SD-WAN was initially designed as a more flexible and cost-effective solution for connecting branch offices to cloud resources and the core network. And that is still the primary way it is deployed. Replacing static and costly MPLS connections and edge routers with a system that can manage and optimize connections and application performance has helped millions of organizations deploy a more robust and adaptable WAN strategy.
The right SD-WAN solution can do so much more. But far too many vendors have failed to realize the true potential of SD-WAN, or have over-promised on the flexibility of their solutions. It is not uncommon to find SD-WAN solutions, even from major vendors, that are unable to scale beyond 100 sites, provide overly complex management systems, or don’t provide solutions appropriate to meet the unique needs of essential verticals, such as retail. This failure on the part of the vendors limits the possibilities for the organizations that deploy them.
