--- title: SD-WAN Trends & Updates | Fireside Chat with IT Solutions Experts description: Sean Barr, sits down with Senior Solutions Architect, Chris Marshall, to discuss SD-WAN updates that have happened throughout 2017. --- [![looking-point_LogoWhite _ Presidio-1](https://www.lookingpoint.com/hubfs/looking-point_LogoWhite%20_%20Presidio-1.svg) ![LOOKINGPOINT](https://www.lookingpoint.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Theme%20Oct%202019/images/logo@mobile.png?width=444&height=86&name=logo@mobile.png) ](https://www-lookingpoint-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/-temporary-slug-c10ae2f5-f23e-43f2-8214-f73884fb09ae) - [Solutions](https://www.lookingpoint.com) - [Collaboration](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-solutions-collaboration) - [Security ](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-solutions-security) - [Networking ](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-solutions-networking) - [Data Center ](https://www.lookingpoint.com/data-center) - [Cloud](https://www.lookingpoint.com/cloud) - [Managed Services](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-support-services) - 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[**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update&title=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts&picture=&description=Sean%20Barr,%20sits%20down%20with%20Senior%20Solutions%20Architect,%20Chris%20Marshall,%20to%20discuss%20SD-WAN%20updates%20that%20have%20happened%20throughout%202017.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update&text=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts) - [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update&title=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts&summary=Sean%20Barr,%20sits%20down%20with%20Senior%20Solutions%20Architect,%20Chris%20Marshall,%20to%20discuss%20SD-WAN%20updates%20that%20have%20happened%20throughout%202017.) - [**](mailto:?subject=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts&body=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts%20https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update) [networking](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/networking) [SD-WAN](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/sd-wan) [SDN](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/sdn) [SDWAN](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/sdwan) [SD-Access](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/sd-access) **THE RECAP Fireside Chat: 2017 SD-WAN Updates with CEO Sean Barr and Senior Solutions Architect Chris Marshall** In this recap of our most recent episode, LookingPoint CEO Sean Barr sits down with Solutions Architect Chris Marshall to discuss what’s changed in the **SD-WAN** landscape since the start of 2017—and spoiler alert, it’s been big. ### SD-WAN: Still Relevant and Evolving While SD-WAN isn’t new, it’s still revolutionizing enterprise networks. At its core, SD-WAN simplifies wide area networking through: - Centralized policy management - Bandwidth consolidation - Lower operational and total cost of ownership Organizations continue to deploy SD-WAN to increase agility, reduce complexity, and improve performance. But since our last chat, the space has seen some major developments—especially **Cisco’s acquisition of Viptela**. ### Cisco Acquires Viptela: What It Means Cisco’s acquisition of cloud-based SD-WAN leader **Viptela** marked a significant shift. As predicted in our last discussion, SD-WAN vendors would consolidate—and Cisco made the first big move. Viptela was known for: - Zero-touch provisioning - Simple cloud-based deployment - Native segmentation capabilities Cisco’s existing SD-WAN (IWAN) was strong on features like: - QoS - Performance routing (PfR) - Application visibility via NBAR Now, Cisco seems poised to merge the best of both: Viptela’s cloud-first ease with IWAN’s enterprise-grade features. ### Is WAN Optimization Still Needed? As internet reliability and bandwidth availability increase, the need for traditional WAN optimization (like Cisco’s WAAS) is diminishing. Chris predicts we may see optimization features phased out in favor of simplicity and speed. Most customers aren’t demanding it—and SD-WAN works well without it. ### What’s Next for Management and Visibility? Cisco is likely to streamline SD-WAN management through **DNA Center**, unifying control across platforms. This could mean the end of legacy tools like APIC-EM or Viptela’s native manager. For customers, this means simpler management and deeper network visibility in a single pane of glass. ### Should You Go It Alone or Use a Provider? Many service providers—AT&T, Verizon, Windstream—have standardized on SD-WAN offerings from vendors like Viptela. While these managed options offer simplicity, they often sacrifice customization and provider independence. It’s a tradeoff IT leaders should weigh carefully. ### What to Watch For in 2018 Chris offers a final thought: Just as Cisco brought back Viptela (founded by ex-Cisco engineers), might Juniper follow suit by acquiring Versa Networks (a company built by ex-Juniper engineers)? Time will tell—but we’ll be watching closely. **Have questions about SD-WAN or want to explore your deployment options?