Enterprises need to architect networks that can handle the deluge of data and the evolution of work.

Over the past two years, data volumes have achieved record levels. The amount of data created and consumed globally exceeded 64 zettabytes in 2020, according to Statista. This is expected to reach 180 zettabytes by 2025, if not before. This is largely due to the impact of the pandemic, but data continues to grow apace as hybrid and remote working frameworks adapt to changing employee and market demands. The enterprise now has access to vast quantities of information from multiple touchpoints that can be used to transform insights, analytics and decision-making, but before data point can be transformed into value, there have to be networks that are agile and flexible enough to handle this extraordinary demand.

The modern enterprise network has to adapt to changing working conditions and user demands. It must be capable of delivering a seamless experience while remaining nimble enough to pivot as user and business needs change. As IDC points out, the network is currently transitioning from the rigid and inflexible architecture of the past towards a connectivity platform that can handle the reimagined enterprise and workforce. A point reinforced by McKinsey – the firm believes that the data-driven enterprise is one that’s on the fast track to success with networks that serve data to a workforce that’s faster, more productive and better at decision-making.

To achieve this nimble, agile and scalable network that’s set to shape the enterprise future, there’s a need to invest into next-generation connectivity. This technology allows for organisations to design and deploy networks that are more reliable, secure and advanced. Networks that leverage technologies such as software-defined WAN (SD-WAN), secure access service edge (SASE), and software-defined networking (SDN) to create a balanced architecture that’s customisable and agile – an architecture that offers up virtual environments with seamless access to cloud-based applications within secure parameters and that can be accessed from anywhere.

This high-level network architecture puts agility at its core. It ensures that organisations can fully realise the value of hybrid or remote working environments without compromising on accessibility or productivity. Network management is simplified and streamlined, allowing for effective control over systems and data and consistent performance. Business applications rest in the cloud, capability is spun up on demand, and access is simplified to minimise friction across use case and user.

Another layer that needs to be considered is that of data routing. The architecture that can handle the data, the distributed workforce and the demands of the modern enterprise is only one side of the equation. On the other sits the routing, the peering and the connectivity infrastructure that will allow for the business to achieve optimum performance and scale as required. This can be achieved by working with a systems integrator and service provider that can deliver a full-service offering across every point in the chain. From connectivity products and solutions through to architecting the network to providing managed services that slot into the gaps, it’s worth collaborating with a service provider that can handle the complexities of the new network normal.

Pulling every one of these threads together will provide the enterprise with a network fabric that can handle the demands of data while delivering the agility and connectivity required to build a true data-driven organisation – an organisation that’s capable of leveraging the data, squeezing out the insights and refining decision while transforming experiences for both workforce and customer. This network of the future not only introduces improved business capabilities, but puts the organisation on a solid foundation from which it can explore automation and innovation.