Four-Step Analysis of Adopting a Next-Generation Network from a Strategic Multicloud Modernization Perspective

Our digital environment is constantly evolving. The widespread adoption of multicloud approaches and the growing importance of AI and associated technologies in data processing necessitate agility and adaptability at all layers of the application chain.

A PwC study reveals that 58% of French business leaders have adopted the cloud for a significant portion, if not all, of their activities. Furthermore, 63% of companies heavily invested in the cloud have observed an improvement in their profitability. However, to fully leverage this technology, these companies face the need to update their network infrastructures. Agility is no longer solely the domain of applications; it is essential that the network also benefits.

Four-Step Analysis of Adopting a Next-Generation Network from a Strategic Modernization Perspective:

1. Adopt Automation and Virtualization

Network agility is a fundamental step. According to Gartner data, 65% of enterprise network activities are performed manually, and only a small (but increasing) percentage of large companies automate more than half of their network activities.

Network automation platforms are at the heart of transforming manual, error-prone management into streamlined and efficient operations. By minimizing manual intervention, these platforms significantly reduce the risk of human errors and unlock substantial operational efficiency gains previously unattainable.

These platforms enable organizations to:

• Easily manage large-scale network activities
• Dynamically respond to incidents and requests
• Ensure continuous, high-performance network operations

They also enhance agility by facilitating continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) processes, allowing for rapid deployment and configuration of network resources.

Simplifying data center usage by migrating data to virtual environments reduces complexity, eases connectivity management, and improves virtualization functionality. This flexible and scalable approach leads to cost reductions, simplified management, and improved disaster recovery processes.

Adopting Infrastructure as Code (IaC) aligns perfectly with DevOps team operations, enhancing IT infrastructure management and deployment. It creates a consistent and reproducible environment, fosters collaboration, improves security and compliance, and reduces costs.

2. Address Sovereignty and Resilience

As companies expand globally, they must strengthen their operations by focusing on two fundamental pillars:

• Data Sovereignty: Ensuring compliance with local laws, avoiding legal issues, and maintaining customer trust often involves partitioning and distributing data.
• Network Resilience: Guaranteeing operational continuity despite disruptions like cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures. Data distribution makes this resilience even more critical.

By doing so, companies create a robust and secure environment for growth, with uninterrupted operations, enhanced data integrity, seamless global activities, and increased customer trust.

To guarantee data sovereignty and resilience, it’s crucial to develop a network architecture that ensures control, scalability, and performance. This optimization reduces the burden on infrastructure teams, limits configuration errors, and strengthens security. It also facilitates better resource allocation and smoother integration of new technologies.

3. Move to a Software-Defined Approach

Modernizing network infrastructure is no longer optional; it’s essential. By transitioning to software-driven orchestration and automation, companies gain flexibility and confidence in their network operations, moving beyond traditional hardware-centric models and enabling seamless, agile connections between various cloud platforms.

According to Gartner, 30% of global enterprises will use Software-Defined Cloud Interconnect (SDCI) services by the end of 2027, up from less than 10% in 2022. Recognized for their ability to connect businesses to a wide array of cloud, network, and Internet services, SDCI centers offer unprecedented flexibility and cost predictability.

Achieving this requires software orchestration and automation that integrate hardware and software via APIs. This simplifies management, offers greater flexibility, and optimizes network resources.

Additionally, leveraging essential WAN technologies is important for an SDCI approach. These technologies create a virtual network layer spanning multiple physical networks, offering increased flexibility and enhanced control through abstracted network layers. They simplify the implementation of global policies and facilitate management while reducing the complexity associated with multiple technologies and providers.

4. Integrate Agility, Scalability, and Security into the Multicloud Structure

Gartner’s study indicates that by 2025, 51% of company budgets will be devoted to developing and deploying cloud solutions.

An effective multicloud strategy isn’t just about connecting clouds but building a resilient, adaptable, and secure foundation for the enterprise. This involves avoiding vendor lock-in by adopting a diversified portfolio of Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), offering more flexibility, competitive pricing, and reducing risks associated with outages or vendor-specific changes.

It’s also crucial to adopt a zero-trust security model by applying security policies across all sites, ensuring networks are secure by design, and preventing unauthorized access and lateral movement within the network. Meanwhile, comprehensive security protocols with robust access controls must be implemented. Remaining agile in the face of new technologies and market changes is also essential.

Companies must adapt to digital evolution by adopting new network strategies. A proactive and flexible approach is vital for ensuring sustainable growth and a competitive advantage. The cloud is a key lever in the evolution of enterprise infrastructures.

Pierre Cérou,  2024 November 11th

JDN