The enterprise wide area networks are mission-critical resources for most enterprises. And when it came to managing and running the WAN, enterprises could choose between two distinct models: Do it Yourself (DIY) or managed WAN services. But with the evolution of SD-WANs, we’re seeing a new type of telco solution that merges elements of both capabilities.
Traditional WAN management models
对于DIY，企业它可以从几个供应商处采购最后一次访问位置并部署路由器，WAN优化和网络安全设备。持续监控和管理是在房屋中或通过托管服务提供商完成的。简而言之，企业拥有维护，配置和监控WAN以进行可用性和最佳性能的复杂任务。
在受管WAN服务模型中，电信捆绑在上述所有服务组件中，并将其作为交钥匙服务传递。管理WAN服务听起来像卸载IT资源的好方法，但它以陡峭的价格和一些艰难的权衡。正如我在过去的博客中指出的那样，电信技术偏向于他们提供的最后一英里服务。而且，建筑和运行SD-WAN的复杂性未被淘汰，它只是隐藏在载体伞后面。所有这一切意味着企业最终在其每月账单中为承运人管理服务的复杂性提供资金。
Managed SD-WAN and the impact on you
There are several implications to choosing to outsource SD-WAN to your carrier:
1.有限的选择和长时间部署......
…因为Telco经常要求客户使用自己的访问服务，所以选择有限，不可用的竞争性定价，并且部署的时间可以很高。如果有更快或更实惠的选项，根据载体，客户可能无法将它们作为托管服务的一部分。Consider: Will your provider allow you to bring your own access or procure the fastest/most affordable access service in each region you operate in?
2. Slow network changes
悠久的网络变化速度达到了WAN服务，客户不允许更改网络。他们必须提交更改请求（“门票”），可能需要很长时间才能实施，并且需要多次迭代，有时与离岸人员进行。Consider：您提供的提供者是否提供自助式选项，以便自己制作简单的网络更改，例如添加新网站？
3. Slow service evolution…
...由于电台不拥有用于运行客户网络的核心技术。路由器，WAN优化和网络安全都是由软件和硬件供应商开发的。Telcos无法提供其供应商不提供的新功能和功能。作为新技术，如SD-WAN，进入现场，电信公司必须将它们纳入其服务产品。由于SD-WAN快速移动，因此将其纳入托管服务提供尤其具有挑战性，因为客户要求和需求一直在变化。Consider: How does your provider respond to new capabilities or features your deployment requires? Do they own their technology stack, or can they otherwise present a compelling service roadmap?
4. Expensive service due to product fragmentation and operational complexity
The lack of technology ownership has cost implications. Telcos have to license these products from the vendors and resell it to the customer. Operationally, telcos must train their staff on multiple products and management interfaces and be able to troubleshoot networking and security issue across multiple disjointed system. This complexity is hidden from the customer, but the related costs are not. Managed services are expensive because the service offerings itself are very complex.Consider：您的提供商的管理服务是否提供了实际价值和效率，或者是重新包装自己的成本并将它们交给您？
The software-defined carrier (SDC)
Many customers view managed WAN services as the default approach to running their networks. They are used to paying exorbitant fees to legacy providers, because running a complex WAN architecture can be a daunting task. A new kind of telco, non-network service providers (NSPs) or Software-defined Carriers (SDCs) — as由PWC拨打— are leveraging SDN and NFV to rethink how network services get delivered to enterprises. These SDCs have:
- No transport agenda increases choice and lowers costs.SDCS可以与任何访问提供商的任何访问服务合作。
- Full technology ownership accelerates service roadmap.SDCs often own their technology and can evolve it quickly. They can create a service roadmap and rapidly respond to customer requirements. Often delivered as a cloud service, any enhancements are immediately available to all customers. Furthermore, customers are relieved from the maintenance of the WAN infrastructure or any delays associated with telcos upgrading a fragmented infrastructure piece by piece.
- No third-party license fees.As SDCs often own the technology stack, they don't have to pay license fees to 3rd parties. This means a more affordable service to the end customers.
- 具有统一管理的融合平台降低了操作复杂性。SDCs build their service from the ground up as a converged software platform. This platform is managed by a single self-service management console. It makes it easier to allow customers to make network changes while SDCs and their partners offer monitoring services if the customer so chooses. Overall, a network that is easier to operate is less costly to run and offers agility and speed for the business.
As customers looks to renew their exiting managed WAN services, new service offerings can help them increase agility, and reduce costs and risks. Don't take my word for it. In their recent market guide for managed SD-WAN services, Gartner advised enterprises to “Increase enterprise agility, performance and expense optimization by including both NSPs and non-NSPs (i.e., SDCs) in your managed SD-WAN services RFPs, and then align all provider proposals with your business objectives.” I couldn't agree more.