U.S. enterprises are taking the global lead in adopting software-defined networking (SDN) technologies to support their digital transformation efforts, according to a newly released report by Information Services Group, a leading global advisory and technology research firm focused on AI-driven insights.
The report — 2025 ISG Provider Lens Network — Software-defined Solutions and Services — highlights that software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) have become nearly universal among large U.S. organizations. Additionally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly moving away from outdated legacy networks in favor of more agile and scalable alternatives.
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“The move to SD-WANs is no longer limited to major corporations. We’re seeing significant traction among smaller businesses as well,” said Dieter Thompson, Partner and President of ISG’s Network Advisory division. “Traditional network infrastructures simply can’t keep pace with today’s technological evolution and dynamic business demands.”
The report emphasizes that SD-WAN solutions are instrumental in accelerating cloud adoption, largely due to their ability to manage a diverse mix of connections — from direct internet access to MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching). While some enterprises integrate SD-WANs into their existing systems to boost network performance over time, others opt for full replacements after confirming that SLAs (Service Level Agreements) meet both functional and strategic goals.
SD-WAN, especially when offered as a managed service, is gaining popularity due to its ease of deployment and centralized control. Enterprises benefit from a cloud-based interface that simplifies network oversight and resource allocation. This centralized model enables automation, policy-based configurations, and seamless scaling to meet evolving operational needs.
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A key driver of this shift is the growing reliance on multicloud environments. Software-defined networks provide the flexibility and security necessary to manage applications and data flow across multiple cloud platforms, all while reducing operational complexity.
In light of the rising threat landscape, security has become a central component of networking decisions. Organizations are increasingly demanding integrated security features — such as encryption, identity access management, and threat detection — to protect their environments from end to end. This has led to the convergence of SD-WAN and cloud-native security tools into unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) frameworks.
For SMEs, software-defined networking offers an attractive alternative to costly hardware investments. Service providers are responding with flexible, consumption-based models tailored specifically for smaller organizations, making enterprise-grade networking more accessible than ever before.
“Managed SD-networking is becoming the preferred choice for businesses aiming to minimize complexity and reduce in-house resource demands,” said Dr. Kenn Walters, Global Lead Analyst at ISG and the report’s primary author. “Demand is growing for agile network infrastructure that can keep up with the rapid pace of innovation — from AI to intelligent automation.”
The report also covers emerging trends such as edge computing and private 5G, which are increasingly influencing enterprise networking strategies across the U.S.
To explore these trends and ISG’s recommendations for Controlling the challenges in network modernization, readers can refer to the ISG Provider Lens® Focal Points briefing.
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Provider Rankings and Market Leaders
The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® report evaluates 36 leading providers across four distinct categories:
Managed SD-WAN Services
SD-Network Transformation Services (Consulting & Implementation)
Edge Technologies and Services (including Private 5G)
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
The study identifies Accenture, HCLTech, Orange Business, and Verizon Business as market leaders across all four segments. Comcast Business, Kyndryl, and Microland earned leadership status in three quadrants each, while Apcela, GTT, Logicalis, Lumen Technologies, T-Mobile, and Wipro stood out in two categories. Additionally, Cato Networks, Colt, and Tech Mahindra were recognized as leaders in one quadrant apiece.
The Rising Star designation, awarded to companies with strong portfolios and high growth potential, was granted to GTT and TCS in one quadrant each.
In a separate customer satisfaction analysis conducted as part of the ISG Star of Excellence™ program, HCLTech was named the ISG CX Star Performer for 2025, receiving the highest ratings in ISG’s “Voice of the Customer” survey among networking solution providers.
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Source: businesswire
