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AdvantageFeb 5, 2025 9:00:00 AM6 min read

Connectivity Management Tips for Multinational Enterprises

Global organizations exist amidst a complex maze of diverse regulatory environments, increasingly challenging hybrid architectures, and demands to juggle user needs across time zones.

Without optimized network connectivity solutions, multinational enterprises struggle to navigate this maze, maintain consistency, and cultivate top-to-bottom efficiency. However, organizations with excellent enterprise network solutions have the foundation they need to launch their business toward reliable, long-term success.

This article delves into connectivity management for multinational enterprises, from the five challenges leaders must overcome to effective strategies for optimizing enterprise network management.

Let’s begin.

What is an enterprise network solution?

Enterprise network management is the process of establishing, implementing, and maintaining an enterprise network. It helps companies ensure continuity and facilitate communication while reducing costs and mitigating risks. This non-negotiable, ongoing process is integral to network wellness and overall success for multinational businesses.

An enterprise network solution is a collection of systems and approaches that enable enterprise network management. These solutions help multi-location enterprises optimize connectivity, performance, and reliability.

Top 5 challenges with enterprise network management

However, leaders implementing enterprise network solutions face a slew of challenges.

1. Hybrid network complexity

Networks with diverse environments and varying tech elements present more layers and systems, engendering greater complexity. As a result, they demand a multiplicity of integration, monitoring, and configuration strategies.

2. Poor network documentation

Maintaining comprehensive documentation is incredibly difficult within an extensive global network. Many key insights and data points slip through the cracks, leading to lost opportunities.

3. Scalability issues

Scaling complex, sprawling networks isn’t easy. Many enterprises face obstacles such as astronomical costs, long delays, or suboptimal performance when expanding their network capacity or infrastructure.

4. Network traffic overload

Enterprise-scale networks handle a widespread user base and advanced applications, sometimes causing traffic overloads. These lead to network delays, revenue losses, and productivity issues.

5. Visibility gaps

Intricate networks, evolving technologies, and rouge IT create visibility gaps by preventing real-time insights, disallowing centralized monitoring, and obscuring vulnerabilities. These gaps breed risks and missed opportunities. Blind spots also emerge via bad data-management practices or data overloads. For example, in PwC’s 2023 Global Risk Survey, 41% of respondents said poor data integration and management limited a holistic view of risks.

Assess your enterprise’s current network infrastructure

While enterprise connectivity management is incredibly challenging, the right approach makes it easier. The first step is to assess the current network infrastructure.

Importance of Network Assessment

A network assessment is a vital starting point. With an assessment of a global network's current state, teams gain crucial information to leverage while they develop network optimization strategies. Without one, teams lack the insights needed to manage and improve that network effectively.

Key Factors to Consider

While assessing an enterprise network, dig deep into its structure, analyze the effectiveness of existing tech, and focus on these factors:

Geographic distribution of locations

Bandwidth requirements

Security vulnerabilities

Scalability for future growth

User needs and application usage

Note any standout specs, especially those related to these elements.

Tools and Techniques for Network Assessment

Examples of tools for network assessment include performance monitoring software, network scanners, log analysis systems, and compliance software. Examples of techniques include vulnerability scanning, risk analysis, network mapping, and packet analysis.

5 best practices for network connectivity and management

After conducting an assessment, professionals should follow five best practices for network connectivity management.

1. Centralized management system

Implementing a centralized management framework improves visibility from top to bottom while simplifying workflows. Centralized systems also optimize consistency and compliance across locations, augment control, and expand opportunities for gaining valuable insights.

2. Standardization

Standardizing network structures, devices, dependencies, and practices across all locations simplifies enterprise connectivity management, improves documentation, and reduces errors.

3. SD-WAN technology

SD-WAN is an advanced technology that combines software-defined computing with WAN solutions to provide global interconnectivity. It’s instantly scalable, performance-enhancing, and cost-effective, making it perfect for enterprises with complex networks operating across diverse regulatory environments.

4. Security considerations

According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), “Cybersecurity requires a holistic approach… and must be integrated at all levels.” So, leaders should adopt robust and comprehensive cybersecurity measures to increase visibility and protect their global networks. Best practices for enterprise cybersecurity include conducting regular updates, implementing access control protocols, and building strong firewalls.

5. Performance monitoring and optimization

Regular performance monitoring and continuous optimization solutions are crucial for improving enterprise connectivity management. These activities allow IT teams to identify issues, address bottlenecks, and scale as needed. Strategies include fault management, load balancing, real-time reporting, and performance analytics.

Many organizations implement automated software to streamline these ongoing tasks.

Network connectivity strategies for successful enterprises

Let’s discuss three effective strategies for optimizing network connectivity management within an enterprise framework.

Developing a Network Management Plan

Creating a comprehensive, strategic network management plan helps leaders implement changes that align with business goals, achieve desired results, and future-proof their network.

Cultivating a robust plan involves key activities such as:

Clearly defining enterprise goals

Identifying key network requirements
Anticipating future needs

Developing enterprise network management strategy

Leaders should also consider expense management while planning.

Building a Skilled IT Team

A knowledgeable team with connectivity expertise is vital. IT leaders should hire strategically and continuously educate employees through ongoing training and development. And once organizations build a skilled IT team, ensuring employees are happy is essential to keeping them engaged and productive.

Partnering with a Global Connectivity Managed Service Provider (MSP)

Working with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) specializing in global connectivity is an incredibly effective strategy for improving enterprise network management. These telecom optimization experts present countless advantages, such as:

Comprehensive and proven enterprise connectivity expertise
Around-the-clock support from top-notch IT professionals
Cost-effective connectivity bundles
Access to vetted providers that offer advanced tools and solutions
Enhanced scalability
Optimized connectivity lifecycles and services

The right MSP offers all that and more, helping leaders transform their network and streamline connectivity management via a single point of contact.

Conclusion: Partner with Advantage to optimize network operations

Optimizing enterprise connectivity management is a surefire way to improve efficiency, performance, reliability, and scalability. Leaders can ensure successful connectivity management by conducting a network assessment, following five best practices, and leveraging proven strategies.

Looking to optimize your enterprise network management solutions instantly? Consider Advantage Communications Group. We’re a one-stop shop for all things connectivity, from tailored network optimization services that evolve with enterprise needs to 24/7 support from highly informed IT professionals.

Connect with our experts today to discover how our attentive, knowledgeable team can drive top-to-bottom success while cutting costs.