DIY SDWAN Deployment vs Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment
Two networks
Software-defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) is rapidly becoming a popular networking solution for businesses around the world. It’s no surprise that SDWAN adoption rates have increased exponentially in recent years, given the significant benefits it provides for seamless connectivity, increased security and uptime, among other things. However, businesses looking to adopt SDWAN are faced with a critical decision – DIY or vendor-supported deployment.
The Pros and Cons of DIY SDWAN Deployment
DIY deployment is a tempting option for businesses looking to install SDWAN on their own. The most significant advantage of DIY installation is cost savings. Since you’re not hiring a vendor, you’re going to save a considerable amount of money. It also offers businesses more control over the deployment process and customization of the network.
However, the disadvantages of DIY are considerable. SDWAN deployment requires a certain level of expertise, and if you don’t have it, things can go wrong very quickly. Poor deployment and configuration can lead to network downtime, an increase in cyber attacks, and other issues that can impact your business’s bottom line. It’s also essential to consider the resources and time you are willing to commit to the deployment process since DIY deployment is a time-consuming process.
Another factor to consider when deciding whether to pursue a DIY SDWAN deployment is the level of support you will have access to. When working with a vendor, you typically have access to technical support and troubleshooting assistance. With a DIY deployment, you may not have the same level of support, which can be a significant disadvantage if you encounter issues during the deployment process or after the network is up and running. It’s important to weigh the potential cost savings against the potential risks and drawbacks of a DIY deployment before making a decision.
The Benefits of Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment
On the other hand, vendor-supported SDWAN deployment offers businesses an easy way to deploy and manage their network solution. By hiring a vendor, you don’t have to worry about the technical details, and you can trust that the vendor will provide robust support and maintenance for your network. This means not only guaranteed uptime but also the ability to update and future-proof your network with ease.
By choosing a vendor, businesses gain access to their years of experience and knowledge of SDWAN technologies and best practices, which can prove invaluable. They are always up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in the technology, ensuring that your business will have a future-proofed network ready for any new threats or advancements.
Moreover, vendor-supported SDWAN deployment can also help businesses save money in the long run. Vendors often offer flexible pricing models, allowing businesses to pay only for the services they need. Additionally, vendors can help businesses optimize their network performance, reducing the need for costly hardware upgrades or additional IT staff.
A Comprehensive Comparison of DIY and Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment
To choose the best deployment approach, it’s crucial to understand the differences between DIY and vendor-supported SDWAN deployment fully. Cost, expertise, control, uptime, security, and future-proofing are all factors that must be considered.
Cost Analysis: Which is More Affordable, DIY or Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment?
For businesses looking to minimize costs, DIY deployment makes the most sense. However, it’s essential to consider the long-term costs. Since vendor-supported deployment offers consistent and reliable support and maintenance, businesses may save in the long run. They can also avoid the initial costs of hiring additional expertise to perform the DIY installation.
The Importance of Expertise in SDWAN Deployment
SDWAN deployment requires a certain level of expertise without it the overall network performance and security is impacted. DIY deployment can work for businesses with the necessary skills and experience. Still, it can lead to significant problems if not done correctly. With vendor-supported deployment, businesses receive unmatched expertise, ensuring their networks are reliable and secure.
Assessing Your Business Needs: When to Choose DIY vs Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment
Your business’s size, industry, and the existing network infrastructure can serve as essential factors when choosing between a DIY or vendor-supported deployment. Smaller businesses with fewer IT resources may prefer a vendor-supported deployment, while larger enterprises with in-house IT teams may opt for DIY deployment.
Security Considerations: Which Approach is More Secure, DIY or Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment?
Vendor-supported deployment offers businesses an advantage concerning security. Vendors keep themselves up-to-date, providing support and maintenance that keeps your network secure from cyber threats. With DIY deployment, having up-to-date security measures is the business’s responsibility. If they fail to do so, the network is highly susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Evaluating the Complexity of DIY vs Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment
DIY deployment may seem like an opportunity for customization and control, but it can be complex and time-consuming. Vendor-supported deployment is less complex since the vendor does everything for you, eliminating the complexity of the deployment process for your staff and significantly reducing network downtime.
Implementing Changes in Your Network: How Easy is it with DIY vs Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment?
Another factor to consider is how easy it is to make changes to your network following deployment. DIY deployment may require a significant amount of time and expertise for every change to the network. With vendor-supported deployment, businesses can make quick changes to their network with the support of a vendor’s experienced team.
The Role of Support and Maintenance in DIY vs Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment
Vendor-supported deployment includes regular support and maintenance, meaning businesses don’t have to worry about the technical details of their network. DIY deployment includes all responsibility of support and maintenance, and if something goes wrong, it is only in the hands of the in-house IT team. Any significant downtime resulting from an internal error can significantly impact a business’s productivity, making the vendor-supported option more reliable.
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployment
Choosing the right vendor is essential to ensure the success of your network. Before choosing a provider, carefully review vendor experience, customer reviews, and available resources that the vendor offers. Selecting a well-known and experienced vendor ensures the best possible outcome for your business network.
How to Ensure a Successful DIY SDWAN Deployment
DIY deployment requires experience and expertise to launch successfully. Businesses should invest in internal training for their IT team to ensure a successful deployment. Additionally, businesses will need to have an extensive and thorough plan for every step of the way before beginning the deployment process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in DIY and Vendor-Supported SDWAN Deployments
Failure to plan, limited expertise and experience, misunderstanding business goals, and overall insufficient research can all lead to unsuccessful deployments. With both DIY and vendor-supported deployments, it’s easy for a business to overlook critical details, ultimately leading to security vulnerabilities and poor network performance. Proper planning, understanding business needs, holding SDWAN expertise, and a clear understanding of the network’s complexity can avoid many common mistakes.
Future-proofing Your Network with the Right SDWAN Solution
Future-proofing your network is critical for staying ahead of the competition and emerging technologies. When choosing between DIY and vendor-supported SDWAN deployments, businesses should consider a vendor’s reputation for staying up-to-date with the latest advancements. The potential for long-term growth, customization, and control should also be considered when making the decision.
Conclusion
SDWAN deployment is an essential investment for businesses looking for a secure, reliable, and scalable networking solution. Whether a business chooses a DIY or vendor-supported deployment can come down to affordability, expertise, control, security, and future-proofing. While DIY deployment allows for more customization and control over the SDWAN deployment, vendor-supported deployment ultimately offers a more reliable solution, with businesses avoiding the hassle of technical support and maintenance. It’s essential to assess your business needs, understand the advantages and disadvantages of each deployment option, and carefully choose a vendor that can address all your concerns. With a well-researched approach, businesses can expect a successful SDWAN deployment that is secure, reliable, and future-proofed.
One of the key advantages of SDWAN deployment is its ability to optimize network traffic and improve application performance. With SDWAN, businesses can prioritize critical applications, such as video conferencing and cloud-based services, over less important traffic, ensuring that the network is always performing at its best. This can lead to increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, and reduced downtime.
Another benefit of SDWAN deployment is its ability to provide greater visibility and control over network traffic. With SDWAN, businesses can monitor network traffic in real-time, identify potential issues, and quickly respond to any problems that arise. This can help businesses to proactively manage their network, reduce the risk of downtime, and ensure that their network is always performing at its best.
