Last week we talked about security however this week we will discuss networking and connectivity.
Time for the basics – why do we have networks? Networks only exist to facilitate engagement, communication, creation and sharing, points often forgotten in the midst of features and endless buzz words. By holding onto those key points summarising the purpose and drivers for network existence, at the heart of all discussions and chunking the conversation up, the reason (s) for network need or change is exposed. It may be a user need, an application requirement, a service orientated outcome, but without doubt the outcome “isn’t the network” – the driver of the networking need is the main story.
It’s time to overtly challenge all enterprise networking discussions – “Why does this network exist, what are the user / applications that drive the need for this network, what user or application measures validate network activities and so on”? It’s time to hold the network to account and unlock the business value of a secure connected enterprise.
In keeping with last week’s security summary, this outline will focus on three networking aligned areas of “interest” for 2020 (without doubt there are many more). No predictions, purely areas that may stimulate valuable discussion and ideally actions.
Secure networking – secure connected outcomes.
It’s important that we link security and networking together at all times with no discussions about networking in isolation. Its time to intentionally switch all conversations to signpost secure networking or secure connectivity. The addition of the single word secure will change the mindset of all concerned and ensure the only outcome validated as successful is a secure one. Networks are the technological digital transport umbilical cord of the digital age therefore inherent security is fundamental to ensure successful, connected digital outcomes.
See all – secure all.
Next up, visibility is the hidden jewel within networks but only if explicitly leveraged for the value it delivers. Networks as the digital transport in the midst of all digital transactions see all of the traffic they transport and connect. By utilising data packet by packet “see all” capability within enterprise networks with end to end visibility from user, though system, through application, though cloud and back, networks are as powerful as security control layers as they are digital data transport layers. Its time to exploit the network as one of the best digital security sensors available.
Optimum operations – time for NetDevOps.
And finally network operations MUST change. I write with no ambiguity when positioning the importance of network operational change now, to unlock tomorrows benefits, today. There is no digitisation without secure network connectivity, no digital user experience, no world of “smart” technology and human engagement – nothing.
Networks must not only understand the language of applications, they must proactively and consistently “enable” applications to deliver user & business outcomes. Network automation isn’t the story, it’s a component of a bigger story of applications, operations and network technology working in perfect harmony.
The changing face of network operations must result in enhanced platform efficiency, operational consistency and network automation bound into the application and software development life cycle. Without an intentional business and cultural shift to leverage the network intentionally and proactively beyond digital data transport, business agility, user experience and application value may be compromised.
Start now – change now
Enterprise networks have become a victim of their own reliability, performance and effectiveness. Networks are often invisible as technology entities, however complaints appear in an instant when problems or network failure occurs but with little said during times of “normal”. Networks are expected to “just be there”, “always on” delivering optimum reliability and performance for both known and unknown requirements. This is a tough ask, however by using the network as a security control layer, proactively using the network for optimum levels of end to end visibility and accelerating the evolution of network operations, the enterprise network will act as a springboard to every good in the digital age. That’s got to be worth it.
Until next time
Colin W
Twitter: @colinwccuk
Business Line CTO UK (Networking & Security)
