Software-defined networking (SDN) allows companies pursuing a multi-cloud strategy to gain better control over network traffic and optimize performance. It’s a way to virtualize the network, separating the control plane from the data plane and address the differing performance requirements of various cloud environments.
Rather than a simple shift of all workloads to a single cloud, most enterprises find that a multi-cloud environment serves their needs best. They get the robust security and customization that comes with investing in private cloud solutions, while benefitting from the speed and agility that public cloud is known to deliver.
In many cases, the multi-cloud environment represents a perfect blend of cost savings and innovation that allows enterprises to maintain a competitive edge in their industry. The approach is not without challenges:
- Managing the various contracts, performance requirements, and billing of each cloud provider adds a layer of complexity to the management of the IT environment.
- Security may be disjointed, with different providers offering varying levels of protection and no overarching strategy for protecting the myriad access points.
- Network engineers are challenged to ensure that mission-critical transmissions are prioritized over more recreational transmissions, such as streaming video, or those that don’t require real-time connectivity.
- Creating a comprehensive strategy for managing how cloud solutions are added to the environment can be difficult when different business units or branches are utilizing different platforms and software.
Simplifying Through SDN: Enterprises are turning to SDN to solve these challenges, virtualizing the network for added visibility and control. There are several benefits that come with SDN that are ideal for multi-cloud environments:
- Traffic Prioritization: Through a single network management dashboard, network administrators are able to direct traffic according to priority and performance requirements. Critical workloads can be directed to a link that delivers the speed, performance, and reliability they need, all automated according to business policy.
- Security: The best SDN solutions offer comprehensive security features, including end-to-end encryption, next generation firewalls, and granular visibility into network activity. The traffic segmentation available through SDN offers an added level of protection, allowing any threat to be isolated until it can be addressed.
- Application Onboarding: SDN allows IT teams to create a process for implementing new solutions, with accessibility across the enterprise for a consistent approach to technology adoption. A high level of visibility removes the threat of shadow IT and helps create a systematic approach to approval. SDN can handle the varying performance requirements of each solution and ensure a streamlined approach to innovation.
If you’re managing a multi-cloud environment and debating whether SDN may solve some of your network challenges, contact us at Cloud Source. We can help you optimize your network with the best SDN solution for your infrastructure requirements.