Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Detailed Review
Networking Tools
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Product Overview
Masergy Managed SD-WAN Overview
Masergy Managed SD-WAN is a comprehensive networking solution that combines advanced network management with robust security features, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking reliable, secure, and high-performance network connectivity.
Primary Function
The primary function of Masergy Managed SD-WAN is to provide enterprises with a highly customizable and secure wide area network (WAN) solution. This includes managing and optimizing network traffic, ensuring high application performance, and integrating advanced security measures to protect against data breaches and other cyber threats.
Target Audience
Masergy Managed SD-WAN is targeted at global enterprises across various industries that require reliable, secure, and high-performance network solutions. This includes businesses with multiple locations, those adopting cloud services, and organizations that need to support remote workers.
Key Features
Network Management
- Masergy offers fully managed and co-managed SD-WAN solutions, allowing businesses to choose the level of control they need over their network.
- The solution includes zero-touch provisioning and dynamic application performance, making it easy to add new locations to the network quickly and cost-effectively.
Security
- Integrated with next-gen firewalls, Masergy Managed SD-WAN provides superior perimeter protection. It also includes 24/7 monitoring and incident response services through a Security Operations Center (SOC) staffed by certified IT security experts.
- The solution offers various security bundles, such as Unified Threat Management, Threat Monitoring and Response, and Managed Security Services, which include features like logging, alerting, firewall integration, and advanced threat detection.
Flexibility and Control
- Masergy provides a client portal with real-time control over applications and security configurations, allowing businesses to self-manage their network settings and policies. This includes AI-powered analytics for network optimization and Shadow IT Discovery to identify and manage unauthorized cloud applications.
Performance and Reliability
- The solution ensures high network performance with 100% availability for cloud connections and SD-WAN sites, along with proactive credits for any outages. It also guarantees 100% in-sequence packet delivery and less than 1 ms of jitter.
- Masergy offers direct, secure connections to top cloud providers like Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure, ensuring seamless cloud application performance.
Hybrid Access
- The solution supports hybrid access models, allowing businesses to use a combination of public and private network connections to achieve the right balance between cost and performance.
By combining these features, Masergy Managed SD-WAN provides a comprehensive solution that addresses the needs of modern enterprises for secure, reliable, and high-performance network connectivity.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Overview
The user interface of Masergy Managed SD-WAN is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, catering to the needs of network administrators and IT professionals.Centralized Control and Visibility
Masergy’s user interface is centered around their client portal, which provides a customizable dashboard that displays a global view of the network, including SD-WAN devices, cloud environments, and critical security alerts and analytics. This centralized control allows users to monitor and manage their network from a single interface, enhancing visibility and control over the entire network infrastructure.Real-Time Control and Analytics
The interface offers real-time control over applications and security configurations. Users can set bandwidth thresholds for specific business applications, ensure employee connectivity needs are met, and track network traffic and application performance in real-time. This is facilitated by Masergy’s Intelligent Service Control (ISC), which enables users to modify network bandwidth, SD-VPNs, virtual network functions, and SD-WAN locations without needing to contact a network provider.AI-Powered Analytics
Masergy’s AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) is integrated into the SD-WAN solution, providing AI-powered analytics that automate network analysis, predict bandwidth needs, and troubleshoot issues quickly. This feature helps in identifying and isolating potential cybersecurity threats down to the specific user and application on the network.Ease of Use
The interface is designed to be user-friendly, with features like zero-touch provisioning that automate the deployment and configuration processes. This simplifies the setup and management of new sites, reducing the resources and operational expenses required. The client portal also includes tools for making changes in real-time, such as application-based routing rules, firewall, and network policies, which can be managed without extensive technical expertise.Security and Monitoring
For security, the interface includes features like next-gen firewalls, 24/7 SOC services, and granular control over thousands of applications. It also provides traffic monitoring, including “east/west” (site-to-site) connectivity between all sites, with real-time analytics displayed in the client dashboard. Consistent security policies are enforced across all SD-WAN devices, ensuring a secure network environment.Flexibility and Customization
Masergy offers co-managed solutions, allowing users to retain control over specific aspects of their SD-WAN service if desired. The client portal provides the flexibility to self-manage configurations and policies, ensuring that the network is aligned with the organization’s specific needs.Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of Masergy Managed SD-WAN is engineered to provide a seamless, intuitive, and highly manageable experience, combining advanced analytics, real-time control, and integrated security features to ensure optimal network performance and security. Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Key Features and Functionality
Masergy Managed SD-WAN Overview
Masergy Managed SD-WAN is a comprehensive solution that integrates advanced networking, security, and AI capabilities. Here are the key features and how they work:
Network Flexibility and Management
Co-Managed and Fully Managed Solutions
Co-Managed and Fully Managed Solutions: Masergy offers both co-managed and fully managed SD-WAN services, allowing businesses to choose the level of control they need. The co-managed option enables clients to retain control over specific aspects of their SD-WAN service through a client portal.
