By: Jelle Frank van der Zwet
Rethinking the hybrid IT environment
Many companies are still basing their IT around traditional network architecture, using Wide Area Networks (WAN) with their enterprise data centres as hubs for their applications and data. But with a growing number of cloud services, and an increasing need for all-hours access to critical business data on the move, architecture based on on-premises strategy lacks the agility needed for a successful and high-performing hybrid environment.
So how can service providers update their operational model to take full advantage of the hybrid IT environment, and what do they need to consider when mapping their strategy to future-proof not only their business, but their customer’s business too?
The new challenges for service providers
Hybrid IT models today create fresh challenges for service providers. With businesses now demanding a wide range of cloud applications, the service provider not only needs to provide access, but also needs to maintain a good customer experience across all the different systems used. This includes maintaining IT performance, even in the face of aggressive customer cloud migration as a way to reduce capital and operating costs.
Interconnectivity as the key
Each cloud solution, IT system and application has its respective advantages and strengths, but in a modern environment, they also need to interact well with each other to build one efficient infrastructure. It’s clear that hybrid environments create completely new demands on the connections between users, applications and processes.
This has prompted providers to find new ways to safely and reliably access different services, without incurring connection costs or risking critical data being exposed. But how can you determine whether your provider is up to the job?
