Cloud UC and SD-WAN: Why they’re better together
The benefits of cloud-based unified communications (cloud UC) are big. Nemertes Research shows that Unified Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS) adopters are seeing verifiable improvements. Of those who measured their success with a workplace collaboration project, 66.1% measured improvements in efficiency, 45.5% had measurable cost savings, and 24.1% had quantifiable increases in revenue. What’s more, cloud UC isn’t just for small companies anymore–30% of companies with more than 2,500 employees are making the pivot.
But it can be a big undertaking to transition to cloud communications and provide network support for them. So, how are companies hastening their success? Those who are most satisfied with their UCaaS solutions are using SD-WAN, according to Nemertes’ research. Here are some of the challenges of delivering cloud UC and how SD-WAN addresses them. This is why cloud UC and SD-WAN are better together.
The hidden challenges of cloud UC: multiple associated systems
Despite the flexibility, agility, and cost savings of cloud UC, there are some challenges to consider in terms of app/platform performance and manageability:
- Performance Sensitivities: Too much latency and jitter hurt the UCaaS user experience. The network itself must be equipped to keep up with the high demands of new cloud deployments. Additionally, buyers also have to procure network service separately, which can become complex and error-prone.
- System Transparency: Having multiple network dashboards can make it hard for IT to see what’s happening inside the network. This makes troubleshooting difficult, keeping network engineers from identifying the source of the issue.
- Security: The security of cloud communications can’t be taken for granted, especially if IT means integrating multiple systems across clouds. IT still has to ensure the security of cloud-based communications, and must evaluate both the platforms and the networks used to access them.
Cloud services are rapidly gaining market share across businesses of all sizes, yet offerings should be designed for a simple, holistic approach to optimize performance, security, and manageability. Enter SD-WAN.
The solution: cloud UC satisfaction correlates with SD-WAN
The reliability of an enterprise’s cloud UC is only as solid as its IT network. Increasingly, that foundation is becoming a software-defined wide area network, or SD-WAN. With better bandwidth availability and performance visibility, SD-WAN has emerged as a key enabler of cloud communications.
Even the data says SD-WAN might just be the perfect mate for UCaaS and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions. Nemertes found a direct correlation between the success of cloud communications initiatives and SD-WAN adoption: 63.4% of those who are satisfied with their UCaaS/CCaaS deployments are using SD-WAN versus just 21.9% of those who are unsatisfied with the performance of their cloud communications services.
Their studies found SD-WAN supports UCaaS in four key ways:
- Performance assurance
- Uptime assurance
- Security assurance
- Economic efficiency
Unsurprisingly, both the SD-WAN and UCaaS markets are experiencing side-by-side growth. Research from IDG shows that 90% of companies will have some part of their applications or infrastructure in the cloud by the end of 2019 and when you account for SaaS that number jumps higher. At the same time, the firm found that 90% of organizations have either already adopted SD-WAN or are now actively researching it.
UC embedded into your SD-WAN network fabric
While most UCaaS applications and network services are sold separately, they shouldn’t be thought of as an individual components. UC needs to be embedded into the SD-WAN network fabric itself. In other words, your UC platform should be part of a holistic technology suite that provides a single integrated solution crossing network services, communications, and security.
Embedding UC directly into the SD-WAN platform maximizes bandwidth and cuts costs. Users gain application-by-application visibility into the network and embedded UC apps–not to mention the benefits of real-time control and dynamic redirection of packets. App prioritization and traffic steering have been proven to boost available bandwidth by as much as 30% and costs by as much as 40%. The inclusion of a software-defined network platform for UC also enables SLAs with near-perfect performance. Perhaps best of all, a fully managed service allows for performance monitoring services as well as security add-ons including firewalls, continuous threat monitoring, and incident response services.