Zero-Touch Provisioning
Zero-Touch Provisioning: This feature allows for easy deployment and configuration of SD-WAN devices without the need for manual intervention, simplifying the setup process.
Security Integration
SASE-Based Security
SASE-Based Security: Masergy’s SD-WAN solution includes Security Access Service Edge (SASE) at its core, combining network and security functions. This includes integrated firewalls, firewall as a service, and various security tools like Unified Threat Management (UTM).
Unified Threat Management (UTM)
Unified Threat Management (UTM): This service includes next-gen firewalls, antivirus/anti-malware, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), web filtering, data loss prevention (DLP), and application control. It also offers 24/7 monitoring and real-time incident response.
Managed Security Services
Managed Security Services: This includes a detection and response platform, SIEM as a Service, vulnerability scanning, advanced IDS, anomaly detection, and threat intelligence. It also covers cloud security for AWS, Azure, and other cloud services.
AI-Driven Analytics and Automation
AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations)
AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations): Launched in September 2019, AIOps is an SD-WAN-integrated digital assistant that uses AI to analyze network, application performance, and security. It creates intelligent alerts and recommendations for network changes, acting as a virtual network engineer.
Shadow IT Discovery
Shadow IT Discovery: This feature uses network visibility tools and an extensive app database to identify and rank IT-approved and non-approved applications based on their security risks. This helps IT admins to manage and secure their network more effectively.
Performance and Reliability
100% Availability SLAs
100% Availability SLAs: Masergy guarantees 100% availability for SD-WAN sites and cloud connections, with proactive credits if service availability SLAs are not met. This includes 100% in-sequence packet delivery and less than 1 ms of jitter.
Active-Active Network Configurations
Active-Active Network Configurations: These configurations ensure high availability and redundancy for cloud connections, linking your network to top cloud infrastructure providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
Multi-Cloud Connectivity
Direct Connections to Cloud Services
Direct Connections to Cloud Services: Masergy provides direct connections to top cloud services and SaaS applications, ensuring reliable and high-performance access to these resources.
Visibility and Control
Client Portal and Dashboard
Client Portal and Dashboard: The client portal offers real-time control over applications and security, allowing businesses to self-manage configurations and policies. The customizable dashboard displays the global network, SD-WAN devices, and cloud environments along with important security alerts and analytics.
Additional Features
Application-Based Routing and Dynamic Path Control
Application-Based Routing and Dynamic Path Control: These features enable businesses to optimize application performance by dynamically routing traffic based on the best available path.
Secure Internet Offload
Secure Internet Offload: This allows for secure offloading of internet traffic, reducing the load on the WAN and improving overall network efficiency.
These features collectively make Masergy Managed SD-WAN a powerful tool for businesses, combining advanced networking, robust security, and AI-driven analytics to ensure optimal network performance and security.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Masergy’s Managed SD-WAN is notable for its high performance standards. Here are some highlights:
- Service Availability: Masergy guarantees 100% service availability for SD-WAN sites configured for high availability and direct cloud connections. This ensures that business-critical applications remain accessible at all times.
