Partner content funded by Fortinet.
As the pandemic continues, IT leaders should be thinking about how they’ll keep pace with demand for fast, flexible, secure networking.
At Fortinet, we’ve seen businesses double down on cloud spending to improve service delivery to remote workers and customers. Universities are one of many types of organisations doing this.
These organisations need higher network throughput and more network capabilities, as well as better cybersecurity coverage. Which is why we’re seeing many businesses bring forward plans to use Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions.
SD-WAN delivers the application intelligence needed for faster, more flexible and more responsive networks. It simplifies the management of many different connection types across an extended network. This allows businesses to deliver more predictable, effective and secure infrastructure, which helps to keep users happy.
SD-WAN’s flexibility is also an advantage when trying to secure extended networks. For example, it enables tight integration with endpoint security and 2-factor authentication.
When properly implemented, SD-WAN’s flexible architecture can deliver massive cost savings by allowing branch offices to keep high-priority traffic running over MPLS networks, but using lower-cost Internet services to connect users to cloud applications. Businesses have been talking about being able to do this for a long time, but it’s only with the widespread deployment of SD-WAN that it has become possible.
These issues are not only important now – they will be vital in the future. In time, networks will connect a growing array of edge devices, including those used by remote employees and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. These devices will need levels of network control and support previously only available in internal networks.
Which is why SD-WAN should no longer be regarded only as a nice-to-have. It should now be seen as a core enabler of digital transformation.
That requires forward-thinking. Consider the importance of remote working and online service delivery to your organisation now and in the future.
If these things are important, then advanced, secure networking should pay dividends.
Contact Fortinet to learn more about secure networking.
