IT infrastructure is a lot like any of the utilities in your home. You don’t give a lot of thought to running a hot shower or turning on a light switch, that is until you notice that the hot water isn't running and the light never turned on to brighten the room. IT infrastructure is not only critical to the functioning of your enterprise but also the push for innovation and competitive advantage. What is IT infrastructure? Put simply, it’s the components that support the … [Read more...]
Why Some Enterprises are Adopting Leaf-Spine Architecture
The traditional architecture for enterprise networks is typically a three-part tiered, or tree, design. It includes a core as well as distribution and access layers. Advances in network technology like software-defined networking (SDN) are making it possible to adopt a new and more effective network using a leaf-spine architecture. While the initial implementation cost of leaf-spine architecture may be higher than a tiered design, the priorities of the enterprise may quickly outweigh that … [Read more...]
Factors Driving Changes to WAN Architecture
With a long history of being unnoticed unless there’s a connectivity problem, the network is now recognized among line of business managers as a major driver of innovation, productivity and an improved customer experience. This is just one of the many factors driving changes to WAN architecture. The increasing centrality of network performance to enterprise success means that IT is rethinking the ways the network could be optimized and managed to equip other new technologies. Here are the … [Read more...]
Five Considerations for Merging Networks After an Acquisition
Any acquisition presents a certain level of stress, and the CIO’s priority is to minimize that stress as much as possible when merging networks. Avoiding any disruption in service is key, along with reducing networking costs and ensuring that the organization retains its technological advantage over competitors. Any CIO would agree to these objectives, but how do you arrive at a place where you’ve successfully merged the networks and the broader organization is working without any … [Read more...]
Building a Network That Supports Digital Transformation
Every enterprise is taking its own unique path to digital transformation. From which lines of business take priority in adopting new technology to how you determine which workloads will migrate to the cloud, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to integrating new digital tools. What’s consistent across all instances of digital transformation is the critical role the network plays in supporting the changes. From multiplying endpoints like mobile devices and tablets to the shifting of … [Read more...]
Enterprises Optimize Performance and Security with Hybrid Networking
Networking needs are changing at the enterprise. Cloud solutions are significantly increasing the amount of data flowing between the network and the cloud, while Internet of Things (IoT) devices introduce more endpoints and, as a result, broaden the security plane. Enterprises are struggling to find the network performance they need with the level of security necessary to protect data assets. Many are implementing hybrid networking. Hybrid networking addresses some of the most critical … [Read more...]
IoT Devices Contribute to Network Vulnerability
The introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is transforming business operations in a variety of industries, but perhaps the effects are most strongly felt in healthcare and industrial settings. While it’s easy to associate IoT with devices such smart printers and tablets, it also includes items like valve controllers and pressure monitors in industrial situations and heart monitors or infusion pumps in the medical field. While these advances are improving both of these industries in a … [Read more...]
Guiding Principles to Effectively Connect Multiple Offices on Your Network
If you work with a growing business, you may quickly realize that opening a few branch locations could help you serve your target market more effectively and provide you with a geographically diverse set of resources. The plan to connect multiple offices within the same network infrastructure should be a key priority in your growth strategy. There are a few guiding principles you should keep in mind when you connect multiple offices: Determine how the offices will … [Read more...]
Building a Network Infrastructure that Supports Workload Migration
Enterprises are increasingly adopting multi-cloud environments, and as they become more agile, workloads and data are being moved around frequently to optimize productivity, costs, and performance. In fact, IT directors’ jobs are beginning to resemble that of an orchestra conductor, managing software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (Paas), as well as on-site and legacy systems that continue to play a role in everyday operations. Building a network infrastructure that supports this … [Read more...]
[Infographic] The Top 5 Challenges for a Multi-Location Business
Multi-location businesses face far more challenges than smaller operations with only one office. From scaling and security to adjusting bandwidth and managing several vendors, it can be easy for executives at multi-location businesses to feel overwhelmed by their IT. And while it might seem like your pain-points are unique to your particular enterprise, the truth is that most multi-location businesses suffer from the exact same set of struggles. To help you overcome some of the most common … [Read more...]