To ensure that software-defined WAN can optimize user experiences, IT organizations must implement a solution that provides AI-driven operations with end-to-end visibility from the client to the cloud.

Cost reduction can make the math work when calculating a return on investment, but it shouldn’t be the only driver of software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) adoption. During the first wave of SD-WAN adoption, enterprises quickly recognized the opportunities for saving money. After all, SD-WAN’s hybrid WAN connectivity allows enterprises to reduce their reliance on costly MPLS circuits by adding cheaper internet bandwidth to the network. Also, the centralized management offered by SD-WAN could reduce operational overhead via management simplicity, integrated operational visibility, and network security capabilities.

However, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) research often reveals that network investments driven by cost reduction are less successful and deliver less value to a business than those driven by increased business and/or IT value. The current wave of SD-WAN investment is aiming higher. New EMA research found that today’s enterprises are primarily targeting three benefits with this technology: stronger network security (52%), deeper network and application visibility (48%), and improved network and application performance (48%).

These drivers of SD-WAN adoption are reflected in the SD-WAN capabilities that enterprises consider most critical today: integrated network security, native monitoring and visibility, and application quality of service functionality. The mandate for SD-WAN buyers is clear: they must focus on user and application experience and security. However, SD-WAN technology is just the starting point.

Download this white paper to explore the roots of SD-WAN complexity and how to counter it with AI-driven operations.

About Enterprise Management Associates, Inc.: Founded in 1996, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) is a leading industry analyst firm that provides deep insight across the full spectrum of IT and data management technologies. EMA analysts leverage a unique combination of practical experience, insight into industry best practices, and in-depth knowledge of current and planned vendor solutions to help EMA’s clients achieve their goals. Learn more about EMA research, analysis, and consulting services for enterprise line of business users, IT professionals, and IT vendors at www.enterprisemanagement.com or blog.enterprisemanagement.com. You can also follow EMA on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

About Juniper Networks: Juniper Networks challenges the inherent complexity that comes with networking and security in the multi-cloud era. We do this with products, solutions and services that transform the way people connect, work and live. We simplify the process of transitioning to a secure and automated multi-cloud environment to enable secure, AI-driven networks that connect the world. Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net) or connect with Juniper on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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