Page 146 - Cyber Defense eMagazine October 2023

The value of real-time analytics and the ability to focus in on issues that require immediate attention
cannot be understated. Without a real-time look at the networks, organizations are flying blind, and
serious problems can go undetected for days or even weeks.

Going back to the recent survey, nearly nine in 10 CIOs and CTOs agree that they need AIOps,
automation and improved analytics to optimize their network operations. However, there’s a problem:
While 91% of organizations agree that predictive analytics is critical to operational insight and a proactive
approach, 85% say a lack of visibility across their network architectures currently restricts their
operational insight and causes reactive firefighting.

Automated solutions are necessary to not only prevent this reactive firefighting, but to mitigate risk and
address threats before organizations suffer a significant impact.

Modernizing your network with a trusted partner

In addition to automation, another big piece of the network modernization puzzle is the right partner.
Many organizations struggle to find the right partner with the right capabilities, especially because vendor
capabilities and rigidity are cited by companies as a top challenge in attaining network success, apart
from budget constraints.

Vendors need to be agile: Building the client network to be agile is the key to adding emerging
technologies or swapping technologies that best meet the organization’s challenges.
In addition, organizations undergoing network transformation should remember that network security has
increased in importance as a major network architecture component. Vendors offering top-notch security
services, or partnering with leading security providers, should be near the top of the list.

To transform a network into an agile, scalable framework that offers greater support for IoT connectivity,
increased visibility and control, remote management, and automation, organizations should:

• Get the right hardware in place as a solid foundation;
• Implement a comprehensive software layer on top because this is a fast-growing area rich in
innovation;
• Add an operations layer, including analytics, automation and AIOps, to ensure speed and agility.

It’s valuable to work with an experienced managed service partner that offers a range of networking
services and partners with other top providers. For example, NTT recently announced that it has added
Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE to its Managed Campus Networks portfolio.

It’s critical that organizations select managed network service providers that align with key organization
targets. Choosing the right partner with the right goals ensures that organizations remain competitive in
business environment where competitors are constantly searching for innovation.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – October 2023 Edition 146
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