A new report by global tech research and advisory firm ISG (Information Services Group) reveals a strong surge in the adoption of software-defined networking (SDN) across the Asia Pacific region. As digital transformation becomes a top priority, enterprises are increasingly turning to SDN to enable faster, more cost-efficient network configurations.

The 2025 ISG Provider Lens Asia Pacific Networking – Software Defined Solutions and Services Report highlights how companies in Asia Pacific are responding to tight labor markets, rising inflation, and growing geopolitical tensions. To navigate these challenges, businesses require agile and on-demand network connectivity. As a result, SD-network solutions are witnessing high demand, particularly in emerging markets like India and ASEAN.

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Importantly, many enterprises are shifting away from the costly multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) connections. Instead, they are integrating fully managed or co-managed SD-WAN as part of their cloud migration and cybersecurity strategies.

“We foresee digital transformation accelerating as more enterprises migrate workloads to both public and private clouds,” stated Michael Gale, ISG Partner and Regional Leader for Asia Pacific. “Software-defined technologies are fundamentally reshaping network architectures and steering operations towards automation and, eventually, autonomy.”

To boost operational efficiency, organizations are ramping up investments in modern network hardware, cloud services, and advanced software. Furthermore, the growing use of AI in networking is pushing demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency solutions essential for supporting real-time AI applications. Through automation and machine learning, software-defined networks also reduce human error and minimize manual processes.

Simultaneously, remote work trends and diversified supply chains are prompting new requirements for scalable and resilient network infrastructures. These networks not only enhance communication across distributed teams but also drive cloud-based innovation and productivity.

Moreover, security remains a central concern. In fact, 75% of global enterprises operating in Asia Pacific identified network security as their top infrastructure challenge in 2024. Many are now incorporating SD-WAN within a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework a unified approach that integrates networking and security to support hybrid and cloud environments securely.

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“Companies must adopt new tools and strategies to maintain secure, consistent connectivity across multi-cloud environments,” emphasized Yash Jethani, lead author of the report.

The ISG report also emphasizes rising adoption of software-defined solutions among SMEs and the pivotal role of 5G in future network strategies. Additionally, the study assesses 46 vendors across four key segments and identifies top leaders, including Accenture, Kyndryl, NTT DATA, and Verizon Business.

FAQs

1. What is software-defined networking (SDN), and why is it gaining popularity in Asia Pacific?

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an approach that separates network control from hardware, enabling centralized, programmable management. It’s gaining traction in Asia Pacific due to its ability to enhance agility, reduce costs, and support cloud-driven digital transformation.

2. How does SD-WAN improve enterprise networking?

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) allows businesses to manage multiple connection types like MPLS, LTE, and broadband through a centralized dashboard. It enhances performance, ensures secure connectivity, and significantly reduces operational expenses.

3. Why are businesses integrating SD-WAN with SASE architecture?

SD-WAN integrated with SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) enables organizations to merge networking and security. This combination supports secure, scalable, and flexible access to applications in cloud and hybrid environments, which is critical for today’s distributed workforces.

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