As a result of advances in digital technologies, such as software-as-a-service (SaaS) and other tools with increased traffic demands, many IT teams are now in the process of replacing outdated WAN infrastructures that can’t keep up with modern requirements. The latest solution is software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN).
In the current IT environment, there is no shortage of options when it comes to finding a SD-WAN solution. However, finding the right fit for your enterprise can take some digging. Depending on your network needs and the size and scope of your business, some solutions may work better than others. What should IT teams look for when comparing secure SD-WAN solutions? Keep reading to find out.
A SD-WAN solution should prioritize security
When selecting a secure SD-WAN solution, the first question IT teams should ask themselves is whether the solution they’re considering offers the level of uncompromised security their enterprise needs. If the answer is no, then that option should automatically be struck from the list.
Many SD-WAN solutions currently on the market do include some level of security. The best are paired with next-generation firewalls (NGFWs). NGFWs feature heightened threat protection and expanded inspection capabilities to allow them to identify security risks. Additionally, most NGFWs include options for expansion and updates down the road, offering increased flexibility to evolve as your enterprise does.
Secure SD-WAN solutions must fulfill your enterprise’s needs
This one is a bit of a no-brainer: the solution you move forward with needs to meet your needs. However, while this seems obvious, it’s also important to realize that you may have to make compromises based on the areas that are most important for your enterprise. Knowing what those priorities are before beginning the decision-making process will make it go much smoother.
Things to consider include your critical applications, your performance requirements across the network, needed branch and remote-working capabilities, and how your security policies will interact with the SD-WAN solution.
Your SD-WAN solution should match your IT skillset
After security and your enterprises’ specific requirements, the next most important piece to consider is whether the solution offers the appropriate ease of use functionality. This is an important concern as a solution that meets your security and enterprise requirements may still fail if it overtaxes your IT team and causes disruptions in other areas.
Built-in automation functionality, like automated path intelligence and automatic failover, and simplified management interfaces, like single-pane-of-glass organization, are two ways a secure SD-WAN solution can make the lives of IT easier, not harder. Additionally, when it comes time for deployment, a solution that can be easily implemented without the need for advanced technical staff to be present can save time and money.
A complete secure SD-WAN solution
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN has all the above and more. Powered by the SOC4 application-specific integrated circuit, it offers increased application identification performance and faster application steering. Additionally, enhanced encryption inspection allows the solution to inspect the packet to correctly route traffic as it appears.
FortiGate NGFW is paired with Secure SD-WAN and comprises complete threat protection, including firewall, antivirus, intrusion prevention, web filtering, and application control. Additionally, unconfigured appliances can be shipped to branch or remote locations, and through FortiDeploy services and connecting to FortiCloud, the device is authenticated and connected to the central management system within seconds.
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Ready for an industry-leading SD-WAN solution?
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN solutions offer unparalleled security and performance by pairing trusted NGFWs with SD-WAN capabilities. Offering optimal performance for critical applications and uninterrupted user-experiences, Fortinet Secure SD-WAN can keep your data safe and limit potential cybersecurity risks. By supporting application performance, simplified management and complete threat protection, it offers the complete package to enterprise customers, regardless of the scale and size of the operation.