- Network Uptime: The service includes proactive credits if service availability SLAs are not met, and notifications are sent within 5 minutes of a service outage. This commitment to uptime is backed by SLAs that promise 100% availability and less than 1 ms of jitter for edge-to-edge packet delivery.
- AI-Driven Optimization: Masergy’s AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) is integrated into every SD-WAN solution, automating network analysis, predicting bandwidth needs, and troubleshooting issues quickly. This AI-powered analytics enhances network performance and security management.
Accuracy and Visibility
The accuracy and visibility provided by Masergy’s SD-WAN are significant:
- Granular Visibility: The service offers detailed visibility into network and application performance through real-time analytics in the client dashboard. This includes traffic monitoring, application usage, and link quality, helping in better network planning and issue resolution.
- Security Analytics: Masergy provides advanced security features such as next-gen firewalls, SIEM as a Service, vulnerability scanning, and threat intelligence. These tools ensure consistent security policies across all SD-WAN devices and offer granular control over thousands of applications.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Masergy’s Managed SD-WAN is highly regarded, there are some limitations:
- Limited Cloud Access: Although Masergy allows connections to top cloud infrastructure providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, there are some limitations in terms of cloud access. However, they do support third-party cloud connections.
- Fully Managed Solution: For some users, the fully managed aspect might be a limitation if they prefer more control over their network configurations. However, Masergy also offers co-managed solutions to address this need.
User Control and Flexibility
Masergy provides flexibility in management options:
- Co-Managed Solutions: Users can retain control over specific aspects of their SD-WAN service through a client portal, allowing self-management of configurations and policies.
- Over the Top (OTT) Solution: This overlay solution can be managed over any public or private network, providing an encrypted and secure connection, which is particularly useful for companies locked into network contracts.
Overall, Masergy’s Managed SD-WAN stands out for its strong performance guarantees, advanced AI-driven optimization, and comprehensive security features, making it a reliable choice for enterprises needing high availability and accuracy in their network operations.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Pricing and Plans
When considering the pricing structure of Masergy Managed SD-WAN
It’s important to note that the specific pricing details are not explicitly outlined in the available sources. However, here are some key points about the plans and features that can help you make an informed decision:
Plans and Features
Masergy Managed SD-WAN offers flexible and scalable solutions with various features across different tiers:
Security Tiers
Masergy provides tiered security options:
- SD-WAN Unified Threat Management (UTM): Includes next-gen firewalls, antivirus/anti-malware, intrusion detection/prevention systems, web filtering, and data loss prevention.
- SD-WAN Threat Monitoring & Response: Adds 24/7 monitoring by certified security experts, real-time incident response, and enhanced data loss prevention.
- SD-WAN Managed Security Services: This comprehensive tier includes detection and response platforms, SIEM as a Service, vulnerability scanning, advanced IDS, threat intelligence, and cloud security for AWS, Azure, and other cloud services.
Service Options
- Fully Managed Services: Masergy handles all aspects of the SD-WAN infrastructure, configuration, and monitoring.
- Co-Managed Solutions: Allows clients to retain control over specific aspects of their SD-WAN service while still benefiting from Masergy’s expertise.
Key Features
- Zero-Touch Provisioning: Simplifies the deployment process.
- Private and Public Access: Hybrid SD-WAN deployments that integrate with SD-VPN solutions.
- App Performance Visibility: Real-time analytics and monitoring.
- Integrated Firewall and Unified Threat Management: Enhanced security measures.
- WAN Optimization: Improves network performance and reduces latency.
- Dynamic Path Control and Application-Based Routing: Optimizes network traffic.
Pricing
While the exact pricing is not provided in the sources, here are some general points:
- Predictable Monthly Pricing: Managed SD-WAN solutions typically offer predictable monthly costs with no upfront costs for networking infrastructure or hardware.
- No Free Options: There is no indication of free plans or trials available for Masergy Managed SD-WAN.
