The positive news for MSPs is that networking is getting easier. The part of the project that has always been costly, time-consuming, and rife with problems is finally becoming less complicated. This shift towards simplicity and ease should bring a sense of relief and optimism to the sector. So, what’s changed?
The big innovation is the development of cloud routers and switches. Used in cloud computing environments to allow communication between virtual machines (VMs), containers, and other cloud resources, cloud routers eliminate the need for dedicated hardware appliances.
Further to reducing the capital expenditure and operational costs associated with traditional networking equipment, cloud routers can easily scale to accommodate changing workload demands, meaning better performance and resource utilization.
This virtualized approach is not only easier to set up and manage, but it also offers a level of flexibility and adaptability that was previously unheard of. With a hybrid networking model, there is no need for physical on-site hardware configuration, and the entire setup can be managed remotely. This empowerment and control over infrastructure should be a source of confidence for MSPs.
Allowing Increased Vendor Choice
Today the majority of innovation is being driven by a large number of smaller companies entering the market, putting pressure on the established brands – and the established brand fans.
Newcomers such as Ubiquity can offer top-quality technology at a fraction of the price charged by Cisco or Juniper. So, nowadays, can an MSP really justify a continued blinkered commitment to just one brand, no matter how strong its long-term reputation is?
Of course, most network engineers have a favorite. However, in this industry, there is an unfortunate tendency to push loyalty to the brink. Actively praising one vendor is fine, but there is rarely any justification for the accompanying vehement dismissals of rivals.
Customers deserve the best possible technology solution and that puts the onus on MSPs to proactively explore the raft of new players entering the networking arena, their pros and cons, as well as the implications of market mergers and claims of “AI-enabled” technologies.
Investigating Innovation
Cloud routers are key to supporting the zero trust security model, which is increasingly becoming cybersecurity best practice. However, the introduction of cloud routers creates new security considerations. Being software-based, they open up new security risks - although the lack of hardware mitigates these risks of breach.
The best practice with a cloud router will be to have a replica running so, if the main router goes down, the replica can be spun up immediately to avoid downtime.
Plus, wiping the compromised cloud router, eliminates the risk of hidden vulnerabilities remaining. In contrast, the downtime associated with a factory reset of a compromised hardware router may be increased if the hacker managed to install something in the hardware vulnerability.
However, further, firewalls are built-in to cloud routers, eliminating the need for the configuration demanded by a hardware router.
There’s no denying that this is compelling new technology. And, in theory, it should encourage any network engineer and any MSP to explore the potential of it. But it is still crucial to not only consider the functionality of the product, but also look at the finances and the quality of support on offer.
This market can be confusing: complex licensing demands and a lack of usability can make it easier to default to a preferred supplier even if the technology is not the optimum solution.
Instead, it is recommended to use a trusted third party, with multiple vendor relationships and experience in sourcing and deploying a breadth of products.
Ultimately, by doing so, customers will feel secure in the knowledge that they are receiving a level of innovation that will provide a real difference to their business, while also helping them step away from the ‘one vendor’ mentality.
