Co-Managed SDWAN Deployment vs Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

Software-defined wide area network (SDWAN) deployment has become a popular hot topic for IT professionals as they look to improve network performance and security while reducing costs. While there are many benefits to adopting SDWAN, one of the key decisions that organizations face is whether to choose a co-managed or fully managed deployment. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two approaches and provide guidance on how to choose the right approach for your business needs.

Understanding the Basics of SDWAN Deployment

Before we discuss the differences between co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployments, it is important to first understand the basics of SDWAN deployment. SDWAN is an architecture that enables businesses to use multiple types of networking technologies to create a hybrid network. This hybrid network can be customized to suit the specific needs of the business and is designed to provide increased efficiency, security, and reliability.

One of the key benefits of SDWAN deployment is that it allows businesses to reduce their reliance on expensive MPLS connections. Instead, SDWAN can leverage less expensive broadband connections, while still maintaining the same level of performance and security. This can result in significant cost savings for businesses, particularly those with multiple locations.

Another important aspect of SDWAN deployment is the ability to centrally manage and monitor the network. This allows businesses to quickly identify and resolve any issues that may arise, reducing downtime and improving overall network performance. Additionally, SDWAN can provide greater visibility into network traffic, allowing businesses to better understand how their network is being used and identify areas for optimization.

What is Co-Managed SDWAN Deployment?

Co-managed SDWAN deployment is a model that allows organizations to share responsibility for the management of their SDWAN. In this model, the provider is responsible for certain aspects of the network, such as monitoring, configuration, and maintenance, while the organization retains some level of control over other aspects, such as policy configuration and traffic routing. This approach is ideal for businesses who want to have some level of control over their network while still benefiting from the expertise of a third-party provider.

One of the key benefits of co-managed SDWAN deployment is that it allows organizations to scale their network more easily. As the business grows and its network requirements change, the provider can adjust the network configuration to meet those needs. This means that the organization can focus on its core business activities, while the provider takes care of the technical details. Additionally, co-managed SDWAN deployment can help organizations to reduce costs, as they only pay for the services they need, rather than investing in expensive hardware and software that may become obsolete over time.

What is Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment?

Fully managed SDWAN deployment is a model where the provider takes complete responsibility for the management of the network. In this model, the organization relinquishes control of all aspects of the network to the provider, including policy configuration, traffic routing, and management. This approach is ideal for businesses who want to outsource all aspects of their network management and focus on their core business needs.

One of the key benefits of fully managed SDWAN deployment is that it allows businesses to reduce their IT staff and infrastructure costs. Since the provider is responsible for managing the network, the organization does not need to invest in expensive hardware or hire additional staff to manage the network. This can result in significant cost savings for the organization.

Another advantage of fully managed SDWAN deployment is that it provides businesses with greater flexibility and scalability. Since the provider is responsible for managing the network, they can quickly and easily make changes to the network to accommodate the changing needs of the organization. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that experience rapid growth or need to quickly adapt to changing market conditions.

Key Differences Between Co-Managed and Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

There are several key differences between co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployments. The primary difference is the level of control that the organization maintains. In a co-managed deployment, the organization retains some level of control over the network, while in a fully managed deployment, the provider takes complete control of the network. Additionally, co-managed deployment may be more cost-effective for organizations, as they only pay for the services they require, while fully managed deployment may be more expensive due to the increased level of service provided.

Another key difference between co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployments is the level of expertise required from the organization’s IT team. In a co-managed deployment, the organization’s IT team is responsible for managing certain aspects of the network, such as security and application performance, while the provider manages the rest. This requires a certain level of expertise from the IT team. In a fully managed deployment, the provider takes care of all aspects of the network, including security and application performance, freeing up the organization’s IT team to focus on other tasks.

Advantages of Co-Managed SDWAN Deployment

Co-managed SDWAN deployment provides several advantages for organizations. Firstly, it allows organizations to maintain control over certain aspects of the network, which can be beneficial for businesses with specific security or regulatory requirements. Additionally, co-managed deployment can be more cost-effective for organizations, as they only pay for the services they require. Finally, co-managed deployment provides the benefit of accessing expertise from a third-party provider, which can help businesses to optimize their network and ensure that it is running at peak performance.

Another advantage of co-managed SDWAN deployment is that it can help organizations to scale their network more easily. As businesses grow and expand, their network requirements may change, and co-managed deployment allows them to quickly and easily adapt to these changes without having to invest in additional infrastructure or resources.

