< Previous10 FAQs Is SD-WAN really secure? It depends on the SD-WAN solution you choose. SD-WAN seems inherently less secure because you’re moving traffic off your structured, private MPLS on to direct internet, where it will be more exposed to malware and hackers. Many solutions on the market just don’t have enough security features to reduce these risks. Secure SD-WAN solutions, however, are designed with comprehensive security and data protection in mind. Is SD-WAN a replacement for MPLS? No - MPLS is the core foundation of our WAN offering. It provides the secure building blocks we need to get every site connected using our high-speed private national backbone. SD-WAN appliances are then deployed at each location to enhance the security and application control. More questions? Our team are more than happy to answer them – please get in touch. What are the main differences between traditional WAN and Secure SD-WAN? There are at least three: Security - Traditional WAN is built to trust internal communication flow, which means malware can easily spread between locations. Secure SD-WAN places a Next Generation Firewall and UTM appliances at every location to protect from internal and external threats. Flexibility - Traditional WAN classifies all internet traffic with the same importance and can’t prioritise one SaaS app over another. Secure SD-WAN detects and prioritises over 3,000 applications and will adapt to your evolving business requirements. It includes blended MPLS and Direct Internet connections at the branch for intelligent routing. Management - Traditional WAN is deployed once on a per device basis, with limited centralised management for configuration, policy or device compliance. Secure SD-WAN can be managed centrally for a single source of policy, compliance and security updates.11 Improving Tenant Experience We recently worked with a local housing group who wanted more control over their network, creating the necessary infrastructure for an application- based space for tenants and advanced safeguarding protection. They also wanted to replace three existing providers, with a single more flexible, agile and cost effective service. We provided Secure SD-WAN, along with Disaster Recovery as a Service and Backup as a Service in one full management wraparound solution. The solution has enabled them to progress their digital transformation – setting the foundations for more convenient digital services for tenants. 12 Work with the Experts Connectivity is central to your operations, keeping your staff productive and your services running – so if you’re considering an upgrade, you’ll want to work with a technology partner you can trust. With Node4, you’re in a safe pair of hands. We offer… • Experience bringing Secure SD-WAN to housing associations. • A UK based team of accredited engineers, who have over 15 years’ experience delivering Managed Wide Area Networks. • Our own MPLS core network, designed and built to deliver resilient and superior bandwidth alongside flexible connections between our fully owned data centres and Points of Presence. • Flexible support packages for 24x7x365 service, including access to reports and statistics. • Guaranteed network performance, backed up rigorous Service Level Agreements. 13 South Yorkshire Housing Association (SYHA) wanted to move towards a modern, cloud-first IT approach, and needed a networking solution to support its increase in cloud-based services. It was also keen to replace multiple legacy providers with a range of solutions from one provider. Node4 provided a suite of technology solutions including cloud, colocation, back-up and disaster recovery solutions – as well as Secure SD-WAN. The move streamlines operations, by not only reducing the SYHA’s total cost of ownership, but creating flexibility in its operations, maximising service ability and empowering internal change. SYHA can work more productively, providing accommodation to those who need it, when they need it, without wasting valuable funds. Paving the Way for Digital Transformation - South Yorkshire Housing Association14 A Suite of Solutions for All Your Requirements With our broad portfolio of solutions and partners, you can build an IT infrastructure that is fit for the digital age. Our portfolio of end-to-end solutions include: • Connectivity • Cloud • Data Centre Hosting • Data Services • Collaboration • Security Services • Professional and Managed Services By connecting to our Services Gateway, your business will benefit from accessing our entire infrastructure and solution portfolio.15 Contact Us Want to provide smarter, more secure connectivity for your staff and tenants? Get in touch with us today – our experts are more than happy to answer any initial questions you have and chat through your requirements. 16Next >