For precise pricing, it is recommended to contact Masergy directly or consult with a sales representative, as the pricing can vary based on the specific needs and scale of your organization.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Integration and Compatibility
Masergy Managed SD-WAN Solutions
Masergy Managed SD-WAN solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of tools and platforms, ensuring broad compatibility and streamlined operations.
Integration with Security Tools
Masergy’s Managed SD-WAN Secure solutions adhere to the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) model, combining SD-WAN connectivity with advanced cybersecurity functions. This includes integration with secure web gateways, cloud-based firewalls, automated cloud access security brokers (CASB), and zero-trust network access. These security features are often delivered through partnerships with leading security vendors like Fortinet, whose next-generation firewalls are integrated into Masergy’s solutions.
Network Infrastructure Compatibility
Masergy’s SD-WAN architecture leverages a global IP backbone with 51 global secure Points of Presence (PoPs). This infrastructure supports various underlay services, including public internet (DIA), private IP (MPLS), and LTE (4G, 5G). This flexibility allows Masergy to integrate with different network types and vendors, such as Cisco SD-WAN Viptela and Silver Peak.
Multi-Cloud Connectivity
Masergy’s Managed SD-WAN Secure solutions also offer multi-cloud connectivity, providing turnkey private or shared connections to cloud infrastructure. This ensures that businesses can maintain seamless connectivity across multiple cloud platforms, enhancing their overall network performance and reliability.
Device and Platform Compatibility
The solutions are access-agnostic, meaning they can be integrated with various types of access connections, including internet, MPLS, and LTE. This compatibility extends to both private and public access options, allowing businesses to customize their network access according to their needs. Additionally, Masergy’s SD-WAN can be deployed over third-party internet connections using their “Over the top” (OTT) overlay solution managed through the SD-WAN Orchestrator.
AI-Driven Integration
Masergy’s use of AI enhances the integration and management of their SD-WAN solutions. AI algorithms optimize traffic in real-time, detect and respond to security threats, and automate routine network management tasks. This AI-driven approach simplifies network operations and ensures optimal performance and security across the network.
Global Deployment and Support
Masergy manages its own global private backbone and provides support via three 24/7 Network Operation Centers (NOCs) and Security Operation Centers (SOCs) located in North America, Europe, and Asia. This global support ensures that businesses with international locations can deploy and manage their SD-WAN solutions effectively.
Conclusion
In summary, Masergy Managed SD-WAN solutions are highly integrated and compatible with a wide range of tools, platforms, and devices, making them a versatile choice for businesses with diverse networking needs.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Customer Support and Resources
Masergy Managed SD-WAN Support Options
Masergy Managed SD-WAN offers a comprehensive array of customer support options and additional resources, ensuring that users have the assistance and tools they need to manage their networks effectively.
Fully Managed and Co-Managed Solutions
Masergy provides both fully managed and co-managed service options. For those who prefer a hands-off approach, the fully managed service alleviates the administrative workload from the IT team, with Masergy handling all aspects of network and security management. Alternatively, the co-managed solution allows clients to retain control over specific aspects of their SD-WAN service, using the client portal to self-manage configurations and policies.
Global NOCs and SOCs
Masergy operates three Network Operations Centers (NOCs) and three Security Operations Centers (SOCs) across three continents. These centers are staffed by certified security personnel who provide 24/7 monitoring and incident response. This ensures that security responsiveness and network service are always at the highest level.
Client Portal and AI-Powered Analytics
The Masergy client portal offers a customizable dashboard that provides real-time control over applications and security. This portal includes AI-powered analytics, Shadow IT Discovery, and Identity-Based WAN Analytics, enabling users to monitor their global network, SD-WAN devices, and cloud environments. It also displays important security alerts and analytics, helping users to configure consistent security policies across all SD-WAN devices.
Managed Security Services
Masergy’s Managed Security Services include a range of features such as a Detection and Response platform, SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) as a Service, vulnerability scanning, advanced IDS (Intrusion Detection System), anomaly detection, and threat intelligence. These services are complemented by 24/7 SOC services, where certified analysts monitor and respond to security threats in real-time.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Masergy commits to highly competitive SLAs, including 100% service availability for SD-WAN sites and cloud connections, 100% in-sequence packet delivery, and less than 1 ms of jitter. If there is a service outage, Masergy notifies clients within 5 minutes and proactively credits their accounts when SLAs are not met.
