Disaster Recovery Journal Spring 2023

Top Tools for Network Optimization: Security, Reliability, and Efficiency in 2023 and Beyond

By JAMES CAPUANO

I

f the last few years have proven any thing, it’s the importance of connectiv ity – and the quality of the underlying network – cannot be overstated. The foundation of any great organization is its ability to collaborate, communicate, and ensure reliability across operations. In the face of disruption, the first thing everyone doubles down on is networking and IT. Whether from political unrest, global pandemics, or a continued push to close digital gaps in the existing fabric, we’ve

seen connectivity become more resilient, secure, comprehensive, and fast in recent years. That trajectory cannot afford to slow down. As we forge ahead into 2023 and beyond, there are key considerations which all organizations must acknowledge to keep their networks ready for anything. How Our Connectivity is Changing Before we discuss how networks must continue to evolve, let’s take stock of how connectivity requirements have changed

and what trends are driving optimization. The shift from pre-pandemic to post pandemic operations has impacted how connectivity is provisioned and utilized. The massive shift from centralized offices to mobility-oriented, work-from-home enabled platforms was a notable catalyst for change. Hybrid models pushed busi ness networks to become more agile, enabling teams to connect from anywhere (where possible), but it also added new attack vectors, heightening awareness of network security and vulnerability. As a

44 DISASTER RECOVERY JOURNAL | SPRING 2023