Futuriom has released a new survey, detailing feedback from 200 enterprise technology professionals, sharing that end-users are no longer satisfied with VPN performance for cloud-based applications, and are concerned about security in a multi-cloud world.
The Futuriom Applications Specific Networking (ASN) Survey, available for free here, highlights:
- 63.5% of users cited issues with VPN performance.
- 47.5% cited issues with VPN security.
- 75% of VPN users said they are seeking a better solution for cloud networks.
- Key features such as Zero Trust architectures and hardware root of trust are desired for cloud networking security.
- Application Specific Networking (ASN) is emerging as a viable solution to networking cloud applications.
“The massive shift of applications from on-premises software to hybrid-cloud application environments has posed many challenges to IT and networking managers looking to efficiently and securely connect applications,” the report says, and working with the sponsor of the survey, NetFoundry, the research shows that “cloud IT professionals are looking to evolve their approach to networking and securing cloud applications.”
75% of VPN users said they are seeking a better solution for cloud networks, for reasons including performance and security (with 63% citing performance, and 47% citing security).
What may be most interesting about the report is that wsers don’t see private lines or even MPLS as fully secure networking solutions for cloud applications and are opting in to security overlay technologies.
Those surveyed also are seeking Zero Trust networks and hardware root of trust for network security.
“The primary research reflects the fact that cloud-based applications and virtualization has shifted networking needs away from devices and boxes and toward native applications-based networking solutions, says Scott Raynovich, founding analyst from Futuriom. “The data shows that IT departments are looking for a way to build automated networking functionality directly into applications.”
One of the important themes addressed by the survey is “how IT staff view the use of VPNs in cloud networks and how secure networking is likely to evolve. Users expressed serious concerns about the use of VPNs, especially in use cases such as B2B and Internet of Things (IoT).”
The survey shows that while many respondents use VPNs for extranets, B2B networks, and connected supply chain, 75% of them are seeking a better solution.
So where does SD-WAN fit in to this mix?
Galeal Zino, CEO of NetFoundry says: “Traditional WANs, including SD-WAN, were built to connect sites. Enterprises are turning to Application Specific Networking as it provides the ability to instantly connect applications - regardless of cloud, network or device. It essentially embeds the connection into the application, extending all the way to the application edge. This is especially important because emerging cloud, IoT, B2B and Internet applications need to be agile, secure and performant on any WAN or Internet connection.”
Futuriom used an online survey tool to reach 200 IT staff balanced over applications development, networking, security, and DevOps functions. The survey used screening questions to assure that only the results from IT staff at management level and above were included in the data. The survey also asked the respondents to rank their responsibilities, as shown below. (1 being the higher and 5 being the lowest.)
Founded in 2017, Futuriom is the research and analysis community focused on next-generation technologies that will have a profound impact on the world. We analyze the companies and technologies that we think will provide the most growth over the next decade, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
NetFoundry is a leader in Application Specific Networking “enabling businesses to instantly connect distributed applications in any cloud, on any device, anywhere with unprecedented simplicity,” according to the press release. “The NetFoundry platform enables businesses to securely and reliably connect applications without the constraints of VPNs, custom hardware and private circuits.”
Edited by
Ken Briodagh
