Top 10 SD WAN Providers: Managed Services & Vendors

1. Cisco Meraki: Best for Rapid Deployment and Unified Cloud Management Across Diverse Enterprise Solutions.

Meraki SD WAN Feature Table.

Cisco Meraki SD WAN is a cloud-managed SD WAN solution that simplifies setup, centralizes control and secures branch connectivity using SASE features. We tested the deployment of Meraki SD WAN appliances and configured policies in order to test the basic service offering. 

Easy Cloud-Based Management

The Meraki dashboard provides centralized configuration, monitoring, and management of the entire WAN infrastructure. Appliances connect to the Meraki cloud to download policies and send performance data which removes the need for command line configuration at each site.

Dashboard tools include live traffic analysis, packet capture, and application visibility which provides actionable insights into network and application performance. Troubleshooting problems across multiple sites is much faster with the dashboard as all consolidated data is available in one central location.

Optimized for Business Use Cases

Meraki SD WAN makes it easy to prioritize business critical traffic with application-aware routing. Video conferencing and voice traffic can be identified and routed over the highest quality link.

Built-in multi-layer security protects branches without needing additional hardware. Meraki offers intrusion prevention, malware blocking, and content filtering secure remote sites.

Best for Distributed Enterprises

Meraki SD WAN shines for enterprises with multiple branch-office locations and remote users. Meraki is often found within retail and education where their capabilities across CCTV and secure device management is critically important.

Meraki is best for:

• Distributed enterprises with multiple remote offices and branches.
• Simplifying deployments across hundreds of locations.
• Improving application performance and prioritizing business critical traffic.
• Securing branch connectivity with built-in multi-layer security features.

Cellular broadband makes it easy to quickly add temporary sites or recover from circuit outages. Meraki's channel bonding can combine multiple WAN links for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

While Meraki SD WAN may not offer the same scale as Cisco's Viptela SD WAN but the solution is much simpler to deploy and manage.

Conclusion

With simple easy cloud management, optimization for business use cases, and support for distributed deployments, Cisco Meraki SD WAN is a compelling enterprise solution. For organizations with multiple remote offices and branches, Meraki simplifies operations and improves application performance.

How does Meraki integrate with AWS, Azure, Google and IBM Cloud services?

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2. Fortinet: Best for Integrated SD-WAN and Advanced Security Solutions.

Why is Fortinet capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Fortinet SD WAN is a leading Global software-defined wide area network solution that helps businesses manage their network connectivity and security. Fortinet offers robust features which includes application steering, multi-path intelligence, and integrated security, making it a good choice for businesses looking to optimize their network performance and security.

How easy is Fortinet to setup?

Fortinet's orchestration portal offers fast access to features, including Fortinet Analyzer which is built into their SD WAN platform offering up easy-to-view statistics. Added branch offices is streamlined by following four steps from the Fortinet Overlay Wizard. Once completed, the required provisioning templates are generated making it easier to push configuration changes or provision multiple devices.

Performance SLA health checks, application identification and custom application signatures are some of the key benefits of Fortinet. Setting up the "Best Quality" option configured application steering for the most crucial metrics across latency jitter and packet loss with the ability to set available bandwidth.

The Fortinet Analyzer delivers analytics for both security and networking through a global map that visualizes SD WAN sites. Color-coding and real-time snapshots of latency, jitter and packet loss means that monitoring can be viewed at a glance.

Fortinet offers various charts and graphs to display bandwidth usage, SD WAN link quality with the active paths for each rule. Historical graphs for each performance SLA are available to help with latency, jitter and packet loss trend data.

Two predefined SD WAN monitors are available; Secure SD WAN monitor and the SD WAN Summary Monitor. The former provides essential site-specific metrics while the latter delivers an overview of the entire network across alerts, SLA issues, top applications and top sites consuming bandwidth.

Fortinet SASE capability incorporates FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence which includes traffic inspection for remote users. The activation process simply requires selecting the desired security layers from AV, IPS  and SSL inspection.

Remote users can connect to Fortinet SASE through SSL VPN for security inspection.

