Netify Evidence & Methodology Hub

Last updated 2025

At Netify, our Evidence & Methodology Hub outlines the processes behind our SD-WAN and SASE network security content and evaluations. In keeping with our commitment to high-quality, fact-based data, this page is designed to provide evidence and the methodology we use.

Our overall intent at Netify is to ensure:

  • Readers consume information that is clear and not misleading.
  • Any marketing material is made clear versus editorial content.
  • Every article is proofread by three Netify employees before publication.

Overview and Purpose

Netify collects, tests, and analyses data from SD-WAN and network security solutions. Our sources are varied but typically include utilising vendor demos, technical documentation, interviews with key members of staff, and data points that exist across trusted industry publications.

Our approach and intent is to ensure we are unbiased and rooted in factual data, which is fact-checked before publication occurs.

Detailed Methodology

Evaluation Framework

We follow a structured process to provide clear and objective reviews:

  • Data Collection: We source information from our internal labs, vendor documentation, and customer case studies. For instance, our Best SD-WAN Vendors guide is an example of our extensive research into ten leading SD-WAN solutions. The work to create this content required analysing multiple sources to ensure we are presenting the best possible, factually accurate data points to our readers.
  • Testing Protocols: Our controlled tests utilise data from real-world conditions. We analyse all aspects of network performance, including latency, throughput, and packet loss. We consider news, analysis, and customer reviews from other trusted sources to validate our approach.
  • Scoring and Analysis: Vendors are evaluated based on performance, security, scalability, and manageability. Our balanced analysis always includes both the pros and cons of all solutions.

(Our methodology follows high-quality editorial guidelines to ensure clarity and impartiality.)

Data Sources and Collection

Our analysis draws on several well-vetted sources:

  • Internal Testing: We generate data using vendor demo accounts with test data, as demonstrated in our technical comparisons.
  • Vendor Documentation: We review official technical briefs and configuration guides.
  • Customer Case Studies: Real-world insights are collected across publicly available data.
  • Independent Research: External studies and academic research validate our findings.

Performance Metrics and KPIs

We assess each solution using clear performance indicators:

  • Network Performance: Metrics such as latency, throughput, and reliability are measured.
  • Security Efficiency: We review integrated security features (e.g., NGFW, SASE) and their effectiveness.
  • Scalability: Our analysis includes the ability to support dynamic routing and multi-cloud connectivity.
  • Cost Efficiency: We conduct total cost of ownership analyses based on data from pricing, which is made available by vendors and service providers.

Testing Protocols and Environments

Controlled Demo Testing

We replicate real-world conditions using demo accounts by:

  • Simulating diverse enterprise traffic.
  • Conducting stress tests under high-load conditions.
  • Evaluating performance across multiple transport links (broadband, MPLS, LTE).

Field Data and Case Studies

Our evaluations are further validated with field data from customer deployments. For example, our Manufacturing Vendors guide provides real-world case studies.

Peer Review and Validation

Our methodologies are rigorously reviewed internally and benchmarked against market-leading reports. We incorporate expert feedback and independent research to ensure our evaluations remain accurate and relevant.

Revision History and Update Schedule

We update our methodologies quarterly. Each revision is logged with the date and a summary of changes, ensuring our analyses reflect the latest technologies and industry standards.

Citations and References

We support our evaluations with detailed citations and references.