AvidThink has published numerous research reports since 2013, covering key technology and business trends in infrastructure technologies. For a list of clients AvidThink has partnered with on its research, check out our clients page.
Each AvidThink Research Brief provides short, easily-consumed content containing credible, concrete and actionable analysis for readers. If you are interested in any of our research products, please contact us.
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Recent Research Briefs and Reports
Driving Automation and Cost Savings at the Edge
Sponsored By: Lenovo
Topics: Edge, Cloud
Description: In this report, AvidThink examines the total cost of ownership (TCO) of LOC-A for edge workloads. The report includes validation on Lenovo’s TCO model to demonstrate the potential cost advantage of using LOC-A for a typical enterprise edge deployment versus a semi-automated approach. As part of the analysis, we also review the sustainability benefits of LOC-A.
2024 Carrier NaaS
Topics: NaaS, Networking
Description: This report provides our latest take on the state of the middle mile network infrastructure and the rise of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) in the carrier space. We examine the impact of existing workloads like streaming and collaboration apps, as well as the rise of AI workloads (training and inference).
2024 AI in Networking
Topics: AI, Networking
Description: This report provides a hype-free and balanced examination of AI’s role in the networking ecosystem, use cases of early AI/ML implementations and outcomes, and a roadmap for progress towards autonomous networks. It’s designed to support informed decision-making as you consider AI integration strategies for your networks.
Effective Telco API Monetization Strategies
Sponsored By: Amdocs
Topics: 5G, TelcoAPIs, Orchestration
Description: This report covers core insights from AvidThink on how Communication Service Providers (CSPs) can capitalize on the new revenue opportunities presented by making available telco and network APIs. The report includes perspectives on the importance of end-to-end service orchestration to telco API monetization.
Enterprise Network Transformation Trends
Sponsored By: IBM
Topics: Enterprise Networking, DNS
Description: This report analyses the results of a survey on key aspects of enterprise network infrastructure. We reveal valuable insights into current state and future direction of network infrastructure, application connectivity, DNS, and content delivery strategies.
2024 Campus NaaS
Topics: Campus Networks
Description: This report dives into the emerging Campus NaaS market, exploring the key drivers, industry trends, and leading players shaping this exciting new landscape. It explores how providing fully-managed, subscription-based networking services can enable businesses to offload the burden of network management and focus on their core competencies.
2023 Research Briefs and Reports
2023 AI & Cloud DC Networking
Topics: Data Center Networking, AI Fabric, Cloud Workloads
Description: The third edition of our report on infrastructure acceleration in the data center focuses on the impact of AI/ML and Generative AI workloads, even as today’s data centers struggle to handle cloud workloads. We discuss how the changing workloads are driving technologies and approaches in the space, including the continued use of SmartNICs/DPUs/IPUs, AI fabrics, and cloud networking.
Shared Code, Shared Future
Sponsored By: Linux Foundation Networking
Topics: Open Source Networking
Description: Commissioned by Linux Foundation Networking, this report journeys through the history of open-source in networking, assesses its present state, and speculates on the future of open source networking. We’ll explain why creating value in networking requires active engagement with open ecosystems and adopting open processes.
2023 Private Wireless
Topics: Private Wireless, Private 5G
Description: In this updated edition of our Private Wireless report, we take an updated look at the private 4G LTE and 5G market from various perspectives. Private Wireless experienced significant hype in 2021 and 2022, only to be followed by setbacks the past half year. It remains promising with significant interest from CSPs and enterprises alike, but to achieve the promise of private 5G (and LTE) in 2024, the industry will need to adapt to the lessons learned the past few years.
2023 Enterprise Edge and Cloud Networking
Topics: Enterprise Networking, SASE, SD-WAN, SSE, ZTNA
Description: In this updated edition of our SD-WAN, SASE we take a comprehensive look at enterprise networking for edge and cloud. Despite the continuously evolving alphabet soup of terminology, our primary objective remains unchanged—to provide enterprise and service provider readers with up-to-date insights and practical strategies to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the industry. In this report, we strive to shed light on the intricacies of the field and equip our readers with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions.
