Software-Defined Networks Drive Agility and Innovation for Businesses in Asia Pacific
Enterprises across the Asia Pacific region are increasingly turning to software-defined networking (SDN) solutions to enhance their agility, optimize costs, and support digital transformation initiatives. According to a new research report from Information Services Group (ISG), a leading global technology research and advisory firm, the adoption of software-defined networking is gaining momentum as companies seek faster, more cost-effective ways to provision networks while addressing the growing demands of cloud migration, AI applications, and cybersecurity.
The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® Network — Software-Defined Solutions and Services report for Asia Pacific highlights that businesses in the region face significant challenges, including tight labor markets, persistent inflation, and geopolitical tensions. These factors necessitate swift decision-making and on-demand connectivity, which SDN solutions are uniquely positioned to provide. The demand for such technologies is particularly strong in emerging markets like India and the ASEAN region, where rapid digitalization is underway.
Transitioning from MPLS to SD-WAN
As enterprises in Asia Pacific continue to grapple with the high costs associated with multiprotocol label-switching (MPLS) links, many are adopting fully managed or co-managed software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs). These solutions are being integrated into broader strategies for cloud migration and security. SD-WANs offer a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional networking architectures, enabling organizations to optimize bandwidth usage, reduce latency, and improve overall network performance.
“We expect digital transformation to keep accelerating in Asia Pacific as organizations move more workloads to public and private clouds,” said Michael Gale, partner and regional leader at ISG Asia Pacific. “The shift to software-defined technologies continues across all areas of networking, leading toward more automated—and eventually autonomous—networks.”
AI and Automation: The Future of Networking
The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving significant investments in new networking hardware, software, and cloud-based services. AI applications require networks with low latency and high bandwidth, making SDN an ideal choice for enterprises looking to meet these performance requirements. Additionally, automated processes powered by AI and machine learning (ML) minimize manual intervention, reducing errors and improving operational efficiency.
Network monitoring and observability are becoming increasingly critical as businesses rely on AI-driven insights to ensure application reliability and deliver seamless user experiences. By leveraging SDN solutions that incorporate AI and ML capabilities, companies can achieve greater control over their networks and proactively address potential issues before they impact operations.
Supporting Remote Work and Supply Chain Diversification
The rise of remote work and the diversification of supply chains are also fueling demand for SDN solutions in the region. Low-latency networks enable smooth communication among distributed teams and facilitate the use of cloud-connected applications, boosting employee productivity and fostering innovation. Meanwhile, ongoing trade tensions have prompted companies in India and Southeast Asia to extend their supply chains, creating a need for robust infrastructure to connect new and expanding operations.
Addressing Security Concerns with SASE
Network security remains a top priority for businesses operating in Asia Pacific. According to an ISG networking survey, 75% of global enterprises in the region identified network security as their primary infrastructure concern in 2024. To address this challenge, many large organizations are adopting SD-WANs as part of secure access service edge (SASE) frameworks. SASE combines enterprise networking and security into a unified solution, providing secure provisioning for cloud-based and hybrid networks.
“Companies need new strategies and tools to ensure both connectivity and security across diverse cloud environments,” said Yash Jethani, principal analyst at ISG and lead author of the report. “Partnerships with providers that offer expertise in AI, cloud, and networking will be crucial.”
Adoption Trends Across SMEs and Emerging Technologies
The report also notes the rapid adoption of software-defined solutions among small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) in Asia Pacific. These businesses are leveraging SDN to streamline operations and compete more effectively in the digital economy. Additionally, the availability and importance of 5G networks are growing, further enhancing the capabilities of SDN solutions in areas such as edge computing and private 5G deployments.
Recognizing Industry Leaders and Innovators
The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® Network — Software-Defined Solutions and Services report for Asia Pacific evaluates the capabilities of 46 providers across four key quadrants: Managed SD-WAN Services, SD-Networks Transformation Services (Consulting and Implementation), Edge Technologies and Services (Including Private 5G), and Secure Access Service Edge.
Several companies emerged as leaders in multiple quadrants, including Accenture, Kyndryl, NTT DATA, Orange Business, Singtel, Telstra, and Verizon Business, which were recognized as Leaders in all four quadrants. Other notable mentions include BT, named a Leader in three quadrants, and Tata Communications, recognized as a Leader in two quadrants. Providers such as Capgemini, Fujitsu, Korea Telecom, SK Telecom, and Vodafone earned Leadership status in one quadrant each.
In addition, GTT, TCS, Tech Mahindra, and Wipro were identified as Rising Stars—companies with promising portfolios and high future potential. Notably, HCLTech was named the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2025, achieving the highest customer satisfaction scores in ISG’s Voice of the Customer survey as part of the ISG Star of Excellence™ program.
About ISG Provider Lens® Research
The ISG Provider Lens® Quadrant research series is the only service provider evaluation of its kind to combine empirical, data-driven research and market analysis with the real-world experience and observations of ISG’s global advisory team. Enterprises will find a wealth of detailed data and market analysis to help guide their selection of appropriate sourcing partners, while ISG advisors use the reports to validate their own market knowledge and make recommendations to ISG’s enterprise clients. The research currently covers providers offering their services globally, across Europe, as well as in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, the Nordics, Australia and Singapore/Malaysia, with additional markets to be added in the future. For more information about ISG Provider Lens research, please visit this webpage.
About ISG
ISG (Nasdaq: III) is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data, in-depth knowledge of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,600 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.
