As the market continues to evolve, standalone SD-WAN devices are gradually becoming obsolete. The future of SD-WAN is no longer about being a separate technology but rather integrating into broader network solutions. With technological advancements, SD-WAN is transitioning from a standalone solution to an essential feature within WAN edge devices. It's not just a nice-to-have anymore—it's becoming a fundamental component of modern networking infrastructure.
The shift in direction has also led SD-WAN to offer more application-focused services for remote and branch offices. If you still believe that SD-WAN should be developed as an independent solution, you may find yourself left behind. The industry is moving toward integrated, multi-functional edge devices that support SD-WAN alongside other critical services like firewalls, WAN optimization, and IP connectivity.
One of the key reasons SD-WAN has continued to grow is its alignment with both vendor and enterprise interests. Vendors see increasing revenue potential, while enterprises are looking to reduce capital and operational expenses by consolidating their network infrastructure through SD-WAN. According to a survey by the Enterprise Strategy Group, 60% of SME IT organizations consider SD-WAN a key service for expanding branch network capabilities. Only 36% of the 300 respondents viewed SD-WAN as a standalone technology.
This trend highlights the growing recognition that SD-WAN is becoming part of the wider network ecosystem. As Gartner analyst Andrew Lerner noted, “Over time, SD-WAN products will move from dedicated single-function hardware to software-based solutions on multi-functional devices.†Major vendors such as Cisco, CloudGenix, Nokia/Nuage, Silver Peak, and others are already adapting to this change.
IDC predicts that the SD-WAN market will grow by 70% annually through 2021, reaching over $8 billion. This growth is driven by the demand for faster, more flexible, and cost-effective network solutions. Enterprises are increasingly adopting SD-WAN to reduce the costs associated with connecting branch offices to cloud-based applications. Instead of routing all traffic back to the data center, companies can now send cloud-bound traffic directly over the internet, improving speed and reducing costs.
In the past, startups dominated the SD-WAN market with plug-and-play devices. However, today’s enterprises are seeking more comprehensive hardware that includes SD-WAN along with features like WAN optimization and firewall capabilities. Pure SD-WAN devices are no longer sufficient to meet the evolving needs of businesses.
When choosing an SD-WAN vendor, it's important to align with your organization’s long-term network strategy. Gartner recommends starting with the specific application requirements of your business. Consider whether an SD-WAN solution fits into your current network architecture and whether it supports the needs of all business units and branch offices.
Also, keep in mind that while SD-WAN relies heavily on broadband internet, MPLS is still relevant for many organizations. Gartner expects that both internet and MPLS connections will continue to play a role in delivering the performance, reliability, and security needed over the next three years.
With so many vendors in the market—over 40 companies currently offering WAN edge infrastructure—choosing the right one requires careful evaluation. Look for a vendor that offers a flexible, scalable, and secure solution tailored to your specific needs.
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