FortiSASE tags are centrally defined and pushed to the FortiGates configured with ZTNA rules to serve as ZTNA gateways.

Fortinet SASE is powered by FortiOS and FortiGuard AI-powered security services which productizes  single-vendor SASE solutions and extends SWG Firewall, DLP, IPS and ZTNA security to remote employees. Integration with Fortinet Secure SD WAN enables the use of SD WAN for the best path for remote user access to internal resources. Integrated SD-Branch capabilities seamlessly integrate with FortiSwitches, FortiAPs and FortiExtenders which can be managed from FortiManager.

What are the top features of Fortinet Global SD WAN?

How does Fortinet integrate with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud services?

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3. Aryaka: Best for Global SD-WAN Solutions with Optimized Application Delivery and Cloud-First Architecture.

Why is Aryaka capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Aryaka Managed SD WAN is a global SD WAN service providing optimized, software-defined network connectivity and application acceleration to globally distributed enterprises. Aryaka’s services have over 10 million users across 7,000+ sites. Aryaka is fully managed, easy to deploy and offers the flexibility and scalability.

How easy is Aryaka to setup?

The configuration and deployment of Aryaka SD WAN was simple due to the user-friendly menu system which offers advanced configuration, network monitoring, QoS, network segmentation, traffic rules, WAN optimization and virtual machine options.

Aryaka's management portal also supports advanced feature changes and includes the ability to change bandwidth with burstable options.

The MyAryaka portal allows IT administrators to route traffic via Aryaka private PoPs or over the internet. As an example, small branch-office locations or remote users may be located some distance from their nearest PoP location which means setting up Internet VPN will improve traffic performance. This can be changed at any time via he portal which submits a request to the Aryaka team for provisioning and an email confirmation is sent once the changes are made.

Aryaka's SASE offering is a key component of their proposition providing valuable insights into connected sites, user connections and threats. Aryaka Secure Web Gateway offers security features including URL category filtering, Internet firewall options, SSL inspection, antivirus and malware scanning, user identity and control and analysis reporting. When adding an internet policy, Aryaka enables configuration using zones or segments and supports both local segments or DMZs as well as specific address ranges.

Aryaka's platform integrates seamlessly with Active Directory allowing for easy bulk addition of remote access users and simple setup of layer 3/4 firewall policies, content-based policies and traffic scanning options. The orchestrator assigns IP addresses to remote users through local PoP and enforces multi-factor authentication to enhance security. The Aryaka SWG applies necessary policies based on configuration which allows or denies access accordingly. The reporting data also provides logs for IT teams to monitor user trends and offers personalized and customized security measures for senior staff based on individual user settings rather than IP levels. Aryaka's remote access employs multi-factor authentication where a one-time password is sent via email or SMS.

The live log monitoring feature is quite useful for IT teams as it allows real-time visibility into threats and flagged incidents on the network - this is especially important when dealing with known virus threats.

The Aryaka Secure Web Gateway applies relevant policies based on permissions and restrictions set within the configuration. If a user attempts to access a blocked website, a message is displayed and the Aryaka portal logs the event for IT teams to identify user trends.

In my experience using the Aryaka product, the solution is a good fit for companies with a requirement to fully outsource the management of a Global network with the capability to retain access to perform simple setup of new sites, users alongside simpler change request.

With its straightforward configuration, seamless integration with Active Directory and extensive security features, Aryaka is a reliable option for modern companies interested in optimizing their WAN and securing their network environment.

Overall, Aryaka’s solution is highly recommended as an option for Global teams. Their underlay procurement team will also help to reduce costs for network connectivity.

What are the top features of Aryaka Global SD WAN?

How does Aryaka integrate with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud services?

Please note, there is currently no data on Aryaka's integration with Google Cloud services.

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4. Cato Networks: Best for Unified Cloud-Native SD-WAN and Security Services with Simplified Infrastructure.

