18
OPINION
Because for network managers and end users alike, merely
being cloud-based is no longer enough. To convey real
benefits, the network must be intentionally and intelligently
optimised to leverage the cloud’s universality and 24/7
accessibility from any location. That means using cloud-
based network management that gives administrators
flexibility and scalability – all with hands-off control –
ideally, even new hardware will be pre-programmed before
despatch and linked to the network and updated as soon
as it’s plugged in. When such a network configuration
is achieved, it provides clear benefits to end users and
resellers/external network managers alike.
"For network managers, be they in-house or
external, centralised management simplifies
the IT workload and gives easy access to
reporting and monitoring wherever and
whenever it’s needed"
Tangible benefits
For the end user, remote management and hardware pre-
configuration can help to reduce network-related downtime
and even the downtime that’s required, for example, to
install hardware, may be scheduled to suit the business.
Remote management also removes the element of intrusion
and the need to adhere to rigid timetables. The cloud
network that’s designed for simplicity of installation and
ease of use is likely to give end users greater confidence,
including the confidence to add further capability to their
network and thus use data, IoT and other innovative
approaches. This will potentially drive up revenue and
generating a commercial advantage.
For network managers, be they in-house or external,
centralised management simplifies the IT workload and
gives easy access to reporting and monitoring wherever
and whenever it’s needed. The comprehensive overview
of the network that comes with centralised cloud-based
management can also help resellers to suggest beneficial
scaling and expansion/innovation opportunities to their
clients. There’s no need for the supplier, or even the network
manager, to visit the site for most mundane matters, which
allows flexible timing and greater convenience all around.
In short, an approach to network management that’s
not simply cloud-based, but consciously designed to
harness cloud capabilities to optimise the network, can
avoid the headaches that often afflict resellers and
network managers. This approach provides an easy,
scalable solution that’s straightforward to deploy. Simple,
centrally-managed networking gives managers pinpoint
control and oversight of their network whenever they
want it, and consequently positions the business to take
full advantage of its own data. And in the age of big data,
what could be better than that? n
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