2023 New Middle Mile Report
Topics: New Middle Mile
Description: Over the last few years, mobile network operators (MNOs) worldwide have aggressively pushed their last mile 5G and fiber access agendas. Likewise, hyperscalers and other web giants, along with tier-1 service providers, dominate the first-mile interconnects (inter data center, subsea cable). However, the middle mile is an important part of the equation that’s been left behind — we explain why interactivity, edge computing, and new workloads require us to take a different look at the middle mile — a converged view that marries networking and computing.
The Maturation of Private Wireless Networks: Understanding and Leveraging Enterprise Adoption Patterns
Sponsored by: Federated Wireless & AWS
Description: Over the last few years, mobile network operators (MNOs) worldwide have aggressively pushed their 5G agendas. Consumers and businesses are familiar with the claims of 5G: an order of magnitude faster speeds, greater coverage, increased reliability, and lower latencies. AvidThink explores the current state of private wireless technology and will also deal on how to help companies find a strategy that will increase their odds of success in adopting 4G and 5G private wireless—also known as private mobile networks (PMNs).
Intent-Based Assurance: Ensuring end-to-end service quality at scale
Sponsored by: Accedian & Cisco
Description: Global events have highlighted the importance of connectivity. Communication service providers (CSPs) and infrastructure providers worldwide continue to invest in soon-to-be ubiquitous 5G wireless infrastructure, fiber build-out, subsea cable runs, and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite launches — all in service of increasing the connectedness of people and devices. AvidThink explores the current state of service assurance for carrier networks and the challenges that come with it.
2023 Telco Cloud and Edge Acceleration Report
Topics: Telco Cloud and Edge
Description: AvidThink’s research brief on the telco and edge cloud is an update to our previous telco infrastructure and edge reports. CSPs continue their struggle to build a unified telco cloud that spans telco IT, network core, network edge, and even enterprise customer premises workloads. Our report will discuss ongoing drivers for this telco cloud, challenges CSPs face, and our observations on the current state of the market
2022 Research Briefs and Reports
Achieving Success with Intent-Driven Next-Generation Networks
Sponsored by: Amdocs
Topics: 5G, Orchestration, Automation, Assurance
Description: This research brief examines why an intent-driven approach is vital to CSP success. Even as standards bodies, vendors, research organizations, and hyperscalers evolve towards intent-driven networking, CSPs must lay the foundations today by making informed and strategic investments across network and cloud automation, end-to-end orchestration and assurance, and more. The brief will additionally highlight how recent developments on the network analytics front, particularly in 5G, can facilitate multi-vendor intent-driven networking.
Weaving the 5G Edge — The Enabling Power of Programmable Fabrics
Sponsored by: Kaloom
Topic: Edge, 5G
Description: The edge becomes much more complex and critical with 5G. In this research brief we examine the novel use of programmable fabrics in edge architectures and how this hybrid approach can minimize the deployment footprint, reduce power consumption and cooling needs, and improve network performance.
The Universal Networking Fabric – Achieving SD-WAN, SASE, and Multi-Cloud Nirvana
Sponsored by: Nuage Networks
Topic: SD-WAN, SASE
Description: We examine the challenges enterprises face today in ensuring secure connectivity across their branches, corporate offices, private and public data centers, and employee homes. The report examines today’s market landscape across SD-WAN, SASE/SSE, ZTNA, and multi-cloud networking before delving into our universal network fabric (UNF) concept — the end-state of where we believe the market is heading.
Enabling Successful Edge Services Deployment
Sponsored by: Wind River
Topic: Edge
Description: CSPs realize that edge computing will play an important role in creating and deploying the next generation of digital-communications-dependent services. Whether powering vRAN and/or O-RAN for a 5G build-out, transforming the automotive experience via cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) initiatives, supporting a resurgence of IoT and Industrial IoT, new services will need ample and proximate computing and storage resources. AvidThink explores the requirements for an edge platform to maximize success.
2022 SmartNICs and Infrastructure Acceleration Report
Topic: Network Acceleration
Description: This research report aims to educate and update executives and technologists at communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises on recent efforts in this field, particularly around networking acceleration in the form of smart network interface cards (SmartNICs), data processing units (DPUs)/infrastructure processing units (IPU), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and related technologies.