Additional Security Tools and Integrations
Masergy integrates various security tools into their SD-WAN platform, including next-gen firewalls, Unified Threat Management options, and partnerships with security providers like Fortinet, Carbon Black, and Bitglass. This ensures comprehensive security coverage for the entire IT environment, including cloud, internal networks, and endpoints.
By providing these extensive support options and resources, Masergy ensures that customers have the tools and assistance needed to maintain a secure, high-performance network.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Masergy Managed SD-WAN
Masergy Managed SD-WAN offers several significant advantages that can benefit businesses looking to optimize their network performance and security.Agility and Flexibility
- Masergy Managed SD-WAN provides an agile global network with dynamic application performance, zero-touch provisioning, and built-in analytics and service controls. This allows for quick and cost-effective addition of new locations to the network.
- The solution offers customizable access options, avoiding the risks associated with all-or-nothing solutions. It supports hybrid SD-WAN deployments as well as internet-only deployments.
Security
- Masergy integrates SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) at the core of its SD-WAN solutions, providing enhanced security measures such as Fortinet edge devices, integrated firewalls, and firewall as a service. It also includes advanced security functions like intrusion detection, anomaly detection, and threat intelligence.
Performance and Reliability
- The service guarantees 100% availability for SD-WAN sites and cloud connections, with proactive credits for any outages. It ensures 100% in-sequence packet delivery and less than 1 ms of jitter, enhancing overall network performance.
Co-Managed Options
- Masergy offers co-managed SD-WAN solutions, allowing businesses to retain control over specific aspects of their network while still benefiting from managed services. This is facilitated through a client portal that provides real-time control over applications and security configurations.
AI-Driven Analytics
- Masergy’s AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) system automates network analysis, predicts bandwidth needs, and troubleshoots issues faster than humanly possible. It also includes features like Shadow IT Discovery and Identity-Based WAN Analytics to enhance security and network visibility.
Multi-Cloud Connectivity
- The solution provides direct connections to top cloud services and SaaS applications, ensuring seamless integration and high availability for cloud connections.
Disadvantages of Masergy Managed SD-WAN
While Masergy Managed SD-WAN offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.Vendor Lock-In
- Businesses may find it challenging to switch providers in the future due to the potential for vendor lock-in with Masergy’s managed SD-WAN solutions.
Limited Customization
- Although Masergy offers co-managed options, the fully managed solution may have limited customization options since the MSP manages the network configuration and policies.
Reliance on the Provider
- The success of the network depends heavily on the reliability and performance of Masergy’s services. Any downtime or issues with the provider can impact the business’s network operations.
Fully Managed Limitations
- For businesses that prefer full control over their network, the fully managed solution might not be ideal, as it requires relinquishing some control to the MSP.
Limited Cloud Access
- While Masergy allows third-party cloud connections, there are some limitations to cloud access within their managed SD-WAN solutions.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Masergy Managed SD-WAN with Other AI-Driven SD-WAN Solutions
Several key features and alternatives stand out.
Unique Features of Masergy Managed SD-WAN
Masergy Managed SD-WAN is distinguished by its fully managed and co-managed service options. Here are some unique aspects:
- Global Network Backbone: Masergy leverages its global network backbone, combining it with AIOps and management tools to provide reliable and secure connections.
- 100% Service Availability: Masergy guarantees 100% availability for SD-WAN sites, direct cloud connections, and packet delivery, which is particularly beneficial for organizations requiring high uptime.
- AI-Enabled SASE: Masergy integrates AI into its Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution, which includes a secure web gateway centrally controlled and administered from the cloud.
- Flexible Management: The service offers both fully managed and co-managed options, allowing organizations to choose the level of control they need over their configurations and policies.
