Managed SD-WAN: Redefining WAN Infrastructure for Modern Enterprises

The explosion of Cloud/SaaS and distributed work models is exposing the limitations of traditional WAN, especially when dependent on MPLS. These limitations include inconsistent performance, high operational costs, and increased security risks. For enterprises with numerous offices and branches—typically in Retail, F&B, and Logistics; this is no longer just a "technical issue" but a critical business continuity challenge. 

Managed SD-WAN is a service where a business hires a Managed Services Provider (MSP) like NetNam to deploy, operate, and manage a Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution. The MSP assumes full responsibility: from network design and hardware deployment to performance monitoring, security, circuit procurement, and connectivity cost optimization. Consequently, enterprises can optimize WAN performance, reduce connectivity costs, enhance security, and improve the application experience for users. 

Three Major Challenges of Traditional WAN 

1. Inconsistent Performance and Stability 

Critical applications such as ERP systems, IP PBX, retail management software, and online collaboration platforms require stable connections and low latency. However, traditional WAN models with rigid circuits make guaranteeing Quality of Service (QoS) for individual applications complex, particularly during peak hours. 

2. Rising Operational Costs 

Many businesses still rely heavily on MPLS circuits to ensure connection stability between branches. Despite its reliability, MPLS comes with high costs, which no longer aligns with current requirements for operational cost optimization. 

3. Information Security Risks at the Network Edge 

As Internet traffic and direct access to cloud services surge, centralized security models at the data center are no longer effective. The lack of integrated security layers at the branch level increases the risk of data breaches and makes meeting compliance requirements difficult. 

Managed SD-WAN – Reshaping WAN Management 

Managed SD-WAN is not merely a technology solution; it is a comprehensive WAN infrastructure management service model. Instead of self-investing in, deploying, and operating complex SD-WAN systems, businesses can turn to professional IT infrastructure management providers like NetNam for support.

The objective of Managed SD-WAN services is to transform the WAN from a mandatory cost item into a strategic resource, helping businesses: 

• Ensure stable connectivity for mission-critical applications.
• Strengthen information security right at the branch.
• Control and optimize long-term operational costs.

NetNam’s 5-Stage Managed SD-WAN Deployment Process 

NetNam deploys Managed SD-WAN services following a standardized 5-stage process, ensuring service consistency and continuous quality. 

Stage 1: Solution Consulting and Initial Deployment 

This foundational stage ensures the solution aligns with the customer's IT architecture and business goals: 

• In-depth Survey: Evaluate existing network infrastructure (including MPLS, Internet, and edge devices), analyze traffic flows, and define QoS requirements for essential business applications.
• Architectural Design: Propose an optimal SD-WAN model, select suitable technology vendors and equipment, and ensure scalability and High Availability (HA).
• Device Configuration: Perform centralized configuration of SD-WAN devices (Controllers, Edge Devices) according to the approved design documentation.
• Testing and Handover: Conduct comprehensive network connectivity and performance testing. Finalize technical documentation and provide preliminary training for the customer's internal operations team. 

Stage 2: Circuit and Connectivity Infrastructure Management  

NetNam assumes responsibility for managing the entire WAN connectivity infrastructure: 

• Diverse Circuit Provisioning: Provide and maintain physical circuits (Internet, Fiber, 4G/5G) to optimize costs and ensure circuit redundancy.
• Flexible Bandwidth Management: Monitor and support rapid bandwidth scaling to meet sudden business changes (e.g., opening temporary branches, peak seasons).
• Integration: Ensure seamless integration between different circuit types under the centralized management of the SD-WAN platform. 

Stage 3: Professional Operations and Service Management (24/7) 

This is the core value of Managed SD-WAN, transferring operational risk to NetNam: 

• Proactive Monitoring (NOC/SOC): Operate continuous 24/7 monitoring through the Network Operations Center (NOC) and Security Operations Center (SOC) to ensure availability and timely detection of anomalies.
• Policy Management: Regularly adjust and maintain SD-WAN policies (such as intelligent routing, application path optimization, and automatic failover) to maximize performance.
• System Maintenance: Execute firmware updates, security patches, and device lifecycle management according to manufacturer standards, ensuring the system remains secure and high-performing.  