Why is Cato capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Cato SD WAN is a comprehensive network solution that provides secure and optimized global connectivity with strong SASE security. The Cato platform integrates SD WAN features with network security, eliminating the need for multiple standalone products. Cato SD WAN simplifies network management, improves performance and reduces costs.

How easy is Cato to setup?

One of the key value areas of Cato SD WAN is ease of use across their management portal which allows IT teams to deploy SD WAN and SASE security via a step-by-step process. The solution offer out-of-the-box application recognition and default traffic QoS policies and recommended setup for security - i.e. automatic blocking of known websites.

Cato's support for remote users is also strong with easy activation and installation processes meaning IT teams can easily support new users at the same time as fast deployment of new starters and extranet user requirement. If your business uses Remote Desktop, Cato upholds the same security policies to ensure a consistent experience. Cato's cloud-native solution consolidates multiple security tools and services into a single platform which simplifies network management and offers visibility and control over applications and users.

One of their standout features is their capability to inspect encrypted traffic to ensure you are not propagating risks inside of a tunnel which 'should' be secure.

The Cato Shadow IT dashboard, powered by the Application Credibility Engine (ACE), streamlines SaaS usage and reduces risk exposure. Cato's CASB supports highly granular access policies which supports secure SaaS usage and protection against threats. Cato's features include TLS decryption and SMB acceleration to improve network performance, transfer speeds and simplify the security process.

Cato's advanced SASE and SSE security solutions, coupled with their global backbone effectively secure branch offices and remote users. However, enterprises with complex SD WAN and security requirements may encounter limitations with Cato's standardized feature sets. The management portal is very straight forward to use which means deployment and ongoing changes are easily co-managed by IT teams.

Cato's minimal maintenance requirements and commitment to handling inspection capacity on customers' behalf means that your business is able to deploy users and branch-office with confidence.

In conclusion, Cato Networks offers a comprehensive, efficient platform for businesses seeking reliable and cost-effective network security solutions.

With diverse features, including AI-powered threat detection, TLS decryption, SMB acceleration, and CASB support, Cato is recognised as a seriously strong SASE and SSE player.

While Cato may not cater to  complex multinational businesses, their solution emains an excellent choice for medium-sized Global organizations focused on user experience and simplified security management.

What are the top features of Cato Global SD WAN?

How does Cato integrate with AWS, Azure, Google Cloud services?

Please note, there is currently no data on Cato's integration with Google Cloud services.

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5. VeloCloud (by VMware): Best for Cloud SD-WAN Solutions Supporting Application Growth and Network Agility.

Why is VeloCloud capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

VeloCloud SD WAN is a cloud-native solution for network operators and application owners who require on-demand, secure connectivity over any transport. VeloCloud offers features which include dynamic multipath optimization and on-demand remediation making VeloCloud a good choice for businesses seeking to optimize their network performance.

How easy is VeloCloud to setup?

VeloCloud, offers simplified deployment, powerful monitoring capabilities and seamless integration with various cloud platforms and security vendors. 

The VeloCloud deployment options cater to different business requirements and include pre-installed edge software on VMware or Dell hardware, Virtual Edge installed on certified platforms such as ESXi or KVM and Virtual Edge deployment options in AWS or Azure marketplaces.

One significant feature that sets VeloCloud apart is its global network of 100 public PoPs with 60+ orchestrators,and 2000+ gateways. These PoPs are strategically colocated with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud data centers to ensure optimized traffic routing based on dynamic multipath optimization (DMPO).

The zero-touch deployment feature means edge devices are plug-and-play - once connected, the devices receive configurations automatically for faster provisioning.

The VeloCloud dashboard makes network management simpler with multi-tier, application-aware visibility, global SD WAN analytics and integrated vRNI capabilities. Various link metrics, such as latency, jitter, and packet loss are readily accessible and provide insights into link quality scoring and utilization.

One reason businesses choose VeloCloud is to benefit from application performance with their dynamic traffic steering, direct cloud access through public gateways,and flexible edge security features.

VeloCloud offers deep application recognition of over 3000+ applications which can be classified and treated accordingly based on their priority.

