In many ways, a business is a lot like a building. The key decision-makers and executives are the architects, engineers, and contractors that construct the skyscraper of your organization. But it’s essential to keep in mind that, in this dynamic, your IT infrastructure is your foundation. You can construct a highly functional, scalable, efficient operation, but without a solid foundation, it could all come crumbling down. One of the core building blocks of this foundation is your network.
Here are some reasons why shoring up your network infrastructure with strategic investments can help you build a more powerful organization.
The Effects of Outdated Infrastructure
Outdated infrastructure is like a cracked foundation. Perhaps it got the job done when it was first implemented, but as you build more floors and rooms, it may not be able to handle the extra load. This results in numerous challenges, including:
Excess Costs
Even though a legacy system may already be paid for in full, it’s often more cost-effective to upgrade. This is mainly due to the cost of using old equipment—or adding other legacy units as you scale. As a simple example, suppose you have a series of legacy routers sending traffic through your organization’s network, and you have to constantly purchase new ones for different branches as you scale up.
Even though it comes with a cost, investing in an SD-WAN network solution can cut back on the purchase and maintenance of routers. At the same time, you save money on bandwidth because your SD-WAN optimizes the use of your current bandwidth.
Wasted Time
Older network components are often expensive time-sinks, requiring a lot of extra work that’s sometimes very difficult to predict. For example, you may be forced to invest time in:
- Repairing or replacing components that have degraded over time
- Pre-emptively replacing components out of fear that they may soon fail
- Sourcing and purchasing new components because the manufacturer’s warranty has or will soon expire
- Sourcing components for network expansions that are hard to find because they have to be backward-compatible with your older technology
Even though these tasks may not always take several days or weeks, they could have been avoided in many situations if you had replaced your existing tech with upgraded units or systems.
Difficulty Keeping Up with the Competition
Fans of Formula 1 racing may be familiar with the famous kinetic energy recovery system, affectionately known as KERS. It turns heat generated during braking into extra power—as much as 80 horsepower. Although it’s only one out of a huge, interconnected mass of technology, KERS has made a difference—literally pushing cars with KERS across the finish line before those without it.
The same thing can happen with networking technology. What may seem like a relatively minor upgrade can enable you to keep up with the competition. For example, switching from a traditional to a next-generation firewall can increase throughput through your network due to their dedicated threat prevention processors. This can enable you to process customer requests faster than your competition, providing a more convenient, easier end-user experience.
On the other hand, in some topologies, the reduced throughput that could result from older firewall tech could put you a step behind your competition. You’d be essentially letting them cross the finish line first.
The Importance of Maintaining a Current Network Topology
By maintaining a current network topology, you can circumvent a wide array of inefficiencies and security risks. Even a relatively simple upgrade can pay big dividends in the form of:
- Faster data access for end-users and admins
- Better access for remote workers
- A decreased risk of security breaches
- Reducing or completely avoiding significant downtime due to an incident
For example, by upgrading your network topology, you can implement a failover system that automatically spins up in the event of an incident. You could also have automatic security updates installed that keep you a step ahead of cybercriminals.
Whether you’re thinking about an expansive or surgical upgrade to your network, Robust Networks can make the decision-making process easier and provide the technology you need for a smooth, easy rollout. Our highly-skilled networking experts take the time to understand your current environment and business goals and then present you with the best options—to improve network performance while saving time and money. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you strengthen the digital foundation of your organization.