As the networking landscape continues to evolve, organizations must stay ahead by adopting the latest trends and technologies in network management. The recent Lighthouse Labs Network Management Trends report for H1 2024, highlights several key areas driving these advancements. Here, we delve into the most significant trends that are shaping the future of network management.
1. Architecture Transformation
Network management solutions are increasingly moving towards platform-based architectures. These platforms offer efficient and consistent frameworks that simplify cross-domain integration and enhance performance. According to the report, there has been a 19.96% increase in the consumption of research reports and case studies related to network management platforms over the last six months. This surge indicates a growing recognition of the benefits of platform-based architectures in supporting dynamic IT and business initiatives.
2. Digital Experience Assurance
Ensuring reliable digital experiences across all network domains is critical for business success. However, IT leaders are facing significant challenges due to a lack of visibility into complete network paths, including internet and cloud networks. The report highlights a surge in bottom-of-funnel research into tools for end-to-end visibility and AI-enabled digital experience assurance. Over 2,158 organizations are currently researching solutions to enhance their digital experience assurance, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive network monitoring and performance management tools.
3. Security Convergence
With the expanding threat landscape, integrating networking and security domains has become a priority. The report notes a 128% increase in research related to network security solutions and over 2 million engagements with content focused on network security provision. Organizations are increasingly adopting secure access service edge (SASE) architectures, integrating network security into broader IT security functions. This integration helps address both IT and business objectives, ensuring robust security measures are in place.
4. Data Centers at Scale
Modernizing data centers to handle AI workloads and new applications is essential for meeting customer demands for flexibility and real-time information. The report records over 11,000 engagements with content related to data center modernization, focusing on AI-native platforms, hybrid cloud infrastructure, and automated provisioning. These advancements are crucial for optimizing AI workloads and ensuring efficient data center operations.
5. AI Operations
AI is playing a pivotal role in network management, particularly in operationalizing AI within data centers. Organizations are investing in AI-native platforms to gain predictive insights and streamline data center management. The report highlights a significant increase in the adoption of AI operations (AIOps) to create autonomous networks, supported by extensive research into the most popular AIOps products.
Embracing the Future
The Lighthouse Labs Network Management Trends report underscores the importance of these strategic areas in enhancing operational efficiency, security, scalability, and sustainability. By investing in advanced network management platforms, ensuring reliable digital experiences, leveraging robust partner ecosystems, prioritizing security convergence, modernizing data centers, and operationalizing AI, organizations can navigate the complexities of the evolving networking landscape effectively.
For more detailed insights and data-backed analysis, you can access the full report here.
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