Reasons why Hitachi introduced SD-WAN - Deployment to 2,800 bases in 2-3 years

SD-WAN stands for Software Defined WAN, a WAN controlled by software. With SD-WAN, an SD-WAN router is installed at each base, and a virtual network is built on physical lines such as leased lines, ISDN, and Internet lines. As a result, the entire WAN can be centrally managed and controlled simply by accessing the SD-WAN control panel from a web browser without being aware of differences in lines. Adoption of four SD-WAN products Hitachi does not adopt the same SD-WAN for all 2,800 sites. We plan to classify it into four categories, Japan / Japan small scale / China / global, and use the SD-WAN service suitable for each. First, NTT Communications' "Master's ONE CloudWAN" is adopted for the 1,000 large and medium-sized bases in Japan. The feature is that you can customize the function according to your needs. SoftBank's managed SD-WAN was selected for the hundreds of small domestic offices. This is the result of focusing on cost performance. Next, regarding China, which has about 100 bases, it is a special market subject to government regulations, so we are currently selecting products from China. For other global bases, it has decided to introduce SD-WAN services based on Cisco "Viptela" provided by Verizon.

Chart Hitachi Group's SD-WAN configuration image

Such a large-scale SD-WAN is rare in the world, but Mr. Motoaki Satoyama of the company explains the reason for adopting it as follows. “Hitachi has about 850 group companies, but the management of each company is increasingly emphasizing growth and a sense of speed. rice field".

(From left) Motoaki Satoyama, General Manager, Integrated IT Platform Division, IT Business Service Division, Hitachi, Ltd. Eiji Kato, General Manager, Network Division, e-Platform Division, IT Business Service Division

Mr. Satoyama belongs to the IT Business Service Division, which develops and provides internal IT solutions for the Hitachi Group. From April 1st this year, we will start providing SD-WAN services to 1,000 bases in Japan using NTT Com services. We're getting requests," he said.