Why Enterprises Shoud Focus on Cloud Networking

5 Key Benefits of Cloud Networking

Enterprise networks used to consist of branch offices and data centers in a closed environment, where end-users only had access to the network while on-site connected to the branch network. Now, we live in a digital world that has fully embraced remote and hybrid working, where enterprises have rapidly changed their organizational structures to support “work-from anywhere” models. In short, cloud networking is the new networking.

With this change in network topology, cloud networking has become an integral part of the network environment and can no longer be considered a secondary priority. So, what is it, and why is it so critical to enterprise-Wide Access Networks (WANs)? Let’s dive in.

What is Cloud Networking?

Cloud networking builds on many of the principles of Software Defined Networking (SDN) technology, enabling enterprises to build virtual networks that extend into, and between private and public cloud platforms. The management of cloud-based networking can be in-house or by a service provider, and there are often many more automation and analytics features than in traditional networks.

5 Key Benefits of Cloud Networking for Modern Enterprises

When successfully adopted and managed, cloud networking can have numerous benefits, starting with the following:

Cost Savings

Cloud networking can be an important part of delivering cost savings in the WAN without compromising network performance. In particular, hosting network resources on a public cloud can maximize cost savings, due to the ability to easily scale up and down resource levels. However, the choice of hosting on a public or private cloud is dependent on compliance standards. Alternatively, many enterprises choose a multi-cloud approach, which neutralizes the downfalls and leverages the benefits of public and private clouds. For example, hosting sensitive data in a private cloud to meet compliance standards with other data hosted on a public cloud.

Cost savings are also driven by reducing legacy network infrastructure — particularly hardware found in data centers and other hub sites. Cloud networking can alleviate the need for traditional data centers and associated costs such as power and property. Additionally, cloud service providers often provide a ‘pay for what you use’ price model allowing enterprises the flexibility to upgrade and degrade their cloud plan with no financial penalty.

Faster Implementation Times

 Initial adoption and implementation of cloud networks in comparison to traditional network architecture are undoubtedly faster, as enterprises no longer have the lead time associated with acquiring and installing new physical hardware. The nature of cloud networking also allows enterprises to distribute their network globally. This ensures end-users have access to workloads within suitable geographic ranges, directly increasing network speed and performance.

Additionally, Service Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) can further improve network speed and cost savings. Through automation and scripting, SD-WAN enhances connectivity, guarantees performance, and enables the use of cost-effective broadband circuits.

Remote Access

 Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of cloud networking is the ability to access data when desired, irrespective of time and location. As the network becomes cloud-based, users have the luxury of accessing data from their own devices from home offices or other remote locations. This capability enables users to work from anywhere, a consideration heightened by the current global pandemic.

Scalability

 The nature of cloud networking enables enterprises to expand their network when required, allowing the enterprise the opportunity to grow its network alongside business growth. Additionally, the ‘pay for what you use’ model enables enterprises a cost-effective method to grow and if required shrink their network in a timely manner.

Enhanced Security

 Many enterprises are concerned that cloud networking can be more susceptible to security threats, with fears particularly around network attacks, unsecured remote access, and data loss. However, cloud networking can be secure if the correct security strategies and policies are implemented.

Furthermore security frameworks specific to cloud-based networking are emerging, the first being Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which can address many enterprise security concerns.

Getting Cloud Networking Right

At Coevolve, we’ve seen immense attention on cloud networking over the last several years, with enterprises often adopting these networks with limited design or strategic plans. Implementing distributed workloads in numerous public or private clouds can create a complex, and in some cases costly cloud network environment to manage with no consistency.

The continual growth of cloud networks, and the expansion into multi-cloud can leave enterprises continuously in a chase, struggling to keep up with this pace. This can increase the need for external assistance to help provide a more manageable environment.

Additionally, cloud networking is still maturing, cloud providers remain focused on fine-tuning their offerings, and enterprises remain unaware of all available options that can address specific enterprise use case needs.

How Coevolve Can Help with Cloud Networking

At Coevolve, we take our clients on an end-to-end network transformation journey supported by our co-managed methodology, helping our clients overcome the complexity of cloud networks and achieve an agile, flexible environment.

As mentioned previously, numerous enterprises jumped too early into cloud adoption with limited design or strategic plans of cloud-centric environments offsetting complications. With Coevolve, we soften the jump landing by taking a step back to thoroughly assess, deploy, manage and optimize enterprise cloud-based environments with 100% transparency.

At Coevolve, we consider the following two factors critical to determining the right partner for a co-managed solution: experience, and trust.

Experience: As cloud-networking evolves so should the skills of the Information Technology (IT) industry. Since we were founded in 2014, we have strategically built our global team with experts who have diverse skill sets and backgrounds in commercial and technical fields. Our team embraces disruptive technologies and regularly undergo training from key partners including to build and grow skills suitable to enterprise networks.

Trust: Without trust a partnership cannot thrive. Therefore, Coevolve offers many flavors of management services, with the majority of our clients opting for co-managed services. We place a high value on transparency, remain 100% focused on exceptional customer service, and deliver the best breed of solutions suitable to your use case.

If you’re starting your cloud networking journey, or moving to a multi-cloud environment, talk to our team today to see if we can help!

Download eGuide: SD-WAN in Multi-Cloud Networking