoot SD-WAN whenever there is a glitch. However, if the organization opts for managed SD-WAN service or SD-WAN-as-a-Service, the provider deploys, configures, updates, manages, and maintains the entire SD-WAN network. Managed SD-WAN services are on the rise for businesses willing to work with an outsourced MSP and those who want to free up their technical team to focus on other business-critical operations.&nbsp;