TRANSFORMATION: Optimising IT Infrastructure with Intelligent Automation

In this third article in the series, we welcome Cisco's Rachel Henley to explore how, when it comes to IT infrastructure, the rules are being re-written by digital disruption.

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Gone are the days when you can install and walk away, safe in the knowledge that your trusty network will support the requirements of your business until the next network refresh. You need intelligent automation.

As Gartner explains “By YE20, [CIOs] anticipate that 78% of business processes will be affected by digital business opportunities and threats.”¹ 

It is for this reason that software-defined networking is much talked about. This will provide the platform for intelligent automation of the network. And now, with Cisco’s intent-based network based on a Cisco Digital Network Architecture (Cisco DNA), it has been delivered.

Why do you need intelligent automation?

Digital disruption is upon us, now. The proliferation of mobile devices. The expectation for ubiquitous and uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection. The connection of just about everything to the internet, from light bulbs to coffee machines.

IT infrastructure needs to respond. The network needs to be able to scale to support these new requirements at the speed increasingly expected and demanded by the business. Plus, it needs to be secure and it needs to respond to increasing pressures to deliver efficiencies.

Cisco’s intent-based network, built with Cisco DNA, delivers on these requirements. It's a critical change in the way the network operates. Providing the agility, security and reliability that is needed for the network to meet the new needs and demands from digital transformation - along with efficiencies in network operation.

It is delivered through the newest Cisco Catalyst 9000 family of switches, combined with a Cisco ONE software subscription and the DNA Center, which gives the capability to manage the network from a central console as a single-fabric.

What would a secure, agile and robust software defined network mean to you?

There are a number of benefits that can be achieved from deploying a Cisco DNA infrastructure for an intent-based network.

• Easier network management: Easily design, provision, apply policy and assure network services with full visibility across the entire network from the DNA Center.

• Secure policy: Define user and device profiles that facilitate highly secure access and network segmentation based on business needs.

• Simplify design: Design your network using intuitive work flows, starting with locations where your network devices will be deployed. 

• Plan more effectively: Test configurations before you deploy and fine-tune for optimal performance.

• Automate provisioning: Use policy-based automation to deliver services to the network based on business priority, and to simplify device deployment.

• Improve user experience: Monitor for trends that may impact performance and get remediation suggestions and proactively optimise your network.

• Troubleshoot faster: Get visibility of what’s happening in your network and the ability to more easily troubleshoot issues, even before they arise.

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Whatever your vision, Ultima can help you make it a reality. By utilising emerging technologies to do everything from improving customer experience to increasing operational efficiency, Ultima will ensure your business becomes smarter and faster than ever.

 - By Rachel Henley
(Network Buyer Audience Expert and Content Lead at Cisco)