Secure network transformation is becoming increasingly important in our tech-driven world. With hybrid working, multi-cloud environments, and AI initiatives becoming the norm, it's more crucial than ever to ensure our networks are secure and truly transformational.
Evolution vs. True Transformation
The term "transformation" often gets thrown around, but it's important to distinguish between evolution and true transformation. Evolution is all about making incremental improvements within the existing framework, like upgrading your WiFi or refreshing your firewall. True transformation, on the other hand, involves a fundamental shift in strategy, technology, and behaviour. This shift is driven by changing market dynamics such as cloud adoption, AI advancements, and escalating cyber threats.
Four Focus Areas of Transformation
Navigating this complex landscape can be challenging, but we've identified four critical focus areas for modern secure networks:
- Simplification
- Rethinking Secure Connectivity
- Modernising Operations
- Automate and Integrate
Many of our customers operate large, complex networks with a myriad of security tools that have evolved over decades. This complexity can hinder agility and increase operational overhead. Simplifying these networks by addressing unnecessary complexity sets a solid foundation for adopting new technologies and reduces costs. However, identifying what needs to be simplified and how to do it can be challenging, given the constraints on time and resources and the risks associated with network remediation and security gaps.
The shift to hybrid working and multi-cloud environments has changed traffic patterns, often leading to inefficiencies and degraded user experiences. Traditional methods of routing all traffic through the data centre are now not always viable. On-premises security stacks are also less effective in covering diverse domains and locations. Innovative solutions like Secure Access Services Edge (SASE) and Ssecure Multi-Ccloud Networking (MCN) offer significant advantages in connectivity, security, and visibility. These platforms enable efficient connections between users and applications, as well as between applications themselves. Exploring these options and understanding their benefits is crucial for true transformation.
Historically, operations have relied heavily on a few key individuals with deep levels of knowledge. This human-centric approach is no longer sustainable in a world where cloud services, remote work, and internet connectivity are paramount. Modern operations should leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)-driven tools to proactively manage and troubleshoot the network. This shift not only maximises service uptime and security efficacy but also frees up teams to focus on innovation. However, modernising operations requires a comprehensive review of existing tools, processes, and personnel, which can be a daunting task.
Automation and integration of both legacy and modern network and security tools are essential for achieving maximum efficiency, stability, and protection. This transformation requires a fundamental change in how networks are operated. Understanding the value of automation/integration and how to implement it is critical. This process involves justifying the business case for automation and determining the best approach to integrate it into existing operations. Additionally, leveraging platforms that unify security and network management, in a structured and intentional way, can streamline operations and enhance overall security posture.
To summarise, the secure network transformation is not just about evolving existing systems but about embracing true transformation. This involves a holistic approach that addresses simplification, rethinking secure connectivity, modernising operations, and automation/integration. By focusing on these areas, organisations can build resilient, efficient, and secure networks that meet the demands of the modern technological landscape.
Computacenter offers end-to-end services to support customers at any stage of their transformation journey and are able to ‘meet you where you are’; providing the tools and services necessary to keep up with the demands of your business.