Research Note: Netcracker Digital Platform
A Platform Approach to Accelerating CSP Digital Transformation
Sponsored by: Netcracker
Topic: 5G, Cloud, OSS
Description: In this research note, we examine the Netcracker Digital Platform in the context of today’s CSP core initiatives and critical challenges. Our analysis is informed by engagements with top-tier CSPs on emerging telco opportunities and transformation initiatives, as well as ongoing briefings and conversations with CSPs, hyperscalers, and vendor-partners.
2021 Research Briefs and Reports
Orchestrator of Orchestrators — Unifying the Edge
Sponsored by: MobiledgeX
Topic: Edge
Description: Edge computing has become a vital pillar of both mobile and wireline carrier strategies. Today, many carriers are still working through their approaches for edge clouds that incorporate both public clouds and private clouds, an evolution of their network functions virtualization (NFV) infrastructure. This research brief explores the pressing need for an abstraction and orchestration layer that can coordinate edge workloads across multiple clouds.
Mobile Edge in Focus – Manufacturing
Sponsored by: AWS
Topic: Edge
Description: Companies are always looking to disruptive technologies, such as digital transformation, automation, robotics, IoT and use of AI/ML, to power their next wave of performance improvements. Public and private 5G with mobile edge computing intersects with and enables these disruptive technologies that remain critical for manufacturers everywhere. This research brief is for CIOs, technologists, and business executives who would like to learn how manufactures can use mobile edge computing.
Unlocking Open RAN: An Infrastructure Viewpoint
Topic: Open RAN
Description: The 2021 Open RAN report examines key infrastructure considerations for service providers, integrators and enterprises as they contemplate adoption of solutions based on Open RAN principles. We look at relevant trends, organizations and standards. and provide our views on Open RAN and O-RAN adoption.
Mobile Edge in Focus – Health Care
Sponsored by: AWS
Topic: Edge
Description: Cloud and edge technologies offer a chance to meet critical health care initiatives and expand coverage into rural areas while keeping costs down and quality of care high. Focusing on two exciting use cases, this research brief focuses on the key benefits and considerations that mobile edge adopters in the health care industry should be aware of.
SD-WAN and SASE Report (Updated for 2021)
Topic: SD-WAN, SASE
Description: Take a quick read and get caught up! Our popular Next-Gen SD-WAN and SASE Report has been refreshed for 2021. We provide an update on the market and discuss strategies for enterprises and service providers. Read the latest on the rapidly changing vendor ecosystem. Download includes the original report for convenience (if you didn’t catch it the first time).
Mobile Edge in Focus – Retail
Sponsored by: AWS
Topic: Edge
Description: With its on-demand capability, flexible deployment, and fit with AI/ML and AR technologies, the mobile edge can be a significant tool in retailers’ toolkits to adapt to new markets. This research brief focuses on how retailers can use mobile edge computing.
2021 Service Assurance Report
Topic: Service Assurance
Description: The 2021 Service Assurance Report looks at top CSP service initiatives (5G, fiber build-out, edge, SD-WAN, SASE) and examines the importance of service assurance to the success of these initiatives. We provide strategies on building future-ready service assurance for business and technology leaders at CSPs, networking vendors, and system integrators.
Assurance: Critical for 5G Mobile Edge Uptake
Sponsored by: Accedian
Topic: Edge, 5G
Description: This research brief discusses the importance of assuring edge performance, specifically in a mobile setting, and industry best practices. Information was gathered from our conversations with Tier 1 service providers and performance assurance vendors. Additional insight came from AvidThink’s recent hands-on testing of commercial mobile edge offerings using both open-source tools as well as solutions from Accedian.
ODIM and the Imperative to Unify Physical Infrastructure Management
Sponsored by: HPE
Topic: Edge, 5G
Description: This research brief discusses the role that the Linux Foundation’s Open Distributed Infrastructure Management (ODIM) project plays in managing infrastructure. It examines whether ODIM can successfully bring order and orchestration to the expanding chaos of diverse and sprawling infrastructure.
2021 Private Mobile Networks Report
Topic: Private LTE, 5G
Description: The 2021 Private Mobile Networks Report examines the opportunities and complexities in deploying private mobile networks to help enterprises make informed decisions that lead to better business outcomes. We look at the emerging ecosystem including open source initiatives and complementary technologies like CBRS, WiFI, and 4G/5G.
