Insights

Introduction

Wide-area networks (WANs) are the traditional method for connecting geographically separated organizations. They are often used by government institutions, schools, and private businesses with numerous branches. These networks typically rely on leased lines or multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) to create the backbone that bridges distant locations.

For many businesses, WANs offer many benefits. However, they also come with plenty of limitations, especially when private leased lines and MPLS can be pretty expensive to install and maintain. These networks can also be inflexible, and organizations often struggle to scale up when they rely solely on WANs.

For this reason, many companies in the Philippines today are exploring software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN). These networks do not solely rely on leased lines or MPLS to build connections. They use multiple hardware platforms and connectivity options, making them cheaper and more flexible, especially for businesses planning to scale up.

InfoBan Communications Inc. is your trusted provider of SD-WAN solutions in the Philippines. We have prepared this article to summarize everything you need to know about this network type. Read through the rest of the page to keep yourself informed about SD-WAN solutions before you request our services.

How Do Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Solutions Benefit Businesses in the Philippines?

More and more companies in the Philippines are working with SD-WAN network providers. The reason is simple. SD-WAN solutions offer quite a lot of benefits, such as:

Enhanced Performance 

SD-WAN solutions can enhance your team's overall performance. The network, after all, can be configured to prioritize critical business applications, like video conferencing programs and collaboration tools. This translates to more seamless communication, faster file sharing, and fewer disruptions during real-time interactions. Ultimately, it leads to improved team productivity.

SD-WAN can also enhance cloud-based performance. This is especially beneficial these days when teams rely on cloud-based applications for document storage, project management, and day-to-day communication. The network can help optimize traffic flow to cloud resources and ensure consistent access to cloud services.

Reduced Costs 

Many businesses these days rely on SD-WAN solutions to reduce operational costs. This is possible through different means, including:

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• Simplifying Network Management – Managing multiple connections and configurations across branch offices can be time-consuming and expensive. SD-WAN solutions can centralize network administration through a single web-based interface, reducing IT labor costs.
• Reduced Hardware Expenses – Scaling traditional wide area networks (WANs) requires additional hardware when setting up branch offices. SD-WAN solutions, on the other hand, leverage software-defined technology. This eliminates the need for hardware upgrades, even when new branches are built. As a result, you get to save money on hardware expenses.
• Improved Application Performance – SD-WAN optimizes network performance through intelligent traffic routing and congestion control. This indirectly reduces costs associated with application downtime and user productivity loss.

Improved Scalability 

If scaling up is part of your future plans, you will benefit a lot from investing in SD-WAN. The network can simplify branch expansions. Instead of requiring intricate hardware setup at each new location (just like in traditional WANs), SD-WAN uses software-defined configurations to manage network settings and quickly bring your new branch online.

Even if you are not planning to set up additional branches, SD-WAN solutions can still be beneficial. After all, the network can be used for other methods of scaling up, like relying more on cloud-based applications. In such cases, you need a robust and reliable network to help your team access the cloud without experiencing delays. SD-WAN can make that possible.

Factors To Consider When Getting SD-WAN Solutions in the Philippines 

Many factors must be considered before requesting SD-WAN solutions from your trusted IT services provider. Here are a few examples:

Nature of the Business 

The nature of your business is one of the primary factors determining whether or not you need SD-WAN solutions. Suppose your organization is large and geographically dispersed (with multiple locations throughout the country or region). In that case, you will benefit more from SD-WAN's ability to connect across diverse networks.

Companies heavily reliant on cloud applications can also benefit from SD-WAN solutions. The network can optimize cloud traffic and prevent lags or delays, even if a large number of users try to access the cloud simultaneously.

