One cannot put enough emphasis on the importance of future-proof networks, especially in a time when it has become crucial for enterprises to adopt disruptive technologies. The mainstream success of IoT and mobile technologies and the challenges faced by organizations during their implementation is a clear indicator of how enterprise networks tend to the tendency to grow and evolve as effectively as enterprises would like.
When formulating a strategic network infrastructure plan, it is important to ensure futuristic flexibility based on the evaluation of new and upcoming technologies. While it needs expansive research and analysis, it also takes proper training of the entire IT staff. Cisco training can play a vital role in helping enterprises future-proof their networks with the help of the right technology and an expert team. Speaking of future-proofing of networks, there are certain areas that require special attention during the network planning and strategy phase.
Keeping Business Growth in Mind
Growth is a part of business success; it is almost inevitable. The more a business grows, the more it services expand along with its customers/clients. The growth can lead to various transformations within the core of an enterprise. Some businesses even experience a change in their overall network needs and the way network capabilities are utilized across the enterprises. When this happens, it is not unusual to suspect a mismatch between the technology they use and the technology they actually need. This is the point where many businesses also realize that their current service provider is no longer capable of solving their problems.
An Eye on the Evolving Landscape
The technology landscape is evolving. Enterprise networks of today go beyond routers and switches. Network management goes beyond watching those devices. Today, various technologies and apps are part of one network. This includes the whole network security aspect as well as telecommunication apps and IoT devices that are connected to the network. Plus, there are remote users and devices that utilize network resources. Any software or device that is connected is part of the network. And the number of entities attached to networks is only expected to increase in the future.
A future-proof network means a network that has enough room for new technology and devices. Cisco brings in solutions that allow enterprises to create more flexible and scalable network. As a pioneer of the enterprise network, Cisco solutions are based on an in-depth understanding of this evolving landscape.
Making it a Team Effort
Organizations often overlook the importance of making networking a team effort rather than a responsibility that falls solely on the IT staff. It is important to document the history of a network including the implementation plans, changes made over time, existing issues, and resolved issues. A historic overview plays a key role in helping the team prevent future instances of network failure. A library of what is going on with the network will make future collaborations simpler and more effective. It will also extend the knowledge of everyone who is part of the network and also anyone who will become part of that network in the future.
Network management becomes more efficient and sustainable when it becomes a team effort. There are number of tools that can help enterprises make communication and collaboration easier and more effective.
Ensuring Security and Compliance
Enterprises can get a huge hit when their networks aren’t designed to accommodate changing compliance policies and requirements. That is why security and compliance is no longer a secondary function. It has become one of the main concerns. If not taken care of in a timely manner, it will render your whole network obsolete in a short time. It serves to have a network security strategy that includes regular audits for security and compliance. It is important to ensure that the audit is comprehensive enough to identify all forms of security and compliance issues based on updated policies and requirements.
Treating Resources as Investment
Whatever you spend on your network resources, treating it as an investment is an approach that will deliver more benefits in the long run. From network management tools to Cisco training of your IT team, it takes only the best to ensure a futureproof network. While the tools and technology will create a solid network architecture, it is your team that can create strategies to utilize those resources up to their best potential. It may seem like an expensive plan initially, it will actually lower your operational cost as well as the cost of running risks.
When you invest in tools that are versatile and flexible, they can help you automate a number of routine tasks. This not only simplifies network maintenance it also makes it more efficient by removing the human error. These tools allow for configuration and flexibility so that you can expect more functionality with fewer tools.
Investing in Cisco Certification Training
Speaking of resources, it is true that newer networking tools are capable of introducing a whole new level of automation. However, the network, no matter how state-of-the-art, is not going to manage itself. It takes an exceptional level of expertise to make sure the network performance is up to the mark and will remain so in years to come. It is your IT resources who are responsible for creating a dynamic network framework that can easily embrace the ever-evolving technologies and policies without falling victim prospective threats and risks.
Conclusion
There is no denying the fact that network management is only going to become more complex. As technology changes and enterprises hit new milestones in terms of growth, there is a need to ensure implementation of the future-proof flexible network. While it is important to invest in smarter tools and technologies, it is equally important to cultivate necessary skills and expertise in your IT team. More importantly, enterprises need to accept the fact that network management has changed and will keep changing. Unless they have a team ready to face challenges as they arise, they won’t be able to truly utilize the advancement in network technologies.