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.
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.
However, leaders implementing enterprise network solutions face a slew of challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While enterprise connectivity management is incredibly challenging, the right approach makes it easier. The first step is to assess the current network infrastructure.
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.
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.
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.
After conducting an assessment, professionals should follow five best practices for network connectivity management.
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.
Standardizing network structures, devices, dependencies, and practices across all locations simplifies enterprise connectivity management, improves documentation, and reduces errors.
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.
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.
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.
Let’s discuss three effective strategies for optimizing network connectivity management within an enterprise framework.
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.
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.
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.
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.