The benefits of a CRM system are not always obvious. SMEs, in particular, often shy away from investing because the benefits are not entirely clear to them. We will continue to help.
Growing challenges for network administrators
Yes, there was a time when being a network administrator was not something that made your heart beat faster. And often the position was not even held by trained professionals, but by those in the company who “knew better about computers.” But those days are long gone. Network administration is a round-the-clock job in almost all companies today that, without modern technology, can no longer be performed properly by a single person.
But it does not stop there. Due to global phenomena and events such as the coronavirus pandemic, digitalization in general and the rise of cybercrime , the requirements have become even more stringent. Therefore, the following now applies: strategy first. Network administration is no longer just “everyday business” with routine tasks, but an integral part of the overall IT strategy.
Strategy first, not reaction to the situation
In recent months, more and more attention has been paid to all networking-related topics. Of course, one of the main reasons for this has been – how else could it be – the crown pandemic. For example, most German companies were not at all prepared to send all employees to the home office from now on . And it was not just a question of “just” protecting networks from outside access and setting up a proper VPN . “Zero Trust” is still the magic word, because in parallel to the home office, more and more employees are using private end devices to work .
Zero Trust sounds like a tough security strategy – and the impression is not deceptive. Trust nothing and no one when someone tries to access your network – that’s the motto. But putting this approach into practice and protecting your entire network architecture accordingly is not child’s play.
However, in the end, Zero Trust is just one example that makes it clear that situational action and reaction in network administration are a thing of the past. A strategy-oriented approach helps to set the course for the medium and long term.
Network Trends of the Year
In addition to the Zero Trust implementation, there are other trends this year that will keep network administrators busy. For example, there is the issue of availability . It’s no longer enough to ensure uninterrupted and uninterrupted workflows. It’s equally important that there are no delays and that boot times are as short as possible. Because anything that reduces productivity ultimately hurts the company.
Connectivity is also becoming more and more important. In addition, because of the relocation of the home office, the network must be accessible to multiple endpoints. At the same time, video conferencing and the like are setting new standards for bandwidth . Thus, the main challenge of network administration is to support a growing number of different users who use an increasing number of software and tools and thus burden the network more than before.
Mobile devices must also be fully integrated for comprehensive network security.
Strategy first as the credo of modern management
The tactical approach is dead; long live strategy. Network administrators and architects are no longer solely responsible for quickly fixing bugs, preventing problems and “somehow” maintaining day-to-day business. Rather, they are now generalists with a good share of digital experience , However, especially in small and medium-sized companies, their own resources are no longer enough.