In terms of security, VeloCloud has taken a unique approach by integrating with a selection of best-in-class security vendor partners which includes Zscaler, Checkpoint, Forcepoint, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Netskope and Menlo Security. Instead of developing their own proprietary security solution, VeloCloud leverages the expertise of these vendors to deliver secure access service edge (SASE) and security service edge (SSE) capabilities. The key features of their security proposition includes: Network security, application protection, threat management, user identity protection, network segmentation, workload encryption, layer 7 firewall and web filtering.

VeloCloud's integration with these security vendors doesn't compromise their core SD WAN capabilities. Their marketing suggests their strategy enhances the user experience by integrating the security vendor solutions into the VeloCloud dashboard and cloud-based networks via API connections. VeloCloud leverages its gateways to optimize connectivity and access to each security vendor.

In conclusion, VMware SD WAN VeloCloud offers a comprehensive suite of SD WAN features which supports various business needs with flexible deployment options, zero-touch deployment, powerful monitoring, analytics capabilities and their partnerships with leading SASE and SSE vendors.

What are the top features of VeloCloud Global SD WAN?

How does VeloCloud integrate with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud?

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6. Masergy: Best for Hybrid Networking with Emphasis on Agility, Performance, and Cost-Efficiency.

Why is Masergy capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Masergy's managed SD WAN services are provisioned over a high performing Global network with access to Cloud vendors. With three tiers of security services, organization can choose the level of protection that best suits their needs. Whether you prefer a fully managed or co-managed solution, Masergy's SD WAN offers a blend of service options. Plus, you can manage your entire network from one easy-to-use portal.

How easy is Masergy to setup?

One of the original Masergy propositions surrounded adding bandwidth to circuits on the fly and while this approach is no longer specific to Masergy, it does remain a core feature of their network-on-demand capability. This is because the bandwidth change happens in real time which is a key differentiator between their approach and other providers and vendors where tickets take time to process. Using the Masergy portal, an authorised administrator simply selects the site and changes the bandwidth using a slider.

Today, Masergy is offering a number of key solutions to customers. Masergy SD WAN is available as a fully managed and co-managed solution - as a service provider, offering DIY is not part of their proposition. The platform offers support for Masergy-provided Internet or MPLS, Broadband, 4G/5G, or customers can even provide their own network connectivity (over-the-top SD WAN).

Perhaps the biggest feature recognized by Netify is their Service Level Agreement (SLA), which applies to both their own connectivity but also any over-the-top providers sourced on your behalf. If one of your sites is under contract and cannot be migrated to Masergy, over-the-top will take the circuit under management with a bespoke SLA.

Multi-Cloud Connect is available to AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Salesforce, SAP, and Cisco with SASE cybersecurity with next-generation Firewalls and managed NOC and SOC layered over the proposition.

Wrapped around the service proposition are real-time statistics and insights into the network with AIOps. With artificial intelligence, AI works as a virtual engineer to enhance application performance and predict bandwidth needs. An example is where AI discovers excessive packet drops or high bandwidth utilization - the tool will notify your point of contact. If Office 365 bandwidth is increasing over time, AIOps will also provide notifications that this is a potential future issue.

What are the main features of Masergy Global SD WAN?

How does Masergy integrate with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud?

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7. Versa Networks: Best for Cost-Effective Secure SD-WAN Solutions with Emphasis on Flexibility and Scalability.

Why is Versa capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Versa SD WAN capabilities include sub-second packet steering across multiple WAN interfaces, packet loss reduction via FEC, packet replication and poor performing link avoidance. The Versa SD WAN technology is built using the Cloud platform. Readers should note that Versa is known for their competitive pricing.

How easy is Versa to setup?

Versa SD WAN is a good solution for medium to large businesses with easy administration and configurability via the Versa management portal.

When using the product, setting up networks, security and traffic steering was straightforward. Configuring WAN connections and implementing WAN diversity with 4G or 5G LTE services for backup is straight-forward. Users have the option to set their traffic preferences as Internet, VPN only or IT teams can force the configuration via Versa's WAN settings.

