It’s a question nearly every business will eventually face: how can seemingly autonomous network architecture be merged with others to create a single, efficient infrastructure?

One solution is to simply start over and develop an entirely new network infrastructure that leverages cloud-based applications. This isn’t necessarily a problem for large companies and organizations with myriad resources. They have the money and personnel to start afresh.

Small- and mid-sized organizations, however, might be better served by reconfiguring and adapting their current, more traditional data centers to create an integrated application network that harnesses the power of cloud-based networks.

Recognizing the need for businesses to preserve the lifespans of their traditional systems (and squeeze more return out of their initial investments), several companies that specialize in providing network connectivity and software solutions have begun offering services designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses transition their silo-based technology architectures into the cloud without having to start over.

For businesses, this accelerates the speed at which applications can be deployed and helps drive costs down by eliminating the need for server management. It also provides improved network security.

There are now companies introducing potentially game-changing developments for small- and mid-sized businesses that will allow them to leverage cloud-based applications to create interoperability across all-flash and hybrid arrays. This means that everything from market development tools to sales and support tools to educational tools can be easily integrated, regardless of their original architecture.

Leveraging the power of cloud-based, virtual networks lets companies keep the vendors they use for each program but allows the programs to become integrated. This results in seamless operations, reduced training costs, and increased efficiencies on the back end—all of which add up to a fully integrated network.

Ultimately, companies will update their technology and transition all of their architecture to the cloud. When this occurs, patchwork solutions such as those described above will become a thing of the past. The good news for small- and mid-sized businesses—those that have already made significant investments in their traditional, silo-based systems—is that there are alternatives to starting over and developing entirely new network infrastructures.