Foundations of SD-WAN and Cloud Computing Convergence
Real-World Case Studies
1. VMware SD-WAN for Brooks Brothers (Retail Sector)
Challenge:
Brooks Brothers, a global clothing retailer, had over 280 stores across the U.S. relying on legacy
MPLS-based WAN which lacked bandwidth, flexibility, and was expensive.
Solution:
They adopted VMware SD-WAN (previously VeloCloud). The solution used broadband internet
links for direct cloud access and centralized orchestration.
Results:
• 3x bandwidth increase at 50% lower cost
• 90% of branch applications redirected directly to cloud
• Enhanced POS and inventory applications' responsiveness
• Deployment of new branches reduced from weeks to hours
2. Coca-Cola European Partners and Cisco SD-WAN
Challenge:
Coca-Cola’s operations spanned over 30 countries, with aging WAN infrastructure causing
bottlenecks accessing cloud-based ERP and Office 365.
Solution:
Adopted Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) to enable cloud-first networking with integrated SASE and
analytics.
Results:
• Achieved consistent SaaS application performance across regions
• 40% reduction in WAN costs
• Enabled cloud-native security controls
• Improved operational efficiency and network resilience
3. Zscaler and Microsoft Azure Integration (Hybrid Workforce)
Challenge:
A global enterprise moved to remote work post-COVID-19 and needed secure cloud access
without centralized VPN bottlenecks.
Solution:
Combined Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) with SD-WAN and Azure to provide Zero Trust
access, cloud proxy, and intelligent routing.
Results:
• Reduced VPN loads by over 70%
Real-World Case Studies
1. VMware SD-WAN for Brooks Brothers (Retail Sector)
Challenge:
Brooks Brothers, a global clothing retailer, had over 280 stores across the U.S. relying on legacy
MPLS-based WAN which lacked bandwidth, flexibility, and was expensive.
Solution:
They adopted VMware SD-WAN (previously VeloCloud). The solution used broadband internet
links for direct cloud access and centralized orchestration.
Results:
• 3x bandwidth increase at 50% lower cost
• 90% of branch applications redirected directly to cloud
• Enhanced POS and inventory applications' responsiveness
• Deployment of new branches reduced from weeks to hours
2. Coca-Cola European Partners and Cisco SD-WAN
Challenge:
Coca-Cola’s operations spanned over 30 countries, with aging WAN infrastructure causing
bottlenecks accessing cloud-based ERP and Office 365.
Solution:
Adopted Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) to enable cloud-first networking with integrated SASE and
analytics.
Results:
• Achieved consistent SaaS application performance across regions
• 40% reduction in WAN costs
• Enabled cloud-native security controls
• Improved operational efficiency and network resilience
3. Zscaler and Microsoft Azure Integration (Hybrid Workforce)
Challenge:
A global enterprise moved to remote work post-COVID-19 and needed secure cloud access
without centralized VPN bottlenecks.
Solution:
Combined Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) with SD-WAN and Azure to provide Zero Trust
access, cloud proxy, and intelligent routing.
Results:
• Reduced VPN loads by over 70%