Versa SASE and SSE security features are easily deployed and adjustable with default policies which include Firewall, profile definitions, whitelisting and blacklisting, IP reputation, Antivirus and intrusion protection. The out-of-the-box deployment features a range of recognized threats and websites that are auto-denied through Easy Security Picks making the security setup simple.

Traffic steering is a key feature of Versa's SD WAN solution which supports prioritization of applications based on low latency low packet loss or low delay variation. This result is optimal routing of application traffic across the best performing connectivity.

Versa's reporting capabilities offer at-a-glance display of connected sites, current network, security and device status. For cellular circuits, signal strength is also displayed for quick evaluation of any potential performance degradation. The security tab displays the URL categories your users are visiting so you can quickly deny policies to be set up if required.

The troubleshooting feature includes predefined options such as Internet connection problems, Wi-Fi issues, slow speeds and trouble accessing websites which positions users to self-serve if simple problems occur.

Versa offers Forward Error Correction (FEC) and packet replication - a valuable option for delay-sensitive applications such as voice and video. The portal allows easy implementation of these options to ensure seamless network performance.

Versa provides an all-encompassing SASE and SSE solution that offers a wide range of connectivity options alongside advanced security features. The Versa SASE client's pre-logon connection ensures secure access to the network for remote users with Active Directory authentication making onboarding of new users efficient.

Utilizing Versa SASE and SSE features such as on-premises and cloud-delivered networking, next-generation firewall service, secure web gateway, advanced routing and unified ZTNA, it is easy to experience the benefits of multi-tenancy, multi-service, elasticity and zero-touch provisioning.

These features make it a critical component of any organization's security strategy by simplifying integration of essential security functions into existing network infrastructures and replacing complex physical or virtual appliances with virtualized security functions.

In conclusion, Versa SD WAN is an ideal choice for organizations looking for comprehensive security and networking interoperability in a user-friendly package. Versa offers an extensive suite of network security capabilities and the simplicity of central management through a single pane of glass make it an efficient, cost-effective solution with real-time policy enforcement for on-premises, branch or cloud applications.

What are the main features of Versa SD WAN?

How does Versa integrate with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud?

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8. Palo Alto: Best for Integrated Cybersecurity and SD-WAN Solutions Ensuring Secure and Optimized Connectivity.

Why is Palo Alto capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Palo Alto Networks is a leading provider of comprehensive cybersecurity solutions which include network security, cloud security, endpoint security and threat intelligence. Palo Alto is recognized as a leader in SASE and SD WAN by Gartner and is also a leader in Zero Trust security.

Palo Alto offer a range of services, including incident response, threat intelligence, and security consulting. Palo Alto is a valuable partner for any organization looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

How easy is Palo Alto to setup?

Palo Alto's core focus of Prisma SD WAN is on machine learning and automation making it a key pillar of Palo Alto's SASE solution. The company is known for their experience across Firewall capability and is recognised for offering fully featured cybersecurity solutions.

Combining machine learning with deep visibility into layer 7 (the application layer) offers insights into bandwidth utilization and stats which help to optimize traffic steering. With AIOps, Prisma automates network health metrics to identify issues proactively and optimize troubleshooting.

The configuration portal is accessible via their cloud management platform which features five main tabs: Name, Type, Policies, Circuits, and Summary.

This setup streamlines the implementation process which ultimately means the solution is more manageable for IT teams. Prisma configuration abstraction allows your IT team to build, distribute and use policy-building blocks throughout the entire organization.

Palo Alto's Prisma SD WAN directly integrates with Prisma Access (their SASE platform) providing cloud security with machine learning for advanced threat protection. The Palo SASE solution also includes ZTNA (Zero Trust) architecture with multiple features such as ZTNA, CASB, Secure Web Gateway, and Firewall as-a-service (FWaaS) which are all powered by AIOps.

There are new innovations within the Prisma SASE which are worth knowing about, these include SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM), new ML-powered security services, AIOps for SASE and refreshed SD WAN appliances. The SSPM secures SaaS applications by identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities which is necessary for app security.