Mobile Edge in Focus – Automotive
Sponsored by: AWS
Topic: Edge
Description: The whole automotive value chain, from R&D to manufacturing to after-sales service, is undergoing transformation driven by societal, business and technology changes. Autonomous vehicles is one of the four pillars of change that car industry pundits are converging on. This research brief focuses on how automotive companies can use mobile edge computing for these remaining three pillars: Electrification, Connected Cars, and Autonomous Driving and Safety.
Mobile Edge in Focus – Media and Entertainment
Sponsored by: AWS
Topic: Edge
Description: This research brief focuses on how M&E companies can use mobile edge computing. For CIOs, technologists, and business executives at M&E companies, we provide an overview of mobile edge computing, its general benefits, and trends as well as promising use cases for edge technology in M&E, and a concrete set of steps to get started.
2021 Telco Infrastructure Report
Topic: Cloud, NFV
Description: The 2021 Telco Infrastructure Report traces the NFV journey since the movement began in 2012. It examines major telco initiatives like 5G, SD-WAN/SASE, private networks, IoT, OSS/BSS modernization and the choices telcos face in building the next-generation telco cloud to support these efforts.
uCPE Round 2: From SD-WAN to SASE and Edge
Sponsored by: ENEA
Topic: SD-WAN, SASE, Edge
Description: In this research brief, we explore the ongoing business and technology trends that drive connectivity needs and discuss the role that the universal customer premises equipment (uCPE) can continue to play in connecting and securing remote employees and enterprise locations.
2020 Research Briefs and Reports
Secure SD-WAN — Laying a Foundation for SASE
Sponsored by: Versa Networks
Topic: SD-WAN, SASE
Description: Over the last few years, SD-WAN has made significant strides in the enterprise world. With SASE as the next stage of its growth, SD-WAN is growing up all too soon. For enterprises that want to safely get started on SD-WAN with an eye to the future and full-blown SASE, this research brief provides guidelines to help accelerate the journey.
SASE-y WAN – A Kaleidoscopic View
2020 SD-WAN and SASE Report
Topic: SD-WAN, SASE
Description: The 2020 Next-Gen SD-WAN and SASE Report provides an update to last year’s SD-WAN report, examining current enterprise viewpoints and service provider trends. We look at the rapidly changing vendor ecosystem and provide observations of the market to help enterprises chart a safe SD-WAN and SASE course in 2021. Download for free on the NextGenInfra.io site.
2020 Next-Gen Edge and Beyond Report
Topic: Edge
Description: The 2020 Edge and Beyond Report provides an overview and analysis of the reality on the ground as well as recommendations on how cloud providers, enterprises, carriers, and other ecosystem members should position themselves to take advantage of the cloud’s next evolution.
Enterprise Network Security in a Post-COVID World
Sponsored by: Cato Networks
Topic: SD-WAN, SASE
Description: What is SASE and how does it enable our WAN transformation initiatives? And, how can it support business access requirements during and after COVID-19? This research brief addresses the drivers for WAN transformation and the impact of COVID-19 on IT priorities, key attributes and primary use cases of a true SASE platform, key considerations for selecting a SASE platform, and more.
SD-WAN Grows Up, Gains Mobility
Sponsored by: Nuage Networks from Nokia
Topic: SD-WAN, Mobile, IoT
Description: This Research Brief shows how an SD-WAN can leverage a tried-and-trusted private APN framework to comprehensively cover enterprise devices and span all enterprise needs, from inside corporate HQs to remote branches and from private and public clouds into mobile networks worldwide.
2020 Next-Gen Infrastructure Acceleration and SmartNICs Report
Topic: Infrastructure Acceleration, SmartNICs
Description: This research report covers critical trends in the space, discusses infrastructure acceleration technologies adopted by CSPs, and provides updates on vendors including 6WIND, AMD, Broadcom, Cisco, Fungible, Intel, Marvell, NVIDIA Mellanox, Pensando, VMware, and more. It also covers hyperscale innovators in the accelerated networking space including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
Dynamic Network Functions Placement — An Essential Capability for Successful 5G
Sponsored by: Amdocs
Topic: NFV, 5G
Description: In this research brief, we look at the evolution of NFV into the world of clouds and explain why successful 5G rollouts require dynamic network function (NF) placement. We explore the topic of NF placement in detail and provide critical considerations for the move towards 5G.