Evaluating cloud UC + SD-WAN together: what to know
Look for an SD-WAN solution that is built for global continuity, offering a globally reliable service with SLAs that guarantee performance on both the call platform and the network. Industry-leading uptime should translate into less than one millisecond of jitter. This worldwide coverage should include:
- Private and public network connectivity options
- Hybrid cloud deployment models supported by SIP trunking
- A focus on security with embedded security at the network and application layers
- Add-on security services for 24×7 threat monitoring and response
- Management and support–a dedicated project manager for implementation and ongoing service
- Unlimited training and tech support for users
- 24×7 network performance monitoring with proactive service notifications
Interested in learning more about SD-WAN?
Call us now to arrange a consultation (866) 588-5885.
Or arrange for a consultation through our request form.
Four Strategies to Improve Network Security and Unlock IoT Innovation
Security and network visibility can obstruct IoT innovation. These tips can help you prioritize and address the most critical aspects of IoT.
Learn more about Four Strategies to Improve Network Security and Unlock IoT Innovation
Automation supercharges the Masergy client experience
New automation engine accelerates time-to-service, giving clients faster price quotes, speedier order orchestration, and smoother migration processes.
Learn more about Automation supercharges the Masergy client experience
What is SASE? And why it’s the next big thing
SD-WAN, trends in security, and changes at the WAN edge are triggering an IT rethink — it’s called SASE.
Learn more about What is SASE? And why it’s the next big thing
New PoPs help Masergy clients enhance network performance
Helping clients improve global business continuity, Masergy opens additional network points of presence in the the Philippines, Canada, and the USA.
Learn more about New PoPs help Masergy clients enhance network performance
The How-To Guide for Direct Cloud Connections
When it comes to supporting cloud services, Microsoft Azure and AWS are becoming the new norm. This guide explains the types of direct cloud connections and how to choose between them.
Learn more about The How-To Guide for Direct Cloud Connections
Masergy ramps up marketing and introduces new brand identity and website
Learn more about Masergy ramps up marketing and introduces new brand identity and website
Perfect VoIP and Video Conferencing: How to Avoid Digital Mush
VoIP and video communications must be crystal clear. Don’t miss this network connectivity guide that helps you identify the access types best suited to accommodate unified communications.
Learn more about Perfect VoIP and Video Conferencing: How to Avoid Digital Mush
AI for the Contact Center: What Research Studies Say about ROI
AI is fueling the digital customer experience, and research studies can help you confidently create a plan for investment. Identify ROI and avoid implementation missteps with this guide.
Learn more about AI for the Contact Center: What Research Studies Say about ROI
Masergy Awarded 2019 INTERNET TELEPHONY SD‑WAN Product of the Year
Learn more about Masergy Awarded 2019 INTERNET TELEPHONY SD‑WAN Product of the Year
The Multi-Cloud Era: Five Common Network Challenges and the SD-WAN Solution
Multi-cloud environments can be accompanied by cloud app performance challenges. Learn how to build a predictable cloud delivery platform with SD-WAN.
Learn more about The Multi-Cloud Era: Five Common Network Challenges and the SD-WAN Solution
Masergy AIOps Delivers on a Vision of Autonomous Networking
Masergy AIOps is the network service industry’s first AI-based network automation solution. See how it will transform IT management and application performance as we know it.
Learn more about Masergy AIOps Delivers on a Vision of Autonomous Networking
Masergy Launches AIOps, the Industry’s First Integrated AI-based Network, Security & Application Optimization Solution
Masergy Announces Top Channel Partners for FY 2019
Learn more about Masergy Announces Top Channel Partners for FY 2019
Masergy Launches New Portal Experience Consolidating Analytics and Control
Learn more about Masergy Launches New Portal Experience Consolidating Analytics and Control
A Breakthrough in Network Visibility: Introducing Masergy’s New SD-WAN Portal
When it comes to managing your global network, unified visibility is everything, and Masergy’s new SD-WAN portal delivers deeper transparency and a more simplified management experience.
Learn more about A Breakthrough in Network Visibility: Introducing Masergy’s New SD-WAN Portal
Masergy Launches Integrated SD-WAN And Security Bundles
Learn more about Masergy Launches Integrated SD-WAN And Security Bundles
SD-WAN Benefits: Rising Expectations Create New Action Items for IT Leaders
Research shows the widespread business benefits of SD-WAN are spurring a rise in expectations. See how the trend is spawning new action items for those looking to champion a solution.
