While traditional enterprise-networking requirements
such as reliability and cost of ownership continue to be issues
of key importance, new challenges and opportunities must also
be considered, such as:
Web-based applications
Client/server technology has heavily shaped the distributed-computer
environment IP-based applications to support securely remote usage
of tools for customer-relationship management (CRM) and enterprise-resource
planning (ERP) have ever-increasing importance. The distribution
of these applications is becoming fundamental to the successful
delivery of key company functions. Requirements for network connectivity
and last-mile bandwidth have increased significantly.
Distributed locations and users
Companies now contend with a growing number of remote locations
and users that require access to central sites or application-hosting
centres. The trend towards telecommuting and home-based working
has increased the number of remote users. Remote sites can range
from home offices requiring dial-up connectivity to branch offices.
Wherever applications reside and whatever the access method, enterprises
require seamless, secure, reliable, and cost-effective access.
Addressing a distributed environment is challenging - facing companies
with hurdles such as the available coverage area of individual
service providers, service quality over long distances, lack of
local IT presence and the high cost of service delivery. Reducing
these costs while providing required levels of security, support
and service quality has been a major challenge to the global enterprise.
Security
Security issues have impeded the migration of business-critical
traffic to IP networks. The constant threat of viruses, denial-of-service
attacks and unauthorised network intrusion have caused particular
concern. Mission-critical applications need to be available, protected
and secure for a business to operate successfully.
Business-to-business communications
The Internet model of connectivity and application simplification
has given rise to business-to-business (B2B) commerce. Enterprises
exchange data electronically with suppliers, customers, etc. These
business communications range from basic document exchange via
email to complex business extranets that enable integration of
the electronic supply chain.
Application performance
Quality-of-service (QoS) requirements have increased as more critical
business traffic runs over IP networks. Enterprises are looking
to leverage more advanced services like voice and video at near-private-line
quality, but at reduced cost. IP networks and the Internet offer
performance measurements and guarantees that demonstrate to businesses
that IP networks can support business- critical applications.
