Network as growth inhibitor
Seventy percent of CEOs say their network is holding back business growth, according to NTT's latest Global Network Report 2022-23. More than 1300 network professionals worldwide were surveyed for the report. What unites them: They reveal a need to catch up in network modernization.
Global IT infrastructure and services company NTT has released its Global Network Report 2022-23. The annual report reveals that 70 percent of CEOs believe the maturity of their network is negatively impacting their business operations. The adoption of hybrid, distributed work environments with numerous networked devices is on the rise in enterprises. However, despite investments, only two in five companies are satisfied with their current network capabilities. "This shows that we are entering a new era of network modernization. According to the report, 90 percent of executives want to be confident that their network environment will accelerate their business growth and support AI. We're talking about AI in Operations, or AIOps," said Hajar El Haddaoui, senior director and member of the executive team at NTT Ltd. in Switzerland.
Secure hybrid environments
As hybrid working models offer far more opportunities for external attacks, network security has become massively more important as an essential part of the network architecture. This is driving enterprises to embrace centralized and cloud-based security solutions and a managed security model. It is also increasing investment in network cybersecurity. "From the report, 93 percent of executives believe that new threats will increase the security demands on their enterprise network, requiring an increased level of access controls and inspection," said Hajar El Haddaoui.
The shift to network-as-a-service models
The executives surveyed say that security, modernization and access to a comprehensive range of services from their provider are their top priorities, ahead of cost. In terms of managing the network, more than 90 percent of decision makers prefer the network-as-a-service model, citing flexibility in setup and tear-down as the main benefit. In addition, the complexity of deploying effective AIOps and automation solutions makes the network-as-a-service model even more attractive. This is especially true in light of the fact that while the solutions are complex to configure at the outset, they subsequently simplify ongoing network operations.
"A future-proof network is of utmost importance for any organization to realize growth opportunities. We observe in the Swiss market that a modern infrastructure strengthens the innovative power and future security of companies and organizations. Managed service solutions accelerate this development," summarizes Hajar El Haddaoui. The innovation trailblazer's recommendation: "The network serves as a platform for digital transformation. It forms the basis for digital services, business models and innovation. Web3, edge computing, 5G, Metaverse, blockchain, automation and all the exciting future models can be realized quickly and effectively in diverse verticals as well as in eHealth using state-of-the-art enterprise networks."
The report ends with seven considerations for executives who want to develop and future-proof their network.
