Arguably IP is the most successful open standard ever, but as network communications converge under a single standard used for an increasing number of applications, we need to understand how effectively these critical assets are being managed. Read more in this white paper now.
January 2007 QUOCIRCA INSIGHT REPORT st Managing 21 Century Networks
Contacts: A world of convergence The Internet Protocol (IP) - used for transmitting data across networks everywhere - has Bob Tarzey moved beyond its origins. Once one of many, it has become a near standard for all types of Quocirca Ltd computer communication. It is used pervasively, transmitting data to and from a multitude of Tel +44 1753 855794 devices ranging from those in our pockets to spacecraft circling distant planets. Arguably IP bob.tarzey@quocirca.com is the most successful open standard ever, but as network communications converge under a Rob Bamforth single standard used for an increasing number of applications, we need to understand how effectively these critical a Quocirca Ltd ssets are being managed. Tel +44 1962 849746 rob.bamforth@quocirca.com . IP is the de facto commercial standard for computer communication in Europe and is fast becoming so for other types of communication Shirief Nosseir 100% of the IT and Communications Managers surveyed stated their main computer network was CA Inc IP based, and the majority are using that network for internal and external telephony as well as Tel: +44 1753 241147 video communication. This usage is widespread and not confined to niche areas. Shirief.Nosseir@ca.com . Network availability, security and performance are the most important things to monitor for effective network management Monitoring availability, security and performance were rated ahead of accessibility issues. This is not surprising as good access to a poorly performing network is not much use. . Managing network level functions like multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), quality of service (QoS) and IP Multicast were considered more important than managing actual applications MPLS allows delivery of certain IP packets to be prioritised, thereby ensuring an acceptable QoS RESEARCH NOTE: for users requiring high performance from specific applications, like voice. IP multicast conserves bandwidth and makes the network more efficient. If these functionalities are managed well, The information applications should take care of themselves. presented in this report is . Managers were generally satisfied with their ability to manage these key network based on a survey of 473 technologies, however, other network management activities fell short of expectation IT Directors and In particular, managers felt that their current tools do not provide quick access to information Managers, about the cause or impact of problems. They felt they did not have the resources to proactively Communications manage the network relative to the level of importance they placed on these activities. A similar Managers and Network gap exists in their ability to integrate network management with other management tools. Managers in Europe and . Many businesses are using managed services to help overcome these deficiencies the Middle East. It was Managed services are widely used for network security, and MPLS VPNs (Virtual Private completed in October Networks) in particular. Usage varies by country, uptake being greatest in France where the use of 2006. IP networking is at its most pervasive. . Smaller businesses (1000-5000 employees) are ahead of larger businesses (5000+ employees) Those surveyed included in the adoption of IP networking small and large Smaller businesses are less impacted by the politics of convergence. Their earlier adoption of IP enterprises within a broad networking has instilled confidence in their network management capabilities. cross section of . IT Directors are more bullish about the use of IP than the managers reporting to them industries. Without the confidence of senior management it is unlikely that such key investments would have gone forward for board level approval. CONCLUSION: Businesses are reliant on IP for the majority of their communications. Good management of IP based networks is one of the most critical tasks assigned to IT and Communications Departments The main drivers behind the adoption of IP as the single protocol of choice by business are ease of management, robustness and fact that it is the basis for the global communications network - the I... [download for more]