Comparison with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
- Management Style: Unlike Masergy’s fully managed option, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is more focused on centralized management by the organization itself. It is used for secure connectivity, load balancing, VPN, and migrating from traditional networks to SD-WAN.
- Industry Focus: Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is widely used in industries like banking and retail for secure transaction communication and steady connectivity for point-of-sale systems. Masergy, on the other hand, is well-suited for organizations with global managed services requirements.
Comparison with VMware (VeloCloud) SD-WAN
- Cloud Integration: VMware VeloCloud SD-WAN is known for its strong cloud integration capabilities, including asymmetric routing and support for multiple cloud environments. However, it lacks in-depth control and features like next-generation firewalls (NGFW) and Unified Threat Management (UTM) capabilities, which Masergy can provide through its integration with Fortinet edge devices.
- Feature Set: VeloCloud’s feature set is more basic compared to Masergy, which offers more comprehensive security and management features.
Comparison with Fortinet SD-WAN
- Security Focus: Fortinet SD-WAN is highly regarded for its security features, making it an excellent choice for highly regulated industries. However, it requires significant technical expertise to manage effectively. Masergy, while also secure, offers a more managed approach that can alleviate some of the technical burdens.
- Management: Fortinet SD-WAN is typically managed in-house, whereas Masergy provides a fully managed or co-managed service, which can be more appealing to organizations looking for less hands-on management.
Potential Alternatives
- Juniper Networks AI-Native Networking Platform: This platform uses AI to unify campus, branch, and data center networking operations. It offers benefits like reduced networking trouble tickets and operational expenses, but it is more focused on overall network management rather than specifically on SD-WAN.
- Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN: Known for its AI-driven management and analytics, Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN offers out-of-box advanced security features. However, it may have fewer broad security features compared to Fortinet but is easier to manage.
Conclusion
In summary, Masergy Managed SD-WAN stands out with its global network backbone, AI-enabled SASE, and flexible management options. While it competes with other robust SD-WAN solutions like Cisco Catalyst, VMware VeloCloud, and Fortinet, each has its unique strengths and may be more or less suitable depending on the specific needs of the organization.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Masergy Managed SD-WAN
What are the key features of Masergy Managed SD-WAN?
Masergy Managed SD-WAN offers a range of features, including application-based routing rules, integrated firewalls, and unified threat management (UTM) with services like antivirus, anti-malware, intrusion detection/prevention, web filtering, and data loss prevention (DLP).
How does Masergy SD-WAN ensure security?
Masergy embeds security into its SD-WAN solutions with tiered options, including next-gen firewalls for perimeter security and 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) services for monitoring and threat response. The service includes detection and response platforms, SIEM as a Service, vulnerability scanning, advanced IDS, anomaly detection, and cloud security for AWS, Azure, and other cloud services.
What are the managed security service bundles offered by Masergy?
Masergy offers several managed security service bundles, including Unified Threat Management, Threat Monitoring and Response, and Managed Security Services. These bundles include features such as real-time monitoring by certified security experts, incident response, firewall integration, and comprehensive cloud security solutions like CASB and cloud workload protection.
Can I manage my SD-WAN network myself, or is it fully managed?
Masergy provides flexible management options. You can choose between a fully managed service, where Masergy handles all aspects of your SD-WAN, or a co-managed solution, where you retain control over specific aspects of your network through a client portal that offers real-time control over applications and security configurations.
How does Masergy SD-WAN handle multi-cloud connectivity?
Masergy SD-WAN provides direct connections to top cloud services and SaaS applications, ensuring 100% availability for cloud connections with active-active network configurations. This setup is designed for redundancy and high availability, with SLAs that guarantee 100% service availability for SD-WAN sites and cloud connections.
What AI and analytics capabilities are integrated into Masergy SD-WAN?
Masergy’s SD-WAN solution includes AI-powered analytics through its AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) platform. AIOps automates network analysis, predicts bandwidth needs, and troubleshoots issues faster than humanly possible. It also includes Shadow IT Discovery and Identity-Based WAN Analytics to identify and manage security risks.
