Many enterprises that use WAN optimization have wished for the ability to provide very small remote offices, teleworkers, or travelling employees with the same WAN performance enhancements available to branches with WAN optimization appliances installed. The wish has come true, as several leading WAN optimization vendors now provide software that can be installed on a remote laptop or PC and deliver many of the capabilities of dedicated appliances.
Cranking up Performance for the Little Guy
The first generation of WAN optimization consisted of appliances – WAN optimization controllers – that were deployed at enterprise offices to improve application performance, speed file transfers, and reduce WAN bandwidth usage. For more information on first generation WAN optimization, refer to the Info-Tech Advisor research note “WAN Optimization Boosts Branch Performance.”