Is SD-WAN right for your Los Angeles business?
SD-WAN makes sense when you need better performance across multiple sites, stronger built-in security, or want to free up IT staff from managing networking hardware directly. It’s a bigger fit for growing or multi-location businesses than for a single small office with simple needs.
Not sure if SD-WAN fits how your business actually runs?
Explore whether SD-WAN is right for your Los Angeles based business.
Taking the Next Step
Efficient, safe networking is hard for even the most sophisticated of organizations.
With so many web based tools and cybersecurity threats, you have to not only provide easy access to the software and servers your employees need to succeed but also ensure that no outside actors can disrupt your services or steal your customers’ information. For small and medium businesses or companies that are in a period of rapid growth, the challenges can be even more defined.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN stands for software defined wide area network. In a wide area network (WAN), users can access devices at multiple locations through a variety of connections, rather than a traditional hard-wired network that only works in one location. When wide area networks include access to enterprise software as well as remote storage, server farms, and other devices or cloud-based functionality, the network is also called “software defined.”
Software defined WAN and your business
As with any IT solution, it’s possible to run networking on your own. However, doing so requires you to train or hire staff and can increase your costs. DIY networking also reduces current IT staff ability to focus on core needs.
One approach that can save your organization time and money is to look into a managed networking service. These services offer great benefits, including:
- Cloud-based security solutions
- Better performance and connectivity
- Reduced costs in staffing and maintenance
- Increased control of network configuration
Getting the most out of managed networking providers
When you’re outsourcing networking, it’s important to do a thorough job of checking vendors before selecting one. You need to make sure that the company you select not only has expertise and relevant technology, but that it understands how to work with organizations like yours.
Here are a few of the things to look for:
- Local offices – It’s important to be able to reach staff who can quickly reach your offices, if needed. This helps with setup as well as troubleshooting when things go wrong.
- A proactive approach – Companies that do the bare minimum or offer cookie cutter packages are not effective. Look for a provider that will work directly with your IT staff to make sure you have the best network possible.
- Proven excellence – Try to find vendors who can back up their expertise. Industry awards and customer quotes are both great ways to do this. Clearly written tutorials and explainer videos are also a good sign.
- Expertise in your field – No two industries have quite the same needs. A network provider who understands this and can speak to the business requirements in your industry will give you much better service.
The benefits of intelligent connectivity
In the modern business world, more and more smart devices are coming online. These devices, referred to by the technical name of the internet of things, are far more than just computers and software. The benefits of these next-generation networks vary by industry and company size, but they typically make work more efficient and cost-effective.
A managed networking service can be especially helpful to small and medium businesses, which do not often have the staffing or the funding available to otherwise access cutting edge technologies. Enterprise software, cloud-based security, and easy, secure access to remote servers are much more achievable when you outsource networking and other IT solutions.
Meriplex: Local Offices and National Expertise
At Meriplex, we understand the importance of efficient, secure networking because we have offices all across the country. Our Los Angeles area offices cover from north of Ventura to Orange County, giving you quick access to our expert staff no matter where your organization is based.
We are an award winning managed IT provider, with products that include cybersecurity, managed customer and technical support, and networking services, among other offerings. We provide business-driven solutions that help companies of all sizes, from small and medium businesses through the mid market, and specialize in the following industries:
- Retail
- Finance
- Automotive
- Healthcare
- Oil and Gas
- Industrial
