Will Cloud Computing Change WAN Optimization?

WAN optimization offers clear benefits today, so it is logical that this will continue in parallel with the move to cloud computing. Will cloud computing drive new WAN optimization services and innovation? Yes. As cloud computing matures over time, WAN optimization technologies must respond with:

Virtualization options: As large organizations move through the enterprise and dynamic phases, they will virtualize applications and not just servers. This means that Web, application, and database servers will be grouped together as virtual applications that run as VMs and move around the cloud infrastructure in unison. This could improve resource utilization, but what happens to end-user performance when a virtual application hosted in New York City moves to Berlin? To address this type of dynamic IT in the future, virtual applications must be supported and accompanied by virtual WAN optimization appliances as they move around the network. Ideally, virtual WAN optimization appliances will “phone home” when they are deployed in the cloud, connect to command-­and-­control nodes, and inherit existing policies and configurations immediately. These capabilities will provide traditional WAN optimization services and also let IT professionals easily fine-tune application performance.

      Edge services: With more and more network-­‐based activities, it may be advantageous to move some existing data center-­‐based network services like DNS, DHCP, and Active Directory domain controllers to the branch office edge. Running these network services locally can help remote users gain network access and find resources regardless of whether they reside on the corporate network or dynamically move around the network cloud.

      Mobile device coverage: Cloud computing is evolving in lockstep with increased mobility. More and more workers are telecommuting each day and many mobile workers access business applications with laptop computers, smart phones, and PDAs. Meanwhile, wireless network technology bandwidth continues to increase with the deployment of WiMax and 4G. WAN optimization solutions must accommodate this growing trend as mobile workers need high performance, low latency network connections to business applications whether they are at the corporate headquarters or connecting wirelessly from the road.

      Additional protocol support: Leading WAN optimization technology can already accelerate and compress common application and network protocols like CIFS, TCP/IP, HTTP, and SSL. Okay, but cloud computing growth promises an army of new applications, services, and protocols over time. As this occurs, leading WAN optimization vendors with strong R&D resources have a distinct edge as they can develop, test, and roll out new application and protocol support faster than either laggards or startups.

          Network visibility: As cloud computing takes hold, applications and low latency services will quickly multiply. This will present a profound challenge to network engineers. Since throwing bandwidth at the problem is counterproductive, cloud computing will demand a much more granular look at network traffic from Layer 2 through Layer 7. How much bandwidth does each application consume? What is the typical behavior of each network service? How are low latency applications affected by traffic spikes? To answer these questions, CIOs will need network traffic management solutions that provide extremely granular visibility and reporting into network utilization—in real time.