SD-WANswers with ChatGPT

“Hey ChatGPT, why do some enterprises still avoid using SD-WAN?”

ChatGPT is incredible.  I mean, it not only has all the answers, it has them in seconds.  How do you compete!?  You don’t.  You leverage it … and have a bit of fun along the way.

Real Human.  Hey ChatGPT, why do some enterprises still avoid using SD-WAN?

ChatGPT.  One reason an enterprise may choose not to implement SD-WAN is cost. SD-WAN solutions typically require additional hardware, such as routers and gateways, as well as software licenses. This can add significant expense to an enterprise’s network budget, especially if the organization has a large number of remote sites. Additionally, ongoing maintenance and support costs for SD-WAN solutions can also be higher than traditional WAN solutions.

Real Human.   But ChatGPT, that was soooo 2009!  With the efficiency of the Internet, coupled with incredibly smart software-defined solutions, enterprises can save a fortune by eliminating cumbersome and inflexible MPLS and other connectivity.  Throw-in completely managed, cloud connected providers like Aryaka, and the cost savings are game-changing.

Me arguing with ChatGPT about SD-WAN costs

ChatGPT.  Another reason an enterprise may choose not to implement SD-WAN is lack of need. Some organizations may already have a well-performing WAN in place that meets their needs, and they may not see a significant benefit in upgrading to SD-WAN. This is particularly true for organizations that have a relatively small number of remote sites, or those that primarily rely on a single type of connectivity, such as MPLS.

Real Human.  You are spot-on here. For some enterprises, the internet is their ‘WAN.’  But every organization is different and what many realize is that they lose an incredible amount of control when going ‘all internet.’  Some critical applications are in fact critical for the enterprise.  Those applications (that now sit in the cloud) need to work when and how the enterprise needs them to work.  Having them compete across the same congested internet where thousands of product teams are getting blogs written for them by Artificial Intelligence engines (ahem) is often, less than ideal.

ChatGPT telling the marketing team not to be scared

ChatGPT.  Another reason is that an enterprise may not have the technical expertise or resources to implement and maintain an SD-WAN solution. SD-WAN solutions can be complex and require a certain level of technical knowledge to set up and configure properly. An enterprise that does not have the internal resources or expertise to support an SD-WAN solution may choose to stick with a more traditional WAN solution that is easier to manage and maintain.

Real Human.  This is certainly true.  Talent and expertise in the network and cloud connectivity market are in very high demand and very short supply.  This is why more enterprises are leaning towards managed services for the deployment, operation, and monitoring of software-defined solutions. Network-as-a-service solutions offer all the benefits of SD-WAN without the headache or overhead of managing it.

Network engineering team unleashing ChatGPT on route optimization

ChatGPT.  Security can also be a concern for enterprise that are thinking of implementing SD-WAN. SD-WAN solutions often rely on internet connectivity to connect remote sites, which can pose security risks if not properly configured. Enterprises may be hesitant to adopt SD-WAN if they are not confident in their ability to secure their network and protect against cyber threats.

Real Human. 100%! This is why we keep talking about the CONVERGENCE of network and security, ChatGPT.  You get it! Enterprises can no longer look at security and the network as two siloes … they are now one.  The performance of SD-WAN means nothing if you can’t secure the traffic.   

ChatGPT.  Lastly, compliance is another factor that can play a role in an enterprise’s decision not to implement SD-WAN. Some industries, such as healthcare and finance, have strict regulatory requirements for data security and privacy. Organizations in these industries may be hesitant to adopt SD-WAN if they are not confident that the solution will meet these regulatory requirements.

Real Human. This is a major concern, not only with the verticals you mention, but any enterprise that has a presence in Europe.  GDPR is no joke.  But I would argue that SD-WAN provides even more control for data security and privacy, making it easier to not only comply with, but report on regulatory requirements.

ChatGPT.  Ultimately, the decision to implement SD-WAN should be based on a careful assessment of the organization’s specific needs and priorities.

Real Human.  Well said, ChatGPT.  Well said.  And don’t forget to tell them to reach out to an expert to discuss!

Me, ChatGPT, and DALL-E creating our next blog post