Current Network Challenges 

If you are experiencing these network challenges, take them as a sign that you need to request services from SD-WAN router providers in the Philippines:

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• Frequent Performance Issues – Slow speeds, frequent outages, and unreliable connections can be catastrophic for many organizations. SD-WAN solutions can help improve overall network performance.
• Security Concerns – Cybersecurity breaches can lead to serious problems. Your clients can lose trust in you, and authorities can penalize you for failing to protect potentially sensitive data. By requesting SD-WAN solutions, you can avoid experiencing this issue. Some SD-WANs are designed to provide enhanced security features, preventing breaches and other cyber threats.
• Scalability Limitations – Software-defined wide area networks are designed to handle large amounts of network traffic. They are the perfect solution if you plan to scale up your business and expect more people to access the network simultaneously.

Overall Budget 

Consider your overall budget, too. SD-WAN solutions from reputable providers do not come cheap, so it is essential to ensure that your organization is financially prepared. The initial investment already covers the costs of software licenses, hardware upgrades, and professional fees.

There are ongoing expenses, too. In addition to regular maintenance, you may also have to pay software subscription fees, depending on the type of programs the SD-WAN runs in. You may also spend quite a bit on managed services if you do not have an internal IT team that can operate the system.

Indeed, the cost of SD-WAN solutions in the Philippines can be pretty high. However, they are worth it if you factor in the return on investment. Your business can save on bandwidth costs and year-on-year hardware upgrades. You might also earn more profits because SD-WAN can improve your team's overall performance.

How To Choose the Right SD-WAN Technology Provider in the Philippines 

There are many SD-WAN vendors in the Philippines, and it is your responsibility to partner with the one that best suits your needs. Here are a few tips that can help you:

Check Their Offerings and Services

Selecting the right SD-WAN solutions provider means aligning their offerings with your business needs. Start by reviewing the vendors’ websites to compare features.

If possible, try to ask for free demos. Providers often offer them to help potential customers get a first-hand experience of the SD-WAN solutions they are selling. During the demo, you can ask questions and clarify things to ensure that you understand everything about the product.

Determine if They Have a Good Reputation 

Working with a reputable vendor is essential to ensure the quality of services that you are getting. You can read reviews from their previous and current clients to get valuable insights about the kind of SD-WAN solutions they provide. Asking for professional references is ideal, too.

Ask About Their After-Sales Support 

Getting SD-WAN solutions is more than just a one-off thing. It is an ongoing process, so ensure you get reliable and continuous after-sales support from your provider. This is especially the case for modern businesses that rely more and more on SD-WAN. A simple problem can cause significant downtimes, which can further lead to loss of productivity and revenue.

Your SD-WAN solutions provider should offer different means for you to contact them. During unforeseen situations, you should be able to reach out to them via phone, email, online chat, or other methods.

FAQs About Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) Solutions in the Philippines 

What Problems Are Solved by SD-WAN Solutions? 

SD-WAN solutions can resolve network issues like slow speeds and frequent outages. The right SD-WAN can help reroute traffic across multiple connections, ensuring a more reliable and consistent network experience for your team.

It can also be a viable solution for specific cybersecurity issues. Some providers offer SD-WAN with built-in security features, such as encryption and firewalls, that improve network security and protect against cyberattacks.

How Much Do SD-WAN Solutions Cost in the Philippines? 

The overall cost of requesting SD-WAN solutions depends on many factors, including the number of sites (or branches) and required features. The reputation of your provider can also be a determining factor. Experienced vendors might charge more, especially if they have better equipment and more skilled technicians.

Do SD-WAN Solutions Have Limitations? 

Like any network system, SD-WAN solutions also have limitations. They are quite complex, so managing them can be difficult. You might have to invest in training your in-house IT team or request managed tech services to ensure your network runs optimally.

InfoBahn: Your Trusted Provider of Excellent SD-WAN Solutions in the Philippines 

Many large companies in the Philippines, especially those with multiple branches across the country, rely on software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) solutions. These IT solutions can help improve your team's overall performance and productivity. They can even lower operational costs in the long run because you get to save up on regular hardware upgrades and cybersecurity boosts.

If you are looking for a reliable SD-WAN vendor, you can contact us at InfoBahn Communications, Inc. We are a one-stop shop for all your IT needs, so you can rest assured that we can provide you with excellent services related to SD-WAN. Reach out to our team today for more information.