overview

The Future of the Network

What does the future hold for the network? From the basics of network monitoring and other security measures to determining the actual cost of IT, the network is the heart of the business, and IT executives must take a personal interest in network security, design, deployment, planning and operations.

New technologies, including software as a service (SaaS) or even the next generation Internet protocol IPv6, need to be evaluated against current and future business needs and weighed against budget and other resource considerations. For example, Dan Demeter, CIO of talent management company Korn/Ferry International, plans to introduce IPv6 by 2010 as part of a worldwide network upgrade for his company. He says that restructuring network routers and servers can allow faster and more reliable delivery of secure

client solutions. Demeter also wants to explore the potential of IPv6 for providing additional mobile services.

As IPv6 proliferates, IT executives will receive a significant increase in the number of addresses available for networked devices—in requests to provide addresses for additional devices ranging from mobile phones to climate control systems. And as networking moves to more ad hoc mobile networks across widely distributed WANs, keeping proper controls will become even more challenging. As a result, many CIOs believe that networking management is headed for a sea change.

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to knowing what’s happening on your network. Just remember, the future of your business depends on your network and how you manage it.

all content copyright cXo Media Inc., 2008. all rights are reserved. No material may be reproduced electronically or in print without written permission from cXo Media Inc., 492 old connecticut Path, Framingham, Ma 01701.