Eight Important Factors for Building a New-Generation IT System

Building a modern enterprise infrastructure that supports cloud-based computing and storage and connectivity demands can start with just a few, basic steps.

Software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) are the future of the wide-area network. Through a simplified infrastructure, SDN leverages software to provide agility and flexibility to deploy new services and applications more rapidly, while providing substantial long-term reductions in both CAPEX and OPEX. In the same manner, NFV reduces the need for specialized hardware by offloading network functions onto software that can run on industry-standard hardware, and that can be managed from anywhere within the operator’s network.

To thrive in the application-centric world, service providers increasingly are looking at ways to deliver on-demand connectivity, so that enterprise customers can customize connectivity parameters for greater control and cost savings. For example, you may request an increase in your service bandwidth from 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) to 10GbE every Saturday night, for just three hours, to perform a large-scale data backup. The network delivers it and, then, after that time, your bandwidth service goes back to business as usual.

A network is only as fast as its slowest point. If you don’t have a high-speed, flexible and scalable connection to and between your data centers, your ability to move and access data is limited. With efficient data center interconnect (DCI), you gain superior workload distribution and an effective framework for business continuity and disaster recovery efforts.

Enterprises today need WAN connectivity that can support growing cloud and virtualization efforts. One of the most difficult decisions that must be made is whether to build out a private optical network or lease the infrastructure from a service provider as a managed service.

A number of factors must be examined, including security requirements, when choosing between an in-house model or managed network service. You can even run both models concurrently if that’s the best solution.

System availability and data privacy are essential to business success. You should augment traditional network security measures with high-capacity, wire-speed encrypted connectivity services for extra insurance. Network-level encryption provides increased protection of critical data with minimal latency to ensure the right information is securely delivered to the right location every time. Look for a service that meets internationally recognized National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) FIPS 140-2 certification.

Before undertaking any major network upgrade, it is important to consult with experts. Seek out vendors who embrace open networking principles and have expertise in providing tactical and strategic steps to help modernize and monetize your network for maximum business value.

Trusted infrastructure is about having full confidence in the sources and processes that go into the design, construction and operation of a network. Vet carefully the partners you select; it’s always a good idea to obtain recommendations from professionals you already know and trust.