Impact of 5G on the Future of Storage
Sponsored by: Western Digital
Topic: 5G, Storage
Description: In collaboration with Western Digital, we collected insights from 40+ interviews globally with a range of experts at top-tier network operators, independent software vendors, semiconductor companies, automotive companies, manufacturers, hyperscale cloud providers, and enterprises as well as researchers in academia. The findings are compiled in this research brief.
Myth-busting DPDK in 2020
Sponsored by: DPDK and the Linux Foundation
Topic: Network Infrastructure
Description: This report and collection of videos, produced by AvidThink and Converge! Network Digest, was commissioned by the Linux Foundation. It outlines the critical role played by DPDK in the evolution of networking infrastructure, while dispelling a number of myths and misconceptions about the technology.
Network, Meet Cloud: Scaling Disaggregated Network Infrastructure using Cloud Principles
Sponsored by: DriveNets
Topic: Cloud
Description: In this research brief we explore how CSPs can re-examine their networks and find more creative solutions to their scaling challenges. Learn how cloud providers innovated on software and hardware data center architectures, how we can apply this to the world of CSP networks, and more.
Improving the Economics of Private Clouds
Lenovo Open Cloud Automation – A Cost Comparison
Sponsored by: Lenovo
Topic: Cloud, Automation
Description: In this research brief, AvidThink explores the often overlooked but critical steps in laying the foundations for a private cloud infrastructure. Our analysis compares a typical limited-automation and labor-intensive process versus a highly automated approach using the Lenovo Open Cloud Automation (LOC-A ) solution.
2020 State of NFV Report
Topic: NFV
Description: This research brief looks at the overall state of NFV in the market today and the major trends and challenges. It also presents exclusive viewpoints from leading CSPs worldwide on the results of their current NFV deployments, their expectations for next-generation services especially those leveraging 5G, the benefits of open-source initiatives, and their views on key challenges ahead.
Disaggregation in Networking: The Second Wave
Sponsored by: DriveNets
Topic: NFV, SDN
Description: In the second wave of disaggregation there’s an opportunity to disrupt the carrier infrastructure. This research brief explores the drivers behind this second wave of disaggregation, the architectural implications, and the resulting business impact for service providers
2019 Research Briefs and Reports
Scaling the Edge with Redfish®
Sponsored by: Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Intel
Topic: Edge
Description: In this research brief we shed light on the remote management of the huge collection of edge platforms. In particular, we dig into the differences between edge platforms and today’s data center platforms, challenges with remote management and the DMTF Redfish® standard.
AI in IT — Cutting Through the Hype
Sponsored by: Juniper Networks
Topic: AI
Description: In this research brief, we provide an introduction to AI for the IT community, particularly those involved in infrastructure management: data center and campus initiatives across computing, networking, and storage. We touch on key aspects that are important for professionals to understand as they gear up to deploy AI within the IT domain.
The Edge Opportunity — Platform Matters
Sponsored by: Dell Technologies and Intel
Topic: Edge
Description: In this research brief we look at the use cases, software and hardware infrastructure and examine platform requirements for the edge. This brief comprises research conducted with the network equipment providers (NEPs) as well as subject matter experts at major communication service providers (CSPs) and application developers.
2019 Next-Generation Network Automation Report
Topic: Network Automation
Description: Network automation can significantly improve network performance, reliability, availability, and security, while reducing administrative overhead and the time required to fix problems, add services, and incorporate new applications. In this research report, we take a look at the network automation market including techniques, challenges, and recommendations to help turn a network automation goal into reality.
Next-Gen SD-WAN 2019: Trends and Futures
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: The SD-WAN market continues to be on fire with robust double-digit growth expected to continue well into the next decade. In this research report update, we take a look at the current SD-WAN landscape, and the state of SD-WAN today, including existing challenges in deploying SD-WAN. Finally, we examine areas of expansion for SD-WAN including how it ties in with cloud networking.
Network as an OTT Service – A New Enterprise Option
Sponsored by: Cato Networks
Topic: SD-WAN, Cloud
Description: The key to success comes down to reliable, efficient, and effective connectivity across all business locations and to cloud services. In this research brief, we’ll examine new thinking about connectivity options that businesses should consider as they evaluate their networking strategy.