Machine-learning capabilities are crucial in providing effective threat protection. Inline ML allows for real-time detection and mitigation of network threats which includes phishing attacks, advanced hacking techniques and DNS attacks.

One of the standout features of the Palo Alto SASE platform is ZTNA 2.0 which offers enhanced security for remote users by providing constant tunnel inspection (one of the main features of Palo) and monitoring for malware, misbehavior and data loss. This feature complements the usual ZTNA approach of routing traffic through a broker for authentication without internal traffic inspection.

The central controller manages all security policies independently from the data plane ensuring efficient day-to-day operation for ION devices. Prisma establishes an Authorization Chain of Trust through certificates which enhances both security and device activation.

Palo Alto Prisma SD WAN is a robust solution that combines SD WAN and SASE capabilities for businesses searching for an adaptable, secure and automated network solutions. Prisma's focus on machine learning and automation, coupled with its seamless integration with Prisma Access (SASE platform) and ZTNA 2.0, ensures an effective approach to modern cybersecurity challenges.

What are the top features of Palo Alto Prisma Global SD WAN?

How does Palo Alto Prisma SD WAN access AWS, Azure and Google Cloud?

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9. Barracuda: Best for Native Cloud Access, Enhancing Network Performance with Integrated Security and Data Protection.

Why is Barracuda capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Barracuda Networks SD WAN is a solution that combines the connectivity features of stand-alone SD WAN products and security functionality of next-generation firewalls in a single solution. Barracuda offers SD WAN as part of their CloudGen Firewall product or as a cloud service on Azure.

Barracuda also offers WAN acceleration and multi-layered, next-generation security including cloud-based full emulation sandboxing for every location in widely dispersed corporate networks. 

How easy is Barracuda to setup?

Barracuda is know for their native integration with the global Azure backbone. This single feature sets Barracuda apart from other SD WAN providers including Cato, Aryaka and traditional carriers.

Setting up the initial SD WAN solution was straightforward. After obtaining a Barracuda Cloud Control account and an Azure account, we were able to access the Azure portal and subscribe to the Barracuda CloudGen One service.

Once subscribed, access is provide to the Barracuda CloudGen One management access which enables easy set up three hubs in Microsoft Azure – one in US East, one in Europe West and one in Japan East.

Creating virtual hubs in various regions is a fast and effective method of creating a global backbone using the Virtual WAN capability within Microsoft Azure. With the unique token generated for the process and the Barracuda CloudGen One gateway available in the Azure marketplace, IT teams are able to define the required details which includes the resource group, region and application name.

Once all three gateways were deployed, the Barracuda enables admin to view the Virtual One and the corresponding company managed applications (Barracuda Cloud M One gateways) in the Azure Portal dashboard. Connecting to the hubs displays the network virtual appliances (NVAs) which are the Barracuda CloudGen One gateways.

Barracuda's collaboration with Microsoft has resulted in an easy-to-deploy secure SD WAN service that supports multi-transport capabilities for resiliency and integrates it into their vWAN platform.

This service also encompasses various security features which includes next-generation firewall capabilities, secure web gateway capability and fine-grained policies for site-to-site and site-to-cloud scenarios. The Barracuda SASE integration with Azure vWAN provides cloud-based policy enforcement and control for enhanced security.

Barracuda's Zero Trust Solution includes ongoing device compliance checks and access control to maintain security.

The Threat Intelligence Network analyzes global threat data with centralized management which allows IT teams to set and change policies where required. With this, Edge Compute capabilities enable low-latency processing and pre-filtering of telemetry data for different use cases.

Although Barracuda does not directly offer SASE or SSE security, their SD WAN service integrates with solutions through API connections with optimized connectivity via gateways.

It is expected that Barracuda will continue enhancing offerings across Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), cloud-based reporting and Extended Detection and Response (XDR).

The Barracuda collaboration between Microsoft and Barracuda provides a comprehensive global secure SD WAN service that is easy to set up and manage making their solution an excellent choice for businesses looking to leverage the power of SD WAN technology.

What are the top features of Barracuda Global SD WAN?