How does Masergy ensure high network performance and reliability?
Masergy commits to 100% service availability for SD-WAN sites configured for high availability and cloud connections architected for redundancy. The service includes proactive credits for any outages, 100% in-sequence packet delivery, and less than 1 ms of jitter. Additionally, Masergy notifies customers within 5 minutes of any service outage.
What is Masergy Performance Edge, and how does it enhance broadband links?
Masergy Performance Edge is a patent-pending technology that enhances any broadband connection to perform similarly to a private line circuit. It uses proprietary network architecture, sophisticated AIOps machine-learning algorithms, and secure routing technologies to minimize network packet loss and optimize performance for remote and branch locations.
Can Masergy SD-WAN integrate with other security tools and services?
Yes, Masergy’s Managed Security Services bundle includes integration with third-party security tools. This includes endpoint detection and response with partners like Carbon Black, managed cloud access security broker (CASB) services with Bitglass, and cloud workload protection for various cloud providers.
How does Masergy handle network visibility and monitoring?
Masergy provides comprehensive network visibility through its client portal, which includes real-time analytics, flow data, and security alert metrics. The platform also offers Shadow IT Discovery to identify and manage unauthorized applications, and it integrates with SIEM as a Service for log alerting, management, and monitoring.
What kind of support does Masergy offer for its SD-WAN services?
Masergy has three global Security Operations Centers (SOCs) staffed by certified security personnel who provide 24/7 monitoring and incident response. This ensures prompt and expert handling of any security events or network issues.
Masergy Managed SD-WAN - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Masergy Managed SD-WAN
Masergy’s Managed SD-WAN Secure is a comprehensive solution that integrates network and security functionalities, making it an attractive option for enterprises with global and multi-cloud requirements.
Key Benefits
Flexibility and Control
Flexibility and Control: Masergy offers both fully managed and co-managed SD-WAN services, allowing organizations to choose the level of control they need. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for companies that want to balance IT resource utilization with the need for specialized management.
Global Network and Cloud Connectivity
Global Network and Cloud Connectivity: The service is built on a global, software-defined network with 51 Points of Presence (PoPs) in major cities. It provides direct connections to top cloud services and SaaS applications, ensuring 100% availability SLA for cloud connections and SD-WAN sites.
Integrated Security
Integrated Security: Masergy embeds security into its SD-WAN solution with tiered options, including next-gen firewalls, 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) services, and advanced security analytics. This integrated approach helps in maintaining a pervasive IT security posture across multi-cloud environments.
AIOps and Analytics
AIOps and Analytics: The platform utilizes AI-powered analytics (AIOps) for automated network analysis, real-time and identity-based analytics, and on-demand control. This enhances network performance and security management, providing valuable insights and proactive threat detection.
Performance Optimization
Performance Optimization: Masergy’s Performance Edge technology can enhance any broadband connection to perform similarly to a private line circuit, minimizing network packet loss and improving overall network performance.
Who Would Benefit Most
Global Enterprises
Global Enterprises: Organizations with global operations will benefit from Masergy’s extensive network and multi-cloud connectivity options.
Mid-Market Businesses
Mid-Market Businesses: Companies in the mid-market sector can leverage Masergy’s managed and co-managed SD-WAN services to meet their specific needs without requiring extensive in-house technical expertise.
Organizations with Remote Workforces
Organizations with Remote Workforces: Given the emphasis on security and business continuity, especially in work-from-home environments, Masergy’s solution is well-suited for companies managing remote workforces.
Overall Recommendation
Masergy Managed SD-WAN Secure is a strong choice for enterprises seeking a reliable, secure, and flexible network solution. Its combination of global network coverage, integrated security features, and AI-driven analytics makes it an excellent option for organizations looking to optimize their network performance and ensure high levels of security and availability. The flexibility in management options (fully managed or co-managed) allows businesses to align the service with their specific IT resource capabilities and needs. Overall, Masergy’s solution is highly recommended for any organization prioritizing network reliability, security, and performance.