In an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, businesses everywhere are looking for ways to ensure their wide-area networks are robust, resilient, and reactive to the shifting tides of online demand. A recent study by Hanover Research, centered around the needs and preferences of IT and network decision-makers within sizable Western corporations, is shining a light on the pivotal elements these entities prioritize when selecting Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) managed service providers. At the forefront of their considerations are product quality, service availability, and the rapid deployment of network solutions, factors that are reshaping the way companies forge partnerships with these essential service providers.
The Search for Superior SD-WAN Solutions
The survey, sponsored by GTT Communications, queried individuals who operate at the nerve centers of network decision-making within companies that boast revenues well into the nine figures. The sentiment is unmistakable: product quality trumps nearly all else, with a commanding 81% of respondents marking it as influential in their choice of provider. Service availability nips at its heels, deemed important by 80%, with swift installation being a make-or-break factor for 79%. In the world of enterprise networking, these preferences translate to an unspoken rule: downtime is not an option, and agile, quality services are non-negotiable.
Businesses are not only looking for providers that can meet high standards – they’re demanding it. With over three-quarters of those surveyed eschewing traditional network aggregators in favor of robust managed services, the trend is clear. Managed services are no mere convenience; they are a strategic imperative. These services, offering tailored connectivity and maintenance solutions, alleviate the headaches of network management, positioning themselves as the preferred choice for modern, forward-looking companies.
Cost vs. Performance: A Balancing Act
Businesses globally are placing an increased emphasis on fortifying their wide-area networks in our digitally connected world. A study by Hanover Research explores the priorities of IT and network leaders from large Western firms when choosing SD-WAN managed service providers. The study highlights that these enterprises prioritize the quality of the product, consistent service availability, and the provider’s ability to deploy network solutions swiftly. These factors are becoming critical in how companies evaluate and select their network service partnerships, reflecting the growing need for network solutions that are dependable and adaptable to dynamic online traffic demands. Ensuring these criteria can foster stronger collaborations between businesses and SD-WAN providers, enhancing network performance and reliability.