SD-WAN — Playing the Orchestration Game
Sponsored by: Ericsson
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: This research brief discusses the characteristics of the second wave of SD-WAN deployments and the key requirements. We examine how the right orchestration system can meet those requirements. Finally, we share observations and learnings from real-world deployments of multi-vendor multi-domain SD-WAN.
Next-Generation Central Office (NGCO) Report
Topic: Data Center
Description: The Next Generation Central Office (NGCO) is now a reality in the production networks of leading carriers. The NGCO resource site and complimentary research report covers the evolution in the NGCO, recent trends, and key projects like CORD and VCO, as well as the role of the NGCO in new applications in edge computing and SD-WAN/vCPE.
2019 AvidThink Next-Gen Data Center Networking Report
Sponsored by: Cumulus Networks
Topic: Data Center
Description: Data centers will continue to evolve to handle the growth in applications and increase in traffic capacity in 2019 and beyond. In this report, learn how to make your data center network faster, smarter, more nimbler, and self-reliant while still having a clear grasp on all its activity.
Next-Generation Networking for Cloud-Scale Applications
Sponsored by: Bayware
Topic: Cloud
Description: In this research brief we take a deep dive into what CIOs need to consider to achieve transparent and scalable cloud-native networking including the evolution of applications and data flows, rise of the service mesh and its pitfalls, requirements of a new networking solution, and our review of Bayware Service Interconnection Fabric.
Next-Gen Data Center Networking – Built for AI, Powered by AI
Sponsored by: Huawei
Topic: Data Center, Artificial Intelligence
Description: This research brief covers the impact on data center networking by new workloads, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). As a value-add portion to our AI in Next-Gen Data Center Research Brief, we also provide AvidThink’s review of Huawei’s AI Fabric solution family, which includes the recently launched CloudEngine 16800 switch supporting a massive 768 ports of 400GbE.
2019 AvidThink SD-WAN Report
Sponsored by: Nuage Networks
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: The goal of this updated report is to educate enterprises and service providers on the overall market and assist in the selection of the appropriate vendor and managed SD-WAN offerings. It serves as a quick refresher for those who want a more current overview of SD-WAN. The second section provides an update on key events in the SD-WAN market and our analysis of the trends.
Successful Hardware Strategies for a Software-dominated World
Sponsored by: Dell EMC and Intel
Topic: NFV Hardware and Platform Management
Description: As the world swings towards disaggregated white boxes, NEPs and SIs need a hardware strategy that will create value for themselves while still supporting their customers’ NFV initiatives. This brief by AvidThink helps you lay out a framework for achieving a successful hardware platform strategy based on research conducted with leading NEPs as well as major communication service providers (CSPs).
The Enterprise SD-WAN Dilemma: To DIY or Not to DIY
Sponsored by: Nuage Networks From Nokia
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: Every organization transitioning to SD-WAN faces a critical choice: to deploy and operate the system themselves or use a managed service from a carrier or MSP. A closer look at the issues shows that the choice isn’t so one-sided. This research brief by AvidThink takes a look at both the benefits and drawbacks to each SD-WAN usage model.
Service Providers’ Carpe Diem Moment Seizing the Opportunity in SD-WAN
Sponsored by: Nuage Networks From Nokia
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: Enterprise IT leaders need a trusted partner to clear out the chaos and guide them through the selection, deployment and maintenance of their SD-WAN solutions. This brief by AvidThink takes a look at how service providers can play that role and seize this unique opportunity to step in and provide new value-added services with managed WAN platforms.
Software-Defined and Cloud-Native Foundations for 5G Networks
Sponsored by: InterDigital
Topic: 5G
Description: AvidThink has put together a research brief that explains the infrastructure changes required, and the role that software-defined and cloud-native technologies will play in the 5G world, including supporting network slicing. The brief also discusses the importance and development of services-based architecture (SBA), an approach that promises to bring data center technologies like microservice architectures and containers into 5G foundations.
