We love predictions; it’s the only kind of indulgence we do at The Network Pro since workloads, client demands, and the pressure on us is such. For grossly under-funded, under-maintained networks some businesses are burdened with, these predictions could work like a torch in a damp, dark cave. Here are some of our predictions for 2013:
Networks get faster, leaner, meaner, and stronger
We know. It almost sounded like copy for an advertisement, but networks very soon will be a lot leaner. Thanks to the cloud and other network technology improvements, businesses don’t have to bulk up on networking hardware or invest in uncertain solutions or software – most solutions are “pay-and-go” while hardware problems can be obviated altogether by looking into an IaaS cloud solution, for instance.
BYOD will get support
Some business will resist and allow only company controlled mobile devices. Some businesses will want to buckle with the trend and allow users to get their own devices (BYOD) – businesses will have their own reasons, anyway. What’s going to happen for sure is that networks will be made (or customized) to accommodate this trend.
Of course, businesses will have battles to engage: BYOD policies that have to be carefully drafted, challenges with regards to control and execution, IT manpower and resources, and much more.
Yet, it’s bound to happen.
If there has to be sourcing, it has to be strategic
Vendors will no longer be the best, the cheapest, or the most popular. Instead, ever so slowly, vendor choice for businesses will be more strategic than ever. Vendors will integrate deeper into the delivery system for businesses and act more like consultants rather than just vendors. Businesses, slowly, will move from resource intensive, “We’ll do everything ourselves” mode to “Please do it for us” mode.
Networking consultants will be in demand
As the demand for networks, new technologies, and IT staff grows, businesses will soon realize that barring a few core IT specialists on a team within the company, most of the other work can be farmed out to consultants. For even smaller businesses, managing and retaining a skilled IT core group is expensive. Network consultants will be in demand, as it were. Further, it makes tremendous business sense to let network consultants chase moving targets like ever-changing technology and focus on business instead.
If you are a small business who wants to outsource to networking consultants or if you are a medium or large-sized business looking for help in streamlining, maximizing IT infrastructure, etc., do feel free to talk to us. We’d love to hear from you.
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