The software-defined wide area network represents a technology solution that is quietly working its way into the enterprise picture. Once viewed as a valuable connectivity solution for organizations with multiple branches, SD-WAN is gaining traction within the enterprise for its ability to manage applications delivery in the multicloud world.

“It is a combination of factors that arise from how the modern enterprise is evolving and how there is a need to deliver not just connectivity, but information technology services over Internet Protocol,” said Saurabh Sandhir (pictured), vice president of product management at Nuage Networks. “It provides secure, automated connectivity in line with cloud principles for enterprises across the board.”

Sandhir spoke with Peter Burris (@plburris), host of theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s mobile livestreaming studio, at the SiliconANGLE Media studio in Palo Alto, California. They discussed the need for on-demand programmable enterprise services, the changing network security paradigm, and the potential impact of 5G technology. (* Disclosure below.)

Recent deals boost adoption

As the software-defined network arm of Nokia, Nuage is finding a receptive audience for its connectivity message. Recent deals with Fujitsu, Telus and China Mobile provide evidence that the proliferation of various enterprise services, such as “internet of Things,” security and Wi-Fi controllers, demand innovative ways to manage them.

“What it allows me to do is provide on-demand programmable services,” Sandhir said.

The security space offers one example of how service delivery comes into play. The old security paradigm was based on protecting against threats going into or out of a branch office or data center, a “north-south” model. Now, threat vectors move in an “east-west” pattern, from one branch to another within a data center.

SD-WAN technology can provide PAN-network visibility according to Sandhir, a vital window into infrastructure traffic. “You have the ability to see what is going on in your network,” he said. “You have full visibility and insight into who’s talking with whom and at what time at scale.”

The coming of fifth-generation wireless systems, otherwise known as 5G, may also provide a boost for SD-WAN users. “What 5G is about is access to applications that are in the cloud or reside closer to the users,” Sandhir explained. “By providing a programmable network with on-demand services … SD-WAN becomes a component of 5G.”

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s CUBEConversations. (* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for Nuage Networks. Neither Nuage Networks nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE