Gartner recently published a report featuring the leading SD-WAN technology providers, in the well-known Magic Quadrant format. The Gartner SD-WAN Magic Quadrant 2023 underscores that despite the market’s maturation, each vendor maintains distinct competitive advantages. In this regard, Datanet Systems holds a distinctive position within the local market, boasting a portfolio that encompasses no less than three providers classified as industry leaders: Cisco, Fortinet, and Aruba (HPE). This empowers Datanet Systems’ clients with the utmost flexibility in choosing the most fitting technology for their specific needs.

Currently, two primary drivers are shaping the rapid adoption of SD-WAN within the corporate landscape. The first driver stems from the growing necessity to connect users and various locations to the internet and cloud resources, using alternatives to traditional MPLS, in order to enhance agility and reduce costs. The second critical factor is the rise of  SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) initiatives, which introduce an elevated layer of security to complement the inherent efficiency of SD-WAN. Furthermore, Gartner’s report shows that by 2026, 60% of new SD-WAN purchases will be part of a single vendor’s unique Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offering, up from 15% in 2023.

 

 

SD-WAN in brief

 

Gartner defines SD-WAN as a technology that enables the connection of an organization’s branch offices to the central headquarters securely, affordably, and efficiently through the internet and cloud. SD-WAN products provide dynamic route selection based on business policies or applications, routing, centralized policy orchestration, equipment management, virtual private network (VPN), and zero-touch configuration. SD-WAN products are transport-agnostic and establish secure pathways over physical WAN connections.

Depending on each provider, SD-WAN solutions have various capabilities. Basic features include dynamic traffic routing based on application prioritization, centralized policy orchestration and configurations, VPN, zero-touch configuration, and more. At an advanced level, features may include Layer 7 firewall, AI-driven proactive remediation, or Cloud Gateway, depending on the provider.

 

Cisco SD-WAN

 

Cisco offers two SD-WAN solutions – Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Cisco Meraki SD-WAN. Catalyst SD-WAN is designed for large organizations, characterized by high performance and scalability. This solution offers advanced security and control features, making it suitable for complex environments. On the other hand, Meraki SD-WAN features intuitive management and is ideal for smaller organizations or branch offices. Cisco boasts an extensive installed base with approximately 46,000 enterprise SD-WAN customers, demonstrating a high level of maturity and trust.

Gartner recognizes Cisco’s strengths in mature, market-validated technology, an extensive partner network with deep SD-WAN expertise, and a clear product strategy aligned with the current and future needs of SD-WAN customers. This includes AI adoption, integrated security, scalability, and cloud access.

 

Fortinet Secure SD-WAN

 

Fortinet has Fortinet Secure SD-WAN solution that combines SD-WAN with advanced security. The portfolio includes both physical and virtual FortiGate devices, as well as security licenses, all centrally managed with FortiManager Orchestrator. This close integration of SD-WAN functionalities with security features makes Fortinet an appealing choice for organizations that place particular emphasis on network protection. With a customer base exceeding 31,000 organizations, Fortinet’s strengths, as recognized by Gartner, lie in its security-focused features, cost-effective functionality, integrated innovations, and an “as-a-service” approach.

 

Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN

 

Aruba also holds a leading position in the SD-WAN industry with its Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN and Aruba EdgeConnect SD-Branch solutions. These products are managed through the centralized Aruba Central platform, providing a simplified and unified approach. Aruba’s solutions primarily focus on optimizing network performance. Recently, Aruba acquired Axis Security,reinforcing its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) approach and incorporating more security elements into its SD-WAN solution. According to Gartner, Aruba’s strengths lie in its superior network optimization capabilities, easy cloud access, and a focus on the Security Service Edge (SSE).

 

Services offered by Datanet Systems

 

Regardless of the chosen technology, Datanet Systems provides the necessary services for a seamless transition to SD-WAN. With an experienced and certified team, Datanet offers consultation to identify and design the optimal configuration, allowing each client to leverage existing infrastructure components and achieve the targeted performance parameters.

The service package includes implementation, configuration, customization, and integration, ensuring the migration of client locations without disruption to their operations. In addition, Datanet also provides training, maintenance, development, and guaranteed response time service with national coverage.

By combining solutions from the three global providers (Cisco, Fortinet, and Aruba) with Datanet Systems’ services and expertise, any organization can successfully execute an SD-WAN migration project, fully meeting its objectives and leveraging its existing technological foundation. For a detailed discussion on how you can migrate to SD-WAN or SASE, please contact us at  sales@datanets.ro