New trends emerge in network management every year, and 2023 is no exception. This year the industry is set to witness a plethora of advancements and breakthroughs that will revolutionize network administration. From the adoption of sophisticated analytics and machine learning to the proliferation of cloud-based solutions and the surging significance of cybersecurity, here are the top network management trends to watch out for in 2023.
Net wizards: AI, ML, and SDN
According to research by Markets and Markets, the network management system (NMS) market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% to reach over $14.6 billion by the end of 2027. A major reason is the paradigm shift towards artificial intelligence, machine learning, and software-defined networking (SDN).
These groundbreaking innovations will pave the way for self-configuring, self-optimizing, and self-healing networks that could revolutionize network management as we know it. The resulting automation of network infrastructure will provide unprecedented improvements in network speed, reliability, and security, while significantly reducing operational costs. Moreover, the ability to predict network behavior and continuous optimization will deliver enhanced user experiences, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Therefore, AI, ML, and SDN are indispensable tools for IT industry professionals who seek to stay ahead of the competition.
Next-gen networks
It’s now commonplace to manage IoT devices in enterprise networks with 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Wi-Fi 7, which provide reliable and secure connectivity to a wide range of devices. It has also become prevalent to adopt low-power protocols for IoT devices to conserve network resources and improve battery life. Furthermore, the use of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 and 7 has facilitated remote access and connectivity for employees working from home, ensuring their uninterrupted access to critical resources.
Built-in analysis in 5G and Wi-Fi 6 and 7 networks provides insights for network management and optimization, enabling administrators to make informed decisions about their networks. Moreover, the high speeds of 5G and Wi-Fi 7 have paved the way for augmented and virtual reality applications in various industries, improving the overall user experience. The future of network management hinges on the growing significance of these next-gen networks.
Applied observability
With the advent of modern technologies such as microservices and containers, software systems have become more dynamic and challenging to manage. Therefore, the concept of applied observability is becoming increasingly important in network infrastructure monitoring and network management systems.
Applied observability is a methodology that involves the use of various tools and techniques, such as packet capture, flow analysis, and network performance metrics, to gather data and insights into software systems’ behavior. Packet capture refers to the process of capturing packets from the network and analyzing them to identify network issues. Flow analysis involves analyzing the flow of traffic in the network to identify patterns and anomalies. Network performance metrics, such as latency, throughput, and packet loss, are also essential tools used in applied observability to monitor and optimize network performance.
Digital experience monitoring (DEM)
Digital experience monitoring is another essential aspect of network management, as it provides greater visibility and control over both managed and unmanaged networks. As businesses increasingly depend on digital services, the need for experience-driven network observability and management solutions is critical.
DEM provides visibility into every communication path and degradation point, empowering teams to identify and resolve issues that could potentially impact the user experience delivery chain. This growing need for user experience measurement and monitoring will drive the adoption of DEM. Gartner® predicts that by 2026, at least 60% of I&O leaders will use DEM to measure application, services, and endpoint performance from the user’s perspective, up from less than 20% in 2021.
Hybrid cloud migration
Organizations are embracing hybrid cloud migration as a strategic initiative to achieve a balance between security, flexibility, and scalability. Better visibility and control over the distributed network infrastructure has already resulted in the adoption of new technologies like SD-WAN and network function virtualization (NFV). This migration is bringing new skills to the networking table such as cloud infrastructure management, network automation, and orchestration. According to Cisco’s 2022 Global Hybrid Cloud Trends Report, 82% of IT leaders have adopted the hybrid cloud. Hybrid clouds are here to stay as long as the markets demand scalability, resilience, cost optimization, security, and streamlined IT operations.
To be on top of your IT game now and in future, it is imperative to choose a comprehensive vendor such as ManageEngine that can offer you a diverse suite of products tailored to meet your unique needs. And if you’re looking to adopt a holistic approach to network management, check out OpManager, a powerful network management software solution designed to adapt and evolve in line with industry trends.