How does Barracuda SD WAN access AWS, Azure and Google Cloud?

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10. Forcepoint: Best for Secure, Direct-to-Cloud Connectivity with Emphasis on Protecting Users, Data, and Networks.

Why is Forcepoint capable of delivering Enterprise SD WAN?

Forcepoint SD WAN offers an advanced cybersecurity solution, combining a Data-First SASE platform with real-time adaptation to user interactions. This technology features converged capabilities for endpoint to cloud protection, AI-driven behavioral analysis, and the latest threat intelligence. With over 20 years of experience, Forcepoint provides a technically robust approach to secure digital transformation.

How easy is Forcepoint to setup?

The Forcepoint SD WAN solution is marketed as an easy management platform for digital devices, whether they are in branch offices or cloud locations.

The link-agnostic deployment and intelligent application routing capabilities is designed to improve the performance of our business-critical applications. Forcepoint's  management portal offers real-time and historical visibility into the SD WAN environment which enables the IT team to monitor and assess the network's performance.

The advanced security features include granular security controls and full man-in-the-middle capabilities which protects sensitive data from potential threats. Forcepoint is noted for their deep inspection and file filtering capabilities across IPS and IDS protection which safeguards organizations from malware and worms.

Forcepoint One also offers simplified process across managing and monitoring ecurity policies. Their cloud-based unified portal allows administrators to easily set security policies and enforce acceptable use guidelines for various cloud applications and services. The platform's pre-configured data loss prevention (DLP) patterns have streamlined the data protection process to ensure the security of sensitive information is protected.

One standout feature of Forcepoint is their distributed architecture which has the net-effect of faster browsing compared to other web security solutions. There is also the remote browser isolation feature ensures safe and efficient web browsing even for users in high-risk environments.

Forcepoint is integrated with Office 365 which supports granular control over file sharing, collaboration and communication. The platform's DLP policies are tailored specifically for cloud applications in Office 365 providing IT teams with the flexibility to determine and manage how the organization's data is shared and accessed.

Forcepoint's capabilities in managing devices across different locations and platforms, securing sensitive data and enforcing stringent security policies have provides a comprehensive and effective solution for network and security needs. The level of granularity, visibility and control the platform offers  organizations the capability to fortify and optimize their digital infrastructure.

What are the top features of Forcepoint Global SD WAN?

How does Forcepoint SD WAN connect to AWS, Azure and Google Cloud?

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What is an SD WAN Provider?

SD WAN has transformed the networking market as the enabler to public Cloud consumption. The original SDN (Software Defined Networking) goal was to introduce a software based management controller (orchestrator) which could be iterated upon by developers together with low cost CPE (Customer Premises Equipment).

The end result is a technology which offers agility with the capability to leverage low cost Internet services. And, as a by product of Internet deployment, significant overlay security products deliver the necessary security components across the Gartner SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and SSE (Security Service Edge) framework. 

In 2023, more users than ever work from home or other unsecured locations such as Hotels which generates the need to secure their mobiles and laptops. While SASE and SSE deliver the necessary security elements (ZTNA, SWG, CASB, EDR & PAM), SD WAN monitors and routes traffic via  diverse network connections which include Ethernet leased lines, Broadband and LTE.

Using sophistication application-awareness, SD WAN understands which access medium provides the best possible latency and jitter but also applies technology such as FEC (Forward Error Connection). If SD WAN sense a degradation in performance,  multi-path dynamic optimization will switch to an alternative circuit which offers resilience and diversity.

SD WAN delivers Quality of Experience across users and their applications. With automated policy-based deployment and configuration, IT teams can control and manage their WAN via a single-pane-of-glass interface which provides reporting and data insights..

This leads to lower circuit costs and increased network agility and ultimately, simplicity. In summary, Software WAN offers the Enterprise a flexible, cost-effective, and secure solution for Cloud access via diverse Internet services for remote users and the branch-office.

Continue reading to learn about the best 10 SD WAN vendors we recommend.

How do I compare the Enterprise Global SD WAN vendor and provider market?

