The answer to closing the technology gap between SMEs and larger organisations

Digital Transformation for small businesses

For SMEs looking to increase their agility and ensure security, Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) has a lot to offer, with analysts hailing it as a crucial technology to implement as part of the digital transformation process. According to an IDC study, two thirds of UK SMEs are using technology to improve their business to keep up with this innovation, and it is essential that the channel works to provide the technology that will allow them to keep pace with larger competitors. Yet, despite the obvious benefits of SD-WAN, up until now it has proved difficult for SMEs to take advantage of the new technology, due to high initial costs and lack of scalability from enterprise grade services. However, this is no longer the case and there is now an opportunity for the channel to bring this innovative technology to SMEs without the usual lag that smaller businesses experience when it comes to the implementation and deployment of new technologies.

As resellers guide their SME customers through the process of Digital Transformation, they must take advantage of the emerging networking vendors that have been successful in combining scalability with an affordable cost, when it comes to SD-WAN. Many SMEs run on multiple sites, in several geographical locations, and experience many of the same challenges as the big players. The technology to address the problems this structure creates must be easy to implement into their existing networking infrastructures.

SD-WAN for small businesses

It’s hard to see why an SME IT Manager wouldn’t want to take advantage of a centralised network management that’s easy to use, streamlines inefficiencies and improves operations, such that SD-WAN offers. According to Gartner, “SD-WAN is a new and transformational way to architect, deploy and operate corporate WANs, as it provides a dramatically simplified way of deploying and managing remote branch office connectivity in a cost-effective manner.” Analysts and vendors alike have addressed the many benefits SD-WAN has. The technology takes WAN networks, which have traditionally been expensive, time consuming and problematic to manage, and uses virtualisation to enable such a centralised, simple to use network management to exist .

IT Managers want to be in complete control of vital network functions. Traditional WAN services are not only more complex but the troubleshooting process is completely out of the hands of the IT Manager. They must wait for the service provider to address any issues that arise and risk significant down time during the interval. By adopting new SME-friendly SD-WAN solutions, the IT Manager is put back into the driving seat.

Along with control, SMEs can benefit from the simplicity of SD-WAN. Specifically designed SD-WAN solutions for SMEs are designed to be simple to maintain, quick to deploy and offer flexible functionality. It gives smaller businesses the advantages of on site and immediate network management; a fully scalable solution to suit the business as it grows; a secure private network; and, built in resilience to their Internet service. This not only provides the tools they need to compete in an increasingly digital age, but is fully scalable as their business grows, protecting their investment.

The next question is how do SMEs implement this all now, that it is accessible to them?

The changing role of the channel

The Digital Transformation strategy of many companies is defined by the channel; the role of the reseller has evolved to make them strategic consultants to many of the clients they work with. This makes it absolutely essential for resellers to stay on top of the latest technology available to them and their customers. SD-WAN technology that is able to work for smaller businesses has emerged far more quickly than the industry initially anticipated so resellers must be quick to act when showing their customers how the solution can benefit their business.

The role of the channel has developed drastically over the last decade as it is now required to provide strategic guidance to businesses, whilst understanding the IT necessities of organisations working across an ever-growing variety of sectors. The reality is that for many businesses, particularly those without a heritage in using IT infrastructure, the resellers they work with play a huge part in defining how their business will operate in the digital age.

The channel needs to ensure that they are implementing the latest innovative technologies into the Digital Transformation strategies for their clients. This will guarantee that they are not only giving SMEs the best tools possible to develop their business, but they can also take full advantage of the leveling nature of technology and develop into businesses truly capable of disrupting the industries in which they operate.