Include phrases like “data storage” or “network management” on the agenda for any business meeting and watch your attendees suddenly find excuses to get out of it. While network management isn’t the stuff blockbuster movies are made of, companies that are looking ahead for new growth opportunities are talking about it.
Data itself isn’t all that exciting, but the use of it for predictive analytics may soon be what separates companies that weather digital transformation and those that don’t. In an era where customers expect companies to personalize everything, from marketing to customer service, the ability to make the most of the data is a critical business component.
As a result, companies also need to get away from operating in business silos and open up their network management for better integration and data accessibility. Simplifying the infrastructure to allow previously disparate departments to interact and share information is an important step for perfecting the customer experience.
The first priority with improving data storage for strategic use is the company’s leaders and line-of-business managers understanding and embracing that technology is driving the path of the business. In order to guide this process, IT needs to transition from simply providing technology services to guiding the strategy for digital transformation.
Encouraging a love for data: While line-of-business managers may start to snooze when the topic of data storage comes up, they are likely to be more energized when it’s time to discuss what that data can do for their department when harnessed to help them surpass their goals and objectives. This means talking about network management, because the new solutions for data storage, analytics apps and artificial intelligence will not all run on one system, or even in a single virtual machine.
It’s time to be flexible: In order to manage the depth and complexity that data analytics and artificial intelligence introduce, network management must make room for a new-generation of infrastructure. Utilizing tools like cluster virtualization and multi-tier data storage can introduce new levels of performance and optimization that deliver better value with lower costs.
It also requires that the walls come down between departments, and for companies to create infrastructures that prioritize data accessibility. Data may be housed in a multi-tier arrangement, with some data stored in the cloud and some on-site but all of it is available to all departments and systems. Network management operators will be able to move applications and data to where it makes most sense, maximize cost savings and it is best for security purposes.
At eXemplify, we enjoy talking about network management and getting our partners excited about it, so they can help their customers improve their businesses. Talk to us about the best strategies for helping your customers reach their goals today. Contact us for more information.