How to Meet Customers' Expectations of Next-Generation Networks

By Avnet Guest Blog 2

Now more than ever, business success can be tied directly to the underlying performance of an organization’s technology infrastructure. And nowhere is that infrastructure more important than in the computer networks that connect employees, customers and partners with the information and access they need. Simply put: If the network isn’t performing well, the business isn’t performing well.

With that said, it’s obvious businesses can’t afford to be constrained by their networks: The data explosion continues, and more employees and customers are working remotely and need to be productive regardless of where they are located. Businesses are looking toward next-generation networks to become more streamlined and cost efficient in deploying their technology solutions, while also supporting the transition to third platform initiatives including cloud computing, big data, enhanced mobility, social networking and the Internet of Things.

But what does the next-generation network look like?

The shifts in network design are taking shape in two primary technological innovations driving next-generation network architectures:

Every organization that is selling, buying or building networks should be aware of the impact that these two interrelated technologies are having on network deployments and design. And, as a VAR, it’s important to understand how these meet the end users’ needs:

In addressing the challenges that are currently facing organizations by building and designing next-generation networks, solutions providers will typically talk with a broad range of individuals within their customers and prospects, spanning every vertical market. It’s important to remember that, these days, you’re not just meeting with the CIO of these companies; you’re working with everyone in the line of business, and you need to be able to speak their language. A hospital’s needs, for example, are different than a financial institution’s. The more you can adapt to an organization’s specific network needs, the more valuable you will be to the end user.

Let’s take a deeper look and the different people VARs will be working with in the transition to next-generation networks.

As IT infrastructures continue to evolve in the direction of virtualization and cloud computing, it is critically important that networks are modernized to address emerging challenges in performance, resiliency, reliability and agility. IT leaders and decision makers will increasingly be relying upon their solutions providers to guide them in the right direction with important technology innovations such as Ethernet fabrics and software-defined networks. Solutions providers must be comfortable talking about the business benefits of next-generation networks, and not just about the technologies.

If you have any questions on how to start these conversations, feel free to comment or email me at [email protected].

Cheryl Neal is Vice President of Supplier Business Management. Guest blogs such as this one are published monthly and are part of The VAR Guy's annual platinum sponsorship.