Manage complex IT environments with software-defined networking

The growth of an IT company would be almost impossible in the current scenario without a software-defined network (SDN). Across the globe, organizations are reaping substantial benefits from software-defined networking, which until now, was limited to large-scale cloud service providers. But now SMBs have begun to embrace this trend for automating operations, introducing flexibility, enforcing consistency, and decreasing troubleshooting times. As software-defined networking continues to refocus and mature, more small and medium-sized businesses can use the technology to manage multilayered IT environments. This explains why SDN is adopted by 78 percent of global service providers.

Scope for greater connectivity

software defined networking

When a company invests in software-defined networking, it sets the stage for developing a strong network infrastructure that forms a pathway for SMBs to chart possible online outages. Apart from software-defined networking, implementing a backup cellular or ISP connection to the company’s network is a guaranteed way to prevent the entire business from shutting down without a working connection.

On-demand networking now a reality

Customization is a priority right now, given how flexible organizations must be to survive the ongoing market changes. A software-defined network provides a customized approach that gives small businesses ample room for growth. The demands of a small business may sometimes be too difficult to fulfill. For this reason, software-defined networks usually need to undergo more than 20 reconfigurations every week. However, with each passing day, software experts get one step closer to preconfiguring networks well in advance so they can minimize reconfiguration time by half.

Network scalability offers innovation

Nearly half of all companies must scale network functionality to adopt a software-defined network. This is hardly surprising, since users require a network that is agile enough to back up the business while every function tries to respond faster to the shifting market conditions. Moreover, this challenge is perceived across all sectors. Nearly every industry sees businesses trying to support a growing number of devices and applications while adding new features to services and products.

In many cases, network complexity and capacity poses a barrier to this imperative, thereby delaying the ability of a company to innovate. A solution to this issue may be found in software-defined networking. Why? Because it provides the means to handle network functionality from the center, applying changes to applications throughout different devices from a single source, instead of device-by-device. As a result, the time necessary to flex, expand, and pivot with the changing requirements of the company is greatly reduced.

Businesses become more streamlined

Small and mid-sized businesses benefit greatly from SDNs since legacy equipment no longer remains an issue. A company that makes small profits cannot afford to spend ample amounts of money on staffing and big investments. They can instead seek support from a software-defined network since it keeps the business as lean as possible. Once a business becomes more streamlined, it can grow faster and that is something that large businesses always deny. Of course, spending money on resources like staffing would help a small business grow gradually. But investing in the proper tools and a limited number of people to run those tools sets up a more efficient system – one that performs exactly the way you expected it to.

More creativity with less security risks

security risks

Every business right now is preoccupied with cybersecurity as well as growing threat levels, especially the failure to innovate and major data breaches. It is a concern shared by many companies that moving too fast or partnering with new organizations will make them more vulnerable. As a result, they respond by focusing more on resilience. Unfortunately, this often comes at the cost of agility. Software-defined networks are able to improve enterprise security protocols both in practical and technical ways. For starters, fully enclosed networks transmit encrypted traffic that is more secure than regular network solutions. On the other hand, software-defined networks offer the company a unique opportunity to create existing application security into the virtual environments of the users. What this means is, businesses will now be in a position to manage their IT resilience better while at the same time, seeking innovation that they so urgently require.

Improved efficiency

One of the most effective ways that a software-defined network helps small businesses is by shortening the time taken to troubleshoot a solution. Software-defined networks allow small businesses with zero in-house support and meager technical staff to quickly identify problems, or root out issues with the existing systems. As a result, the troubleshooting time is considerably reduced and the users can focus more on productivity, often before remote technicians make their way to the site. Thanks to the centralized controller in the cloud, it is now possible for SMBs to enable remote support and monitor the company from anywhere, even when the network is not accessible.

Greater visibility

The presence of a consolidated console allows businesses to view remote access, wireless components, wired parts, switching, and routing activities more easily. If that’s not all, potential threats may also be located more easily along with external incursions. Identifying issues is no longer a hurdle for small and medium-sized companies and that bodes well for the nontechnical staff. Usually, small businesses do not have much in the way of on-site IT. This allows software-defined networking to make its mark felt in the way of abstract networking. For example, wireless traffic travels over wires after a period of time. Thus, viewing the entire chain helps the company root out issues more quickly compared to correlating the data across different consoles.

Deploying software-defined networking

Expertise is a must when integrating a software-defined network. IT teams should, therefore, have admins on speed dial, so they can assist with the virtualization experience, if necessary. Prior to implementing any strategy, businesses need to understand the causes and effects. It is important for a small business to define what it’s looking for specifically. Only then can it accomplish that goal. Because of this reason, it becomes important to figure out the outcomes of software-defined networks and study the options without fail.

A brighter future

SMBs need to integrate software-defined networks if they wish to boost their ROI. With this technology, they can minimize costs while getting the most out of their undertaken ventures. If that’s not all, SDNs allow businesses to grow rapidly at an improved rate.

Images: Pixabay

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