This post has been republished via RSS; it originally appeared at: New blog articles in Microsoft Community Hub.
In this guest blog post, Amy Bahlo, Cisco's Global Partner Executive for Microsoft, discusses the challenges of effectively managing wide-area networks and how deploying Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN on Microsoft Azure optimizes network performance while lowering total cost of ownership.
In the fast-paced world of modern business, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just keeping up—it demands innovation, efficiency, and adaptability. As companies increasingly migrate workloads to the cloud on Microsoft Azure and rely on platforms like Microsoft 365 for productivity, the need for a robust, agile, and secure network infrastructure has never been more critical.
The challenges of networking that doesn’t keep up with business
According to Cisco's 2023 Global Networking Trends Report, 41 percent of networking professionals recognize that their top concern is securing user access to cloud-based applications, mobile devices, or other cloud-based solutions. One of the most significant challenges businesses face today is the complexity of their wide-area networks (WANs). As organizations expand their operations, they often find themselves grappling with issues such as networking complexities, latency, and security vulnerabilities. These challenges not only hinder productivity, but also impede innovation and growth.
Imagine a retailer with thousands of sites spread across the country, struggling with slow network speeds and escalating operational costs. It would need to improve productivity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency if it wants to compete in today’s market.
A solution that optimizes network performance and lowers TCO
By deploying Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN on Microsoft Azure, a transformative solution to address the complexities of modern networking, this retailer was able to achieve a 38 percent reduction in five-year total cost of operations.
By seamlessly integrating with Azure services and Microsoft 365, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN provides businesses with the tools they need to automate connectivity and optimize their network performance while enhancing security.
Businesses can now spin up their branch-to-cloud or branch-to-branch connectivity in a few clicks and also optimize Microsoft 365 traffic for superior end user experience. In Azure Marketplace, customers can discover and purchase Cisco DNA Software for SD-WAN and Routing, which enables cloud delivery of the Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN fabric.
How Cisco-Microsoft integration is a catalyst for transformation
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN delivers tangible business outcomes via the power of Azure and Microsoft 365. By integrating with Azure Virtual WAN and Microsoft Sentinel, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN enables organizations to ensure seamless connectivity to Azure services and achieve greater visibility into their network traffic, as well as detect and respond to security threats more effectively.
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Microsoft offer more than a technological combination—it's a catalyst for business transformation. By embracing this integrated solution, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and success in the digital age.
With Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Azure, organizations can confidently navigate the complexities of modern networking and unlock their full potential. It's time to embrace the future of networking and chart a course toward success.