Stage 4: Technical Support and Incident Management 

NetNam commits to resolving incidents according to strict Service Level Agreements (SLAs): 

• 24/7 Response: Provide diverse support channels (email, phone, ticketing system) with committed response times.
• On-site Troubleshooting: Coordinate technical teams to handle complex issues at the customer's service locations.
• Manufacturer Collaboration: In major incidents, NetNam acts as the single point of contact, proactively coordinating with the manufacturer’s senior engineers to identify root causes and fix errors. 

Stage 5: Performance Reporting and Continuous Optimization 

NetNam provides comprehensive visibility and proposes continuous improvement actions: 

• Periodic Performance Reports: Deliver transparent reports on network status, circuit performance, and SLA compliance at agreed frequencies (monthly/quarterly).
• Strategic Assessment: Conduct comprehensive service performance evaluations and propose strategic optimization plans (every 6 months), including policy adjustments, bandwidth upgrades, or integration of new security features.
• Expansion Consulting: Support the evaluation and consulting for service upgrades or expansions to meet the future growth needs of the business.

Analysis of Strategic Benefits 

NetNam’s Managed SD-WAN service converts operational expenditure (OpEx) into a competitive advantage through five strategic values: 

Enhanced Application Performance 

SD-WAN outperforms traditional routing by providing Application Awareness. The system automatically classifies, monitors, and prioritizes traffic based on importance.  

• Real-world Evidence: For a Multi-national Corporation (MNC) using Microsoft 365 and video conferencing (Zoom/Teams), SD-WAN ensures this traffic always takes the path with the lowest latency and packet loss, even if other circuits are congested. This significantly reduces jitter and lag, enhancing User Experience (QoE) and productivity. 

Operational Cost Optimization  

This is the most measurable benefit. SD-WAN allows businesses to break free from expensive MPLS circuits by using Hybrid WAN technology. 

• Real-world Evidence: A retail chain can shift most Internet and Cloud traffic to low-cost broadband or 4G/5G circuits, reserving MPLS only for highly sensitive business traffic (e.g., financial transactions). Intelligent load balancing and instant failover allow businesses to reduce circuit costs by 40-60% without sacrificing reliability. 

Comprehensive WAN Security

In the old model, traffic backhauled to the Data Center for security inspection, causing latency. SD-WAN integrates security at the network edge, following the popular SASE model.  

• Real-world Evidence: For newly opened branches, SD-WAN provides Next-Gen Firewall features, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), and content filtering directly on the edge device. This ensures consistent protection for all local Internet connections, meeting strict compliance requirements; crucial for sectors like BFSI (Banking, Finance, Services, Insurance) or Healthcare.  

Flexibility for Scalability 

In a competitive business environment, rapid scalability is a key factor. 

• Real-world Evidence: A business plans to open 10 more branches in a quarter. Thanks to Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) managed by NetNam, the SD-WAN device at a new branch only needs power and an Internet connection; the configuration downloads automatically from the centralized controller. Deployment time for a new branch drops from weeks to just hours or days. 

Focusing IT Resources on Core Activities

The highest value Managed SD-WAN brings is the liberation of precious internal IT resources. 

• Real-world Evidence: Instead of spending time on routine operational tasks (24/7 monitoring, circuit ticket handling, firmware updates), the IT Director can reallocate personnel to strategic projects that generate revenue or drive innovation (e.g., AI/ML deployment, Core Business Application transformation). This marks a shift from the role of Administrator to Business Enabler. 

Managed SD-WAN is no longer an option but a necessity for medium and large enterprises to maintain a competitive edge in a digital business environment. Transitioning to Managed SD-WAN through NetNam is a strategic decision to: 

• Maximize Operational Efficiency through superior application performance.
• Minimize Risk with integrated security and robust network resilience.
• Optimize Financial Resources by strictly controlling circuit operational costs. 

NetNam, with its proven 5-stage process and 24/7 support commitment, acts as the MSP partner that helps businesses turn infrastructure complexity into a strategic asset.

Contact NetNam's expert team today for a custom-designed SD-WAN solution, ensuring your business is ready for the speed and scale of the digital era.  

Contact NetNam:  

• Hotline: 1900 1586
• Email: support@netnam.vn
• Website: www.netnam.com