Furthermore, co-managed SDWAN deployment can help organizations to improve their network uptime and reliability. With a third-party provider monitoring and managing the network, businesses can benefit from proactive monitoring and troubleshooting, which can help to identify and resolve issues before they become major problems. This can help to minimize downtime and ensure that the network is always available when it is needed.

Advantages of Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

Fully managed SDWAN deployment provides several advantages for organizations. Firstly, it allows businesses to outsource all aspects of their network management, freeing up resources to focus on their core business needs. Additionally, fully managed deployment provides a higher level of service, as the provider is responsible for all aspects of the network, from policy configuration to traffic routing. Finally, fully managed deployment can be beneficial for businesses who do not have the expertise or resources to manage their network in-house.

Another advantage of fully managed SDWAN deployment is the ability to easily scale the network as the business grows. With a fully managed solution, the provider can quickly add new locations or increase bandwidth to meet the changing needs of the business. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in additional hardware or hire additional staff to manage the network. Additionally, fully managed SDWAN deployment provides enhanced security features, such as encryption and firewall protection, to ensure the safety of sensitive data and prevent cyber attacks.

Disadvantages of Co-Managed SDWAN Deployment

One of the primary disadvantages of co-managed SDWAN deployment is that it requires organizations to maintain some level of responsibility for the management of their network. This can be a disadvantage for businesses who do not have the expertise or resources to manage their network effectively. Additionally, because co-managed deployment requires both the provider and the organization to be involved in the management of the network, there is an increased risk of miscommunication or errors.

Disadvantages of Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

The primary disadvantage of fully managed SDWAN deployment is that it requires businesses to relinquish control of their network to a third-party provider. This can be a disadvantage for businesses who have specific security or regulatory requirements that they need to adhere to. Additionally, fully managed deployment can be more expensive for organizations as they are paying for a higher level of service provided by the provider.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Co-Managed or Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

When deciding between a co-managed or fully managed SDWAN deployment, there are several factors that organizations should consider. Firstly, the level of control that the organization requires over their network is an important consideration. Additionally, businesses should consider their budget and the resources available to manage their network in-house. Finally, businesses should consider their existing IT infrastructure and whether they have the expertise to manage their network effectively.

How to Choose the Right Type of SDWAN Deployment for Your Business Needs?

Choosing the right type of SDWAN deployment for your business needs can be a difficult decision. To make the right choice, businesses should consider their specific requirements, including their budget, expertise, and existing IT infrastructure. Additionally, it is important to work with a trusted provider who can help guide organizations through the decision-making process and provide the necessary expertise to ensure that their SDWAN deployment is successful.

Cost Comparison: Co-Managed vs Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

One of the primary factors that organizations consider when choosing between co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployment is the cost. Co-managed deployment is typically less expensive than fully managed deployment, as businesses only pay for the services that they require. Additionally, co-managed deployment can be more cost-effective for businesses with specific requirements, as they can maintain control over certain aspects of their network while still benefiting from the expertise of a provider.

Case Studies: Successful Businesses Using Co-Managed and Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

There are many successful businesses that have adopted both co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployment. For example, XYZ Company has adopted co-managed deployment to maintain control over certain aspects of their network while still benefiting from the expertise of a provider. Similarly, ABC Corp has adopted fully managed deployment to free up resources and focus on their core business needs. These case studies demonstrate that both co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployment can be successful, depending on the specific needs of the organization.

Common Misconceptions about Co-Managed and Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment

There are several common misconceptions about co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployment. One of the primary misconceptions is that fully managed deployment is always more expensive than co-managed deployment. While this may be true in some cases, it is not always the case, as the cost of deployment depends on the specific requirements of the organization. Another common misconception is that co-managed deployment provides less security than fully managed deployment. While this may be true in some cases, both co-managed and fully managed deployment can provide a high level of security, depending on the expertise of the provider and the specific requirements of the organization.

Future of Co-Managed and Fully Managed SDWAN Deployment: Trends and Predictions

The future of co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployment is bright, with trends indicating that more businesses are adopting this approach. In the coming years, we can expect to see increased innovation in the SDWAN market, as providers look to differentiate themselves and provide additional value to their clients. Additionally, we can expect to see increased adoption of SDWAN by businesses of all sizes, as the benefits of this approach become more widely recognized.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right type of SDWAN deployment is a critical decision that businesses must make to optimize their network performance and security while reducing costs. Co-managed and fully managed SDWAN deployment provide different levels of control and service, making it important for organizations to carefully consider their specific requirements when making this decision. By working with a trusted provider and keeping these factors in mind, businesses can ensure that their SDWAN deployment is successful and provides the necessary benefits to their organization.