Navigating the innovation versus risk conundrum with smarter network infra

Today’s IT leaders are harnessing the potential of disruptive technologies such as 5G, AI, and IoT to introduce innovative solutions that redefine the operational capabilities and scale offerings of their businesses. In fact, as per IDC’s report1, expenditure on digital technology by organizations is expected to outpace the economy, growing at twice the rate in 2024, as market demands are compelling companies to expand digital business models and bolster digital capabilities.

However, such innovation can come at a price. Introducing new technology to an organization broadens its vulnerability to cyber-attacks and may pose additional stress on legacy networks, causing a slowdown in performance. This, in turn, creates pressure on already stretched IT teams and can dampen a business’s appetite to innovate which could damage their competitiveness and relevance.

IT leaders must tread a fine line between the deployment of innovation-boosting tech and the management of increased cybersecurity risk. How are they faring in this task? Therefore, understanding how companies are currently balancing the two areas and the level of awareness among IT leaders around the network’s ability to solve the conundrum — if the right architecture is in place, is vital. 

The innovation imperative

You cannot argue with the fact that innovative businesses are successful businesses. However, to trailblaze and optimize, a business needs an open-minded approach to technology. Technology advancements enable businesses to expedite and optimize the process of conceptualizing, testing, launching, and scaling new ideas and solutions, making it more efficient and cost-effective. The result is a competitive edge. 

The prospect of strengthening business operations, employee experiences, and time-to-value of their company’s offerings is why IT leaders are keen to deploy disruptive technologies. Tapping into new revenue streams is yet another reason – in fact, most IT leaders agree that digitization is fundamental to their ability to unlock such streams in the next 12 months.

Indian business leaders are already taking the necessary steps to unleash transformational digitization. As per PwC’s report, 55% of Indian organizations are planning to allocate investments in AI, ML, and automation technologies in the upcoming 1-3 years. However, a variety of obstacles are preventing IT leaders from fully unlocking the potential of technological advancements.

The roadblocks revealed

The demand for innovation has led to an influx of cloud-based technologies. This, paired with global business trends such as hybrid working, means that IT has more users, devices, locations, applications, and cloud services to manage. This results in protecting more surface area which can be problematic in legacy network architecture where users and devices connect directly to the company’s network.

Are IT leaders able to handle this increased oversight, keeping rising cybersecurity risks at bay while rolling out new deployments? Not really, as nearly 38% of Indian organizations have acknowledged cyber risks as the significant threats they have encountered, as per PwC’s report.

The challenge is inescapable: businesses must innovate to stay relevant and embrace next-gen technology. However, their vulnerability to threats will escalate once they proceed. So, how can IT leaders effectively further digital transformation without overlooking the growing risk? And where is the network in all this?

Solving the disconnect with a strong network

In the wake of post-Covid hybrid models, organizations across India embraced them without reservation. Unfortunately, the absence of adequate security measures has led to several data breaches for employees working on unmanaged devices.

Many IT leaders are optimistic about the potential for an optimized network, that provides both protection and connectivity, to help them achieve safer transformation. However, businesses have been taking the siloed approach to their network and security investments by using numerous add-on security solutions to fill vulnerabilities after each new tech deployment. Therefore, not capitalizing on a consolidated network structure that’s truly capable of supporting safe digital modernization.

This role is best suited for a unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution, where security and networking siloes are diffused, delivering an integrated, collaborative platform for cross-functional teams to innovate within. The implementation of the SASE-as-a-service model offers remarkable business benefits. By outsourcing network and security management, enterprises can enhance their focus on technological innovations, mitigate risks associated with multiple cloud usage, and expedite innovation through accelerated cloud adoption. Moreover, it can ensure a consistent application experience aligned with evolving business strategies, reduce the total cost of ownership for network and security operations, amongst others.

There is an incredible opportunity for IT leaders to harness. Empowered by next-gen networking that provides the right tools and solutions to both protect the organization and liberate it to create great user experiences, the CTO, CIO, and CISO have the power to take their organizations to greater heights.

Prakash Krishnamoorthy

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Prakash Krishnamoorthy is Director - India at HPE Aruba Networking