In an age where remote working is de-facto, SMBs have to provide robust IT resources and infrastructure to support employees' productivity − whether at home or back in the office.
And when it comes to IT infrastructure to support the new work normal, cybersecurity remains a key priority. The Singapore government recently announced plans to support SMBs by developing the country’s cybersecurity ecosystem and workforce.
The Cyber Security Agency (CSA) noted that whilst 80% of local SMBs embrace digital transformation, many are hesitant because of cybersecurity concerns. Fostering a culture of cybersecurity is crucial, given that employees are the first line of defence and key to any enterprise’s cybersecurity.
With that in mind, the onus is on business to find digital solutions that support productivity while ensuring security.. Here’s how Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) − a network infrastructure solution allowing for safe remote connection to an office network − can help.
How SD-WAN works
SD-WAN simplifies your WAN deployment with centralised management across networking, cloud and security functions. It is a secure, encryption protected tunnel that boosts digital security.
In a nutshell, it allows businesses to securely direct traffic across the WAN based on the usage and requirements. This in turn optimises network and application performance and delivers optimum user experience for multisite deployments. Network administrators are able to utilise bandwidth more efficiently, and ensure high performance levels of critical applications without compromising on data privacy or security.
Benefits for your business in the office
- Centralised network visibility: A solution such as Singtel SD-WAN, typically includes the installation of a SD-WAN CPE appliance at your work premise. Through this single portal, one gains better network visibility and control. Network administrators can monitor network performance and get network insights to make better business decisions.
- Increased network agility: With a centralised management portal, WAN management is simplified across disparate networks and multiple locations.
- Optimised network and application: An automated, policy-based routing enables traffic to be routed across the most efficient links, ensuring optimisation of business-critical applications.
- Integrated security: SD-WAN also includes integrated threat protection, including firewall, antivirus, IPS, web-filtering and data encryption functions.
- Faster speed to market: Looking to expand your business? A centrally managed portal offers fast and easy SD-WAN deployment for new branches or offices.
Benefits for employees working from home
Want to optimise how your team works from home? Singtel’s Home Network Solution leverages SD-WAN to offer a robust home-based enterprise network.
Employees enjoy secure remote connectivity to the office network via a dedicated broadband connection meaning collaboration tools, access to business applications, don’t lag. From an IT perspective, the centralised network visibility means remote devices can be monitored and connectivity issues easily fixed, as well as identify potential threats from end user devices.
