As businesses expand across multiple locations and adopt cloud-based applications, network costs continue to rise. Traditional Wide Area Network models, particularly those built on MPLS circuits, are expensive, rigid, and slow to adapt to modern requirements. This has led many organisations to explore alternatives that deliver performance, flexibility, and cost control. Managed SD-WAN as a Service has emerged as a practical solution that not only simplifies network management but can also reduce overall connectivity costs by as much as 30 to 40 percent.

Before examining the savings, it is important to understand what Managed SD-WAN as a Service is and how it differs from traditional network architectures.

What Is Managed SD WAN as a Service

Managed SD-WAN as a Service is a cloud-based networking solution delivered and operated by a specialised service provider. Instead of managing routers, circuits, security policies, and performance monitoring in-house, businesses outsource these responsibilities to a provider with the required expertise and infrastructure.

Using software-defined networking principles, SD-WAN intelligently manages traffic across multiple connectivity options, including broadband, fibre, LTE, and private circuits. The managed service provider takes care of deployment, configuration, monitoring, optimisation, and support. This allows organisations to benefit from a modern and agile network without investing in complex infrastructure or specialist staff.

Key Features of Managed SD-WAN as a Service

Managed SD WAN as a Service offers a comprehensive set of capabilities designed to simplify operations and improve performance.

First, the service provider handles the entire WAN lifecycle. This includes initial design, hardware provisioning, software configuration, security implementation, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and ongoing optimisation. Businesses no longer need to manage multiple vendors or internal teams for different network functions.

Second, the solution is delivered through a cloud-based management platform. All sites can be monitored and controlled from a single dashboard, providing real-time visibility into performance, application usage, and link health. Policies can be updated centrally and applied instantly across the network.

Third, the subscription model includes hardware, software, licensing, and support in a predictable monthly cost. This removes the need for large upfront investments and simplifies budgeting.

Fourth, security is built into the service. Features such as firewalls, traffic segmentation, and threat protection are integrated into the SD-WAN platform. This reduces reliance on separate security appliances and improves overall protection.

Fifth, traffic is routed dynamically based on application requirements, network conditions, and business priorities. This ensures critical applications always receive the best possible path.

Finally, scaling the network is straightforward. New branches, users, or applications can be brought online quickly without complex physical changes or lengthy provisioning cycles.

How Managed SD WAN as a Service Reduces Connectivity Costs

One of the strongest reasons businesses adopt Managed SD-WAN as a Service is cost savings. These savings come from several areas.

Replacing MPLS with Affordable Links

Traditional MPLS circuits are reliable but expensive. SD-WAN allows businesses to use lower-cost broadband and LTE connections while maintaining performance and reliability. In many cases, organisations can replace a large portion of MPLS bandwidth with broadband, significantly reducing circuit costs. Depending on the design, savings of up to 80 percent on connectivity costs are possible when compared to a pure MPLS network.

Better Bandwidth Utilisation

SD-WAN uses intelligent routing to send traffic over the most appropriate path based on real-time conditions. This avoids overprovisioning bandwidth and ensures available capacity is used efficiently. Instead of paying for additional bandwidth to handle peak usage, businesses can achieve better performance using existing links.

Reduced Operational Expenses

Centralised management and automation reduce the need for on-site IT support. Tasks such as configuration updates, troubleshooting, and performance tuning can be handled remotely by the service provider. This lowers operational costs and allows internal IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine network maintenance.

Improved Visibility and Smarter Decisions

With real-time visibility into application usage and link performance, businesses can make informed decisions about bandwidth allocation and optimisation. Identifying underused links or inefficient routing helps eliminate unnecessary spending and ensures resources are aligned with actual business needs.

Integrated Security Savings

Traditional networks often require separate firewalls and security appliances at each site. Managed SD-WAN as a Service integrates security into the network fabric, reducing hardware costs and simplifying management. Preventing security incidents also avoids the high costs associated with data breaches and downtime.

Lower Total Cost of Ownership

When evaluating cost savings, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership. This includes connectivity, hardware, licensing, maintenance, support, and staffing. Managed SD WAN as a Service consolidates these elements into a single predictable cost, delivering measurable return on investment over time.

Additional Benefits Beyond Cost Savings

While cost reduction is a major driver, Managed SD-WAN as a Service delivers several additional advantages.

Subscription-based pricing allows organisations to pay only for what they use, making budgeting more accurate and predictable. Scaling the network up or down does not require large capital expenditure or lengthy lead times.

The solution adapts easily to business growth or seasonal changes. New locations can be deployed quickly, supporting faster expansion and time to market. Built-in security and compliance capabilities simplify governance and reduce the complexity of meeting regulatory requirements. Intelligent routing and real-time analytics improve application performance, enhance user experience, and support productivity across the organisation.

Why Choose Viva Digitally Managed SD WAN as a Service

Viva Digitally offers a fully managed SD-WAN service designed to deliver performance, security, and cost efficiency. Our solution provides centralised visibility, intelligent routing, and integrated security, backed by strong service level agreements.

By consolidating multiple connectivity links and service invoices into a single managed platform, Viva Digitally simplifies network operations and billing across all locations. Businesses gain a smart, scalable, and reliable network architecture without the burden of managing complexity in-house.

Managed SD-WAN as a Service is not just a network upgrade. It is a strategic shift that enables businesses to reduce connectivity costs, simplify operations, and improve performance. By replacing expensive MPLS circuits, optimising bandwidth usage, and consolidating management and security, organisations can achieve meaningful savings while building a network that supports future growth.

Viva Digitally Managed SD-WAN as a Service delivers a cost-effective, secure, and scalable foundation for modern business connectivity.

To learn more or see how this can work for your organisation, contact us today to schedule a demo.