Laying the Foundation for Transformative Technologies: The Importance of Network Readiness
May 2023, by Adnan Kordab, Head of Business Technologies
Key Takeaways
To harness the full disruptive power of transformative technologies like AI and machine learning, organizations need more than just the latest software platforms. They require an agile, high performance network infrastructure ready to support emerging innovations and facilitate digital transformation.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality – these and other cutting-edge technologies promise to revolutionize business. But to harness their full disruptive power, organizations need more than just the latest software platforms. They require an agile, high performance network infrastructure ready to support emerging technologies and facilitate digital transformation.
Without modern, scalable network architectures designed for density, speed and adaptability, transformative technologies simply will not perform as intended. Legacy networks will hinder rather than accelerate digital initiatives. The resulting slowdowns, delays and outages lead to frustrated customers, reduced competitiveness and missed opportunities.
That is why forward-thinking organizations make network transformation a foundational part of any technology modernization strategy. They work with experts to assess current network readiness, design optimal architectures to support innovative solutions, and implement future-defined infrastructures ready to capitalize on AI, ML, AR and more.
Mapping the Digital Journey
Digital transformation consultants can start by conducting thorough network assessments, analyzing organization-wide traffic flows, connectivity chokepoints and infrastructure bottlenecks inhibiting performance. This provides data-driven insights into network readiness to support new technology rollouts.
Architecting Adaptive Networks
Once network gaps are identified, transformation experts design dynamic network architectures with built-in adaptability, scalability and reliability to power innovation. Leading-edge data center fabrics offer easy expansion and non-stop availability. A software-defined overlay abstracts physical infrastructure to enable cloud-like agility. Built-in automation and self-healing boost resilience.
Modernizing the Network Core
High-performance network cores allow organizations to gracefully scale connectivity and capacity on-demand. 100GE and 400GE-ready switches and routers accelerate data transfer for demanding applications. Pervasive connectivity options support web-scale density. Unified management integrates wireless, SD-WAN and more under one pane of glass. Robust security is embedded at the network level.
Empowering the Intelligent Edge
Today’s edge requires low-latency, location-aware technologies to support IoT, AR/VR, autonomous robots and more. A unified wired-wireless edge fabric extends network visibility and control to dispersed locations. Machine learning optimization and automated provisioning enhance responsiveness. Micro-data centers place processing power closer to point of need.
Enabling the Adaptive Network
Finally, machine learning capabilities actively monitor infrastructure and adapt network policies dynamically based on usage, preventing bottlenecks before they occur. Intent-based networking translates business needs into network directives. APIs embed intelligence organization-wide. The result is an adaptive network that automatically flexes to fulfill evolving demands.
While new technologies hold great promise, without a modern, cloud-centric network foundation, their benefits are limited. Assessing and transforming network readiness must be part of any digital initiative. With the right infrastructure and architecture, transformative technologies become a competitive differentiator rather than a source of business disruption.
By taking a data-driven approach, partnering with transformation experts, and implementing adaptable, scalable designs, IT leaders can architect networks ready for whatever innovations the future brings. The intelligent edge and self-driving networks are here. Is your infrastructure ready to go along for the ride? Contact our network consultants to map your digital transformation journey.
