eXemplify’s Robert Hayes sat down with Granite Communications’ SD-WAN Project Manager Kayla Zbinden to talk about how SD-WAN is shaking up the Channel and the world of networking.
How is SD-WAN disrupting the WAN market?
The emergence of SD-WAN is shifting the market away from leased secure networking technologies to the more cost-effective dedicated internet and broadband internet connection.
SD-WAN also shifts the control plane from each site in each edge router to a centralized administrative orchestration platform to allow for a limited IT staff to be able to make configuration and policy changes no matter the volume or geographical distance.
How does SD-WAN integrate with cloud services?
SD-WAN providers are partnering with cloud SaaS providers, and they all offer unique methods of delivering high-speed connections to cloud-based apps.
Examples of these applications are Salesforce, Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365, but businesses are also connecting to cloud computing services like Amazon Web (AWS) and cloud-based storage.
What does the emergence of SD-WAN mean for MPLS?
If a business handles sensitive and/or regulated traffic it still may be in its best interest to use MPLS.
Most SD-WAN technologies allow for a Hybrid MPLS/SD-WAN design so a business can phase its transition while reaping the benefits both technologies provide.
What are the next steps for the Software-defined Everything (SDX) world?
SD-WAN has two next steps: continue to upgrade technologies to improve security requirements as the landscape evolves, and ensuring that the connection to cloud services are secure and performance is assured.
It’s soon to be an SDX world, so how do we all fit in it? It’s true that the worldwide shift to software has disrupted traditional business models in just about every industry. The previously clear roles and responsibilities of each entity have been blurred. What was once a rigid hierarchy is now a web of enterprises, customers, technology providers and services providers.
What is Granite’s approach to SD-WAN?
Granite believes in having an SD-WAN flavor to meet the need of any business. We will continue onboard new vendors to meet the needs of our customers.
Granite will gather details on existing network architecture, pain points, and will design a SD-WAN solution to optimize the network accordingly.
Customers have the benefit of a one-stop shop at Granite for all their telecommunication needs. This provides us the unique opportunity to design, coordinate, implement, and support every aspect of a deployment no matter the size or complexity.
As the SDX world evolves, Granite stays on top of the changes, and continues to connect businesses with the right solutions for their needs.
To learn more about SD-WAN, hosted PBX, SIP trunking, and other communications technology, visit Granite online, contact Kevin Sorgi at ksorgi@granitenet.com, or call 617.933.7377.
To learn more about voice, data, and cloud technologies for your business, contact eXemplify today.