In the United States, nearly eight out of ten companies are undergoing digital transformation (DX), and according to IDC, global spending on DX is expected to reach almost €2 trillion by 2022. As companies digitally transform, IT environments IT is changing and security requirements are evolving in parallel. Today, it is very important to see and understand the current network environment before embarking on a new DX architecture. Here's why visibility is key.
Remodeling a business network is like restructuring a house. You don't want to start a hands-on show without first understanding the landscape, the existing structure, the purpose of the remodel, and any potential expenses that may come from it. You need a solid foundation before you build your walls, otherwise your decisions could cost a lot of money to repair and rebuild when the house collapses.
The same principle is valid in the sense of the corporate network. Organizations need visibility before they can understand how their entire infrastructure works, what needs to be updated, and what needs to change. Having a clear view of the enterprise network and application layers, whether the applications are on-premises or cloud-enabled, plays an important role in supporting the digital transformation process in three ways:
1. Highlighting interdependencies
DX implies investing in new technologies. However, many companies struggle to keep up with their complex and changing environments as they seek full visibility into the digital enterprise. The network is the only ubiquitous resource that reaches everywhere and can provide maximum visibility.
When companies have a better view of what is happening within their network, they can see how systems work together and where there are interdependencies. Network visibility also provides insights into traffic patterns (cloud and on-premises), bottlenecks (delays in data flow), and unsecured areas. Like a home remodel, all of this information can be used to document the master plan designed to support a robust and secure digital infrastructure.
2. Balance between speed and security.
In today's digital world, users, applications, and devices continue to grow exponentially, resulting in an explosion of data. In fact, by 2020, approximately 1,7 megabytes of new information will be created every second for every human being on the planet. This increase in the volume of data, combined with investments in digital transformation technology and ultra-fast 5G and 100 Gigabit networks, has led to a very complex configuration of business infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the dangers of cybercrime are simultaneously increasing. Data breaches have increased 75% since 2016; And this despite massive and growing investment in cybersecurity software, which is expected to reach a quarter of a trillion dollars by 2023.
The wave of data, the speed of networks and the multiplication of threats are the ideal storm for organizations. Access to this network requires network visibility across the entire distributed digital infrastructure, as well as access to network data to ensure visibility to all security and performance tools. Specifically, businesses need reliable access to move data to take advantage of traffic in the cloud and on-premises infrastructure, as well as traffic flowing over 5G and 100GB networks. Ubiquitous visibility allows companies to track the speed at which networks and businesses are operating, as well as security requirements.
3. Prevention of blind spots in the cloud.
Digital transformation increases the complexity of applications in the enterprise. These applications can run on premises, in the cloud, or both, as the network evolves beyond the physical environment, becomes virtual, and moves to the cloud.
It is essential that organizations have a clear point of view to visualize and understand the interaction, performance and security characteristics of these applications. Visibility must extend to local, private, public, and multi-cloud environments because, as the saying goes, "if you can't see it, you can't protect it."
Whether it's to avoid cloud blind spots, to balance speed and security, and/or to highlight infrastructure interdependencies; Having visibility into the organization's network and application layers is critical to driving digital transformation efforts, reducing risk, cost, and complexity throughout the process. Don't forget that the first step in any home improvement project, whether it's renovating a home or sustaining a digital business, is harnessing the power of sight.
Shane Buckley, COO and President of Gigamon