Real-World SD-WAN Deployment: A Survey-Backed Analysis
Sponsored by: IBM
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: To better understand SD-WAN adoption and deployment, AvidThink conducted a custom survey in the fall of 2018. In this expanded research brief, we provide an analysis of SD-WAN’s value, across enterprise verticals, and examine our survey data to comprehend the overall SD-WAN adoption lifecycle. This includes barriers to adoption, reasons for adoption and realized benefits from SD-WAN deployment.
Achieving Success in Modern Network Automation
Sponsored by: Itential
Topic: Network Automation
Description: AvidThink has put together this Research Brief for enterprises and service providers looking to take control of their disparate networks—across multiple public and private clouds, WAN and campus locations. And while Network Automation promises to provide the means by which network managers can achieve this control, the right foundations still have to be laid.
Evolution of Security in Mobile Networks – Impact of 5G
Sponsored by: A10 Networks
Topic: Mobile Security
Description: This Research Brief put together by AvidThink delves into the evolution of the mobile network and explores new threats. It also provides guidance on appropriate strategies for mobile service providers to deal with the onslaught of new attacks in the face of an explosion in traffic as well as techniques to improve performance and efficiency in key areas.
Secure SD-WAN: Seeking the Holy Grail
Sponsored by: Versa Networks
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: Many enterprises are still confused about what a secure SD-WAN solution entails and wondering how they should evaluate a vendor’s security capabilities. AvidThink has put together a research brief designed to address this gap by examining the key security elements that an SD-WAN platform must have. Reading the brief will provide enterprises with an understanding of the key areas for secure SD-WAN platform evaluation.
Networking for Multi-Cloud – An SD-WAN Perspective
Sponsored by: Riverbed
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: This Research Brief helps enterprises with multi-cloud deployments concretely assess how SD-WAN technologies can help by simplifying the creation of network connections, encrypting and securing those connections, and reducing and optimizing use of bandwidth over those connections. We also explore how increased visibility provided by SD-WAN platforms with network performance capabilities can improve troubleshooting times, assist with capacity planning and reduce bandwidth costs.
Cutting through the SD-WAN Confusion: A Handy Guide for Enterprises
Sponsored by: Nuage Networks From Nokia
Topic: SD-WAN
Description: With more and more SD-WAN offerings cropping up every week, sorting through the list of SD-WAN vendors isn’t an easy task. The key to success for enterprises is to first understand their WAN needs before engaging a vendor. In this research brief, we lay out a five-step process for SD-WAN solution selection along with a set of solution attributes that should be considered.
Achieving Early Success in Edge Deployments
Sponsored by: Ericsson
Topic: Edge Computing
Description: Edge computing is the hot new area of focus for communication service providers (CSPs) and technology vendors alike. It promises a huge return for those who find a way to invest early and capture the value of this new field of deployment. Our latest brief on edge computing aims to provide insight into the most common pitfalls in building out the edge and provides recommendations on how to maximize success at the edge for operators.
2018 Reports
Container Infrastructure – What You Need to Known in 2018
Provides a broad look across the container ecosystem from Container-as-a-Service (CaaS) to in-house private clouds with containers.
Cloud Orchestration and DevOps Report: Scaling Clouds – Infrastructure Orchestration and DevOps at Scale
Covers the latest in cloud management and DevOps including infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and containers-as-a-Service (CaaS). Includes future of serverless/functions-as-a-service technologies.
2018 NFV Report Series Part 1: NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) and VIM
Examines the latest in NFVI hardware, including hyper-converged infrastructures (HCI) and alternative CPU architectures such as ARM, and includes an update on the status of the VIM market, including OpenStack and VMware vCloud.
2018 NFV Report Series Part 2: Rising roles of MANO, LSO and Assurance
Covers the evolution of the MANO, including VNF manager and the NFV orchestrator, examines the role that MEF LSO plays, and looks at the importance of assurance in the overall NFV stack.
2018 NFV Report Series Part 3: State of the VNF Ecosystem
Examines the different categories of VNFs available and how they power the most popular use cases in the market today.
2018 Next-Gen Data Center Networking
Examines the latest in data center networking, including high-speed connectivity, accelerated NICs, SDN, automation, and intent-based orchestration.
2018 Future of the Converged Data Center
Covers the latest in converged infrastructure platforms that integrate hyperscale and rack-scale hardware with virtualized software stacks for compute and storage.