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While the rate at which technology changes becomes increasingly faster, so does the changing of network needs. Throughout 2017, we’ve seen that speed, security and availability continue to keep their hold on driving network technology. However, what emerging technologies and processes will push networks into 2018?

As we look into 2018, one technology that will drive networks is SD-WAN. Having its roots in Software-Defined Networking (SDN), SD-WAN provides increased network agility and reduces costs. Furthermore, SD-WAN provides the ability to manage multiple types of connections, not just one. Don’t just take our word for it, Gartner reported that SD-WAN is expected to become a $1.3 billion market by 2020.

Hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) is another fragment that we’ll start to see have a larger effect on networks. So much so, that by 2019, the hyper-converged systems market is expected to be worth $5 billion, reaching a mainstream level. While converged infrastructure (CI) is also popular, HCI takes a software-defined approach. Think more automation and easier expansion with one preconfigured box of converged infrastructure.

We mentioned above that security remains at large, as a considerable need. However, changes are afoot for the future and one area paving the way is security automation. As networks become more complex, the effects of manually managing them become far more difficult. In theory, security automation could allow immediate response to incoming threats without human interaction. Security automation is defined as the process to investigate and remediate cyber threats intelligently. It would help solve alert fatigue; the time it takes to find a resolution and operational inefficiencies.

While we know the fundamentals of what networks need such as security, availability, and speed, it’s these emerging steps and technologies that will carry its effectiveness well beyond 2017. Stay tuned for what’s to come in the new year!

Sources:

https://www.gartner.com/doc/3650817/market-guide-wan-edge-infrastructure

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/450295659/Hyper-converged-infrastructure-tipped-for-mainstream-datacentre-adoption-within-five-years

https://www.csoonline.com/article/3193035/security/security-automation-is-maturing-but-many-firms-not-ready-for-adoption.html

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