**   Read more about 2017 SD-WAN updates and predictions [**here**](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/sdwan-update).    *If you are interested in having LookingPoint install SD-WAN into your network, feel free to contact us here!* *[![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2215854/504c78f2-56f4-4997-8201-2d87e34b194f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2215854/504c78f2-56f4-4997-8201-2d87e34b194f)* Written By: SHARE: - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update&title=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts&picture=&description=Sean%20Barr,%20sits%20down%20with%20Senior%20Solutions%20Architect,%20Chris%20Marshall,%20to%20discuss%20SD-WAN%20updates%20that%20have%20happened%20throughout%202017.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update&text=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts) - [**](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update&title=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts&summary=Sean%20Barr,%20sits%20down%20with%20Senior%20Solutions%20Architect,%20Chris%20Marshall,%20to%20discuss%20SD-WAN%20updates%20that%20have%20happened%20throughout%202017.) - [**](mailto:?subject=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts&body=SD-WAN%20Trends%20&%20Updates%20|%20Fireside%20Chat%20with%20IT%20Solutions%20Experts%20https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/fsc-sdwan-update) ### Topics - [cisco](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/cisco) - [security](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/security) - [cybersecurity](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/cybersecurity) - [Cisco ISE](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/cisco-ise) - [collaboration](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/collaboration) - [ISE](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/ise) - [webex](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/webex) - [IT Solutions](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/it-solutions) - [cisco webex](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/cisco-webex) - [SD-WAN](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog/topic/sd-wan) ### Latest Tweets ** ### subscribe to our blog ## Get New Unique Posts ![looking-point_LogoWhite _ Presidio-1](https://www.lookingpoint.com/hubfs/looking-point_LogoWhite%20_%20Presidio-1.svg) 391 Taylor Blvd. Suite 120 Pleasant Hill, California 94523 [Call Us +1 925-566-3480](tel:+19255663480) [sales@lookingpoint.com](mailto:sales@lookingpoint.com) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/lookingpoint?fref=ts) - [**](https://twitter.com/lookingpoint) - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/lookingpoint) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/lookingpoint/) SOLUTIONS - [Collaboration](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-solutions-collaboration) - [ Security](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-solutions-security) - [Networking ](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-solutions-networking) - [Cloud](https://www.lookingpoint.com/cloud) - [Data Center ](https://www.lookingpoint.com/data-center) - [Project Management ](https://www.lookingpoint.com/project-management) - [Lifecycle Management](https://www.lookingpoint.com/lifecycle-management-acela) - [Wireless Surveys Assessments](https://www.lookingpoint.com/en-us/wireless-surveys-assessments) MANAGED SERVICES - [Assess and Design](https://www.lookingpoint.com/assess-and-design-it-solutions) - [Deployment](https://www.lookingpoint.com/deployment-it-services-solutions) - [Support](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-support-services) - [Integration Center](https://www.lookingpoint.com/integration-services) - [Lifecycle Support](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-lifecycle-support) - [Locations Serviced](https://www.lookingpoint.com/it-consulting-san-francisco-bay-area) - [Customer Success](https://www.lookingpoint.com/services-customer-success) COMPANY - [Contact Us](https://www.lookingpoint.com/contact-us) - [Career](https://www.lookingpoint.com/career) - [About Us](https://www.lookingpoint.com/about-us) - [ FAQ](https://www.lookingpoint.com/faq) - [ Partners](https://www.lookingpoint.com/partner) - [Blog](https://www.lookingpoint.com/blog) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.lookingpoint.com/privacy-policy) - [DO NOT SELL OR SHARE MY PERSONAL INFORMATION](https://na1.hs-data-privacy.com/request/TrvvEe3VpnlESmYolHn3xw) GET IN TOUCH Join our mailing list to stay up to date and get notices about our new releases! 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