Software Defined Wide Area Network Companies

Strategies Adopted:

To stay ahead, players are employing various strategies.

• Acquisitions and partnerships: Cisco's acquisition of Viptela and Palo Alto Networks' acquisition of CloudGenix are prime examples of bolstering capabilities through targeted acquisitions. Partnerships with cloud providers like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services expand reach and offerings.


• Product differentiation: Focusing on niche segments and unique features is key. Cisco targets large enterprises with comprehensive solutions, while Cato Networks caters to multi-location businesses with its cloud-centric approach. Fortinet emphasizes zero-trust security, and VMware integrates SD-WAN with its unified endpoint management platform.


• Subscription-based models: The shift from perpetual licenses to subscription-based models is gaining traction, providing recurring revenue streams and driving customer loyalty.


• Innovation and expansion: Continuous investment in research and development fuels innovation and expansion into new markets and adjacent technologies. For instance, Cisco's focus on intent-based networking and Cato Networks' foray into secure access service edge (SASE) illustrate this trend.

Factors for Market Share Analysis:

• Product portfolio breadth and depth: Offering a full spectrum of SD-WAN solutions, including core, edge, and security features, strengthens market position.


• Global reach and presence: Extensive geographic coverage caters to diverse customer needs and facilitates faster market penetration.


• Technology ecosystem compatibility: Seamless integration with existing network infrastructure and cloud platforms improves adoption and user experience.


• Pricing and customer support: Competitive pricing models and robust customer support attract and retain customers.


• Brand reputation and industry recognition: Established brand image and industry accolades attract partners and investors, accelerating growth.

New and Emerging Companies:

While established players dominate, niche players and startups are carving their space. Aryaka Networks stands out with its global private network infrastructure, while Silver Peak focuses on hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Talari Networks and CloudBolt Software offer innovative SD-WAN management and orchestration solutions. These nimble players cater to specific needs and challenge established vendors with agile go-to-market strategies.

Current Company Investment Trends:

Companies are heavily investing in:

• Cloud-native SD-WAN solutions: Leveraging cloud infrastructure enhances scalability, agility, and flexibility.


• Security integration: Integrating SD-WAN with next-generation firewalls and zero-trust security solutions addresses growing cybersecurity concerns.


• SASE convergence: Combining SD-WAN with secure access edge services streamlines network security and simplifies network management.


• Artificial intelligence and machine learning: AI-powered SD-WAN optimizes network performance, automates tasks, and improves user experience.