In the world of consumer products, people often buy luxury items, like Gucci bags, not for their functionality but because of how they look and what they symbolize. They’re status symbols, bought to make a statement rather than to serve a practical purpose. Surprisingly, this mentality can sometimes be found in the world of technology purchases as well, particularly with SD-WAN. Some businesses fall into the trap of buying a "Gucci bag" version of SD-WAN—one that looks good on paper but isn’t aligned with their actual business needs.
Why Some Buy SD-WAN Like a Gucci Bag
SD-WAN promises businesses several benefits, such as improved cloud connectivity, optimized application performance, and reduced costs. However, the rush to buy an impressive-looking solution can lead to companies purchasing technology that is overloaded with irrelevant features, overly complex setups, and excessive price tags, all while failing to meet their real-world needs.
In the same way that some people buy designer bags for the brand and style rather than for practicality, some organizations are seduced by the allure of high-cost SD-WAN solutions that boast a long list of features, even though many of these features will never be enabled or used. This kind of SD-WAN purchase is often more about prestige than performance, and it leaves businesses disillusioned when their shiny new investment fails to deliver the expected results.
Functionality Over Flashiness
The heart of any SD-WAN solution should be how well it aligns with the company’s specific needs and challenges. A successful SD-WAN deployment isn’t about owning the most expensive, feature-packed solution—it’s about finding the right balance between functionality, simplicity, and cost.
Here’s how organizations can ensure they’re purchasing SD-WAN for the right reasons:
Evaluate Business Needs: Instead of focusing on how “premium” an SD-WAN solution looks, the first step should be understanding the exact needs of your business. Is your company struggling with cloud connectivity? Is application performance over wide-area links an issue? These are the kinds of questions that should guide your SD-WAN purchasing decision.
Match Features with Requirements: Just because an SD-WAN solution comes with dozens of advanced features doesn’t mean it’s the right choice. Many companies are wooed by an extensive list of capabilities but end up never using them. Focus on the features that will actually solve your business problems, rather than opting for a solution that is heavy on features but light on practical benefit.
Simplicity Matters: Overcomplicating network management and operations can be a disaster for businesses. A well-designed SD-WAN solution should simplify your network infrastructure, not add unnecessary layers of complexity. A flashy “Gucci” SD-WAN solution might come with advanced capabilities but require a level of complexity that your team isn’t equipped to handle.
Real ROI, Not Just Perceived Value: The return on investment (ROI) for SD-WAN should be based on measurable business improvements, such as reduced downtime, better application performance, or lower connectivity costs. Spending more on an SD-WAN solution just for the perceived status or to have “the best” doesn’t guarantee real value.
SD-WAN Buyers | Beware of the Gucci Bag Trap
Many businesses feel let down by SD-WAN after purchasing a high-end solution that didn’t meet expectations. Why? Because they were sold on the wrong criteria. They focused on a set of "luxury" features and a high price tag rather than assessing whether the solution was designed for their business goals. The SD-WAN market has numerous options, and many offer similar core benefits, but without the unnecessary bells and whistles. A simpler, more streamlined solution could be just as effective and far more aligned with the company’s needs.
Wrapping up, while it may be tempting to buy the most expensive SD-WAN solution on the market, businesses should approach SD-WAN purchases with the same mindset they apply to other important decisions: focus on real needs, cut through the marketing fluff, and ensure that the technology you choose is a fit for your company’s specific challenges, not just a shiny "Gucci" bag for the network.
Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Nepean Networks - the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa. Learn more about the best SD-WAN provider in the world! 👉 Contact Nepean
The Cappuccino here is the found at any South African coffee shop and not a fancy pants Gucci one!
