Magic Quadrant for Global WAN Services
Gartner defines global WAN services as POP-based services supporting multiregional corporate networks across geographies. These services address enterprise challenges such as changing working practices, accelerating digital and cloud transformations, and improving the agility of enterprise networks. Providers own and operate their own global core networks and sell directly to the client. Services include transport-centric/unmanaged, managed, co-managed, or network as a service via a monthly recurring fixed or usage-based model. Core transport services are often complemented by ancillary services like carrier-based cloud interconnect, managed SD-WAN, SASE or managed dual-vendor SASE with SD-WAN paired with SSE security. Services are measurable and consumable through web-based customer interfaces via portals and programmable APIs.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research covers the global WAN services market, evaluating providers that offer POP-based services supporting multiregional corporate networks across geographies. It assesses providers on their ability to deliver MPLS, internet services, managed SD-WAN, SASE, cloud connectivity, NFV, and network-on-demand services globally. The research evaluates 13 vendors across criteria including product capabilities, market execution, innovation, geographic strategy, and customer experience.
A: I&O leaders responsible for selecting and managing global network service providers should use this research. It is particularly valuable for enterprises with multinational operations that need to evaluate providers for new global WAN deployments, major network refreshes, or migrations from legacy MPLS to modern SD-WAN and SASE architectures. The research helps buyers understand provider strengths, cautions, market positioning, and suitability for different enterprise requirements across regions and use cases.
A: To be included in this Magic Quadrant, vendors must offer MPLS services to enterprise customers globally, internet services (DIA and broadband/DSL) to enterprise customers globally, and have provider-owned WAN Service POPs located at their own facilities, colocation facilities, or third-party facilities. These services must have global coverage in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific at a minimum.
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A: Ability to Execute evaluates vendors on their current performance and delivery capabilities, including the breadth and quality of their network services portfolio, sales effectiveness, operational excellence, customer experience, and market responsiveness. It focuses on what vendors are doing now and their track record. Completeness of Vision evaluates vendors on their strategic direction and future plans, including their understanding of market trends, innovation roadmap, product strategy, go-to-market approach, and ability to anticipate and shape future customer needs. It focuses on where vendors are heading and their vision for the market's evolution.