Learn more about SD-WAN Benefits: Rising Expectations Create New Action Items for IT Leaders
Masergy Releases 2019 SD‑WAN Market Trends Report
Learn more about Masergy Releases 2019 SD‑WAN Market Trends Report
Masergy Announces 2020 STEM Scholarship Opportunities–Students Apply Now!
Masergy supports students with inventions making an impact on society. A new STEM scholarship will award $10,000 in total prizes to innovative college students. Get the application details.
Learn more about Masergy Announces 2020 STEM Scholarship Opportunities–Students Apply Now!
Is Your Company Doing Any of These Five Things? If So, It’s Time to Move to SD-WAN.
Which IT initiatives recognize the greatest benefit from an SD-WAN investment? In this blog, we explore the explosive growth of SD-WAN and how it delivers on top business needs.
Learn more about Is Your Company Doing Any of These Five Things? If So, It’s Time to Move to SD-WAN.
Masergy Appoints Rebecca Carr as Chief Marketing Officer
Learn more about Masergy Appoints Rebecca Carr as Chief Marketing Officer
Masergy Announces Spring 2019 STEM College Scholarship Winner
Learn more about Masergy Announces Spring 2019 STEM College Scholarship Winner
Unified Communications: Which Partner is Best if I Want to Use a Hybrid Cloud Approach?
Hybrid cloud solutions are deployed partially on-premise and partially in the cloud. But which partner and solution is best for this approach? Consider these criteria.
5 Criteria for Evaluating Managed SD-WAN Solutions
The SD-WAN services market is flooded with solutions, all promising networking nirvana. Here are five criteria for evaluating managed SD-WAN.
Learn more about 5 Criteria for Evaluating Managed SD-WAN Solutions
UCaaS + SIP Trunking for Positive ROI Part 2: A Cost Analysis of Hybrid Cloud Deployments
SIP-trunking makes it easier to justify unified communications investments, but how do you evaluate the cost-benefit of hybrid cloud models? Get eight factors for ROI.
UCaaS + SIP Trunking for Positive ROI Part 1: Hybrid Cloud Deployments
As IT leaders evaluate the cost benefit of unified communications with SIP trunking, they should first understand how hybrid cloud deployments fit in.
Learn more about UCaaS + SIP Trunking for Positive ROI Part 1: Hybrid Cloud Deployments
Masergy and Cisco Offer a Smooth Migration Path to the Cloud
Masergy and Cisco have partnered together to give enterprises everything they need in a single, cloud-based environment that smoothes migration.
Learn more about Masergy and Cisco Offer a Smooth Migration Path to the Cloud
SIP Trunking Pitfalls and Resolutions: A Guide for Streamlined Implementation
Hybrid UCaaS deployments are advantageous, but research shows 4 out of 5 have challenges with solutions. Get tips for overcoming common pitfalls.
Learn more about SIP Trunking Pitfalls and Resolutions: A Guide for Streamlined Implementation
Why Masergy is the ONLY Visionary in the 2019 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Network Services, Global
As a consistently rising star in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for network and SD-WAN services, Masergy stands uncontested as a Visionary. Here’s why.
SD-WAN and the New Era of WAN Performance Improvement: Bandwidth Utilization, Application-Based Routing, and Analytics
Many networks are sitting on unused bandwidth. These three SD-WAN features make bandwidth more efficient and dynamically manageable.
Networking, Security, and Visibility: How the Next Evolution of Technology will Serve the CIO
Self-adjusting networks are just around the corner. How will future networks better serve CIOs and what’s needed to get there? The answers are here.
Network Design and WAN Connectivity: A Three-Step Process to Balance Price, Performance, Risk
Translate business goals into an ideal network design that blends both private and public access. Get a design framework, tips, and common missteps.
IoT and Security: Using Your Network to Become an IT Disruptor
IoT is a hotbed for innovation, but it requires sophisticated IT capabilities. Here are two key limitations and three strategies needed for IoT.
Learn more about IoT and Security: Using Your Network to Become an IT Disruptor