Use the Netify quiz here to find out which SD WAN vendors and providers match your needs.

* Stats provided by the Netify research team.

What are the benefits of SD WAN?

What features does SD WAN offer?

How to choose the right SD WAN provider?

Choosing the right SD WAN vendor or managed service provider requires comparison of selected key areas to identify which solution is a good fit for your business and technical requirements,

Consider the following 6 points when comparing SD WAN solutions:

• Advanced Security - Check if the solution capability offers advanced SASE and SSE security features which includes end-to-end encryption, firewall, intrusion detection and prevention systems. Consider vendors and service provider support Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) which combines network security functions with WAN capabilities.
• User Experience - Use the various websites which offer reviews of each SD WAN vendor and service provider to understand customer experience.
• Agility - Consider how quickly and easily the SD WAN solution can be deployed and scaled with the process for adds, moves and change. Compare zero-touch provisioning which can simplify the deployment process.
• Virtualization - Check if the provider supports network function virtualization (NFV) to enhance network flexibility and scalability.
• SD WAN Architecture - When comparing SD WAN architecture across multiple providers and vendors, IT managers should consider deployment locations (on-premises, cloud, multi-cloud), types of deployment (DIY, managed, co-managed), form factors (physical, virtual, cloud), built-in security features, network performance, scalability and ease of management. 
• Cost - Consider the total cost of ownership of the SD WAN solution and evaluate licence options to ensure you have the full cost analysis as your networks grows.

Future Trends in SD WAN

The future of SD-WAN services is expected to continue to evolve with an increasing focus on cloud-based solutions and AI with machine learning. These technologies are expected to play a significant role in the future of SD WAN. In fact, some of the technology is already available to help with network optimization, predictive analytics, and improving overall network performance.

As businesses continue to migrate their operations to AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, SD WAN will play a key role in ensuring users are able to access their resources from wherever they are located.

Cybersecurity is a major concern for businesses and SD WAN is expected to integrate more advanced security features. These features include the evolution of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) which combine network security functions with WAN capabilities to support the dynamic secure access needs of organizations.

With the rollout of 5G, SD WAN solutions will likely be designed to leverage the high speeds, low latency and network slicing features of 5G networks.

As businesses use services from multiple cloud providers, SD WAN will need to provide efficient multi-cloud connectivity. In the majority of network designs, multi-cloud architecture is fast becoming the standard mode of operation to ensure the best possible application performance for users.

SD WAN as a Service is  making it easier for businesses to implement and manage SD WAN, reducing the need for in-house expertise. While MPLS was either DIY or fully managed, SD WAN offers customers the choice across DIY, Co-Managed and Fully Managed with the ability to mix and match.

Lastly, due to the continue growth of remote work, Secure Remote Access will play a crucial role in providing reliable access to business resources. In some ways, SD WAN does not differentiate between a branch-office and remote users - this bluring of lines is set to continue with remote access receiving the same features and performance as the branch office.

Security Considerations in SD WAN

SASE is a combination of SD WAN and cloud-delivered security. As defined by Gartner, SASE compressively combines network security functions with WAN capabilities to support users and branch-offices. Gartner originally created the SASE framework to recognize the convergence of networking and security into a single cloud-native service.

Gartner have also released the SSE (Security Service Edge) framework which focuses on unifying security services which include:

• Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Unlike SASE, SSE only converges security functions.

IT decision-makers should consider the following when implementing SD WAN:

• Access Control - Ensure only authorized users can access the network and applications.
• Threat Protection - Implement measures to detect and mitigate threats in real-time.
• Data Security -Protect sensitive data from breaches and leaks.
• Security Monitoring - Continuously monitor the network for any suspicious activities.
• Acceptable Use Control - Enforce policies on what network resources can be accessed and how they can be used.

How to choose between SASE and SSE?

Choosing between SASE and SSE depends on the specific needs of your organization. If your IT team requires both advanced networking and security services, SASE will fit requirements. However, f the organization is primarily focused on enhancing security functions and SD WAN is not required, SSE might be more suitable.