For many enterprises, we don’t need to sing the praises of IT automation - they already get it. They understand the value of automation, have invested in a platform and strategy, and have seen first-hand the benefits IT automation can deliver. However, unlike IT automation, according to a new report from Forrester Research 1, network automation is still new territory for many organizations.
The report, “Jump-Start Your Network Automation,” found that 56% of global infrastructure technology decision makers have implemented/are implementing or are expanding/upgrading their implementation of automation software, while another 19% plan to implement it over the next 12 months. But those same organizations that are embracing IT automation haven’t necessarily been able to take that same initiative when it comes to automating their networks.
Even if they know it will be beneficial to them, the report found that organizations often struggle with even the most basic questions around automating their networks.
What’s the hold up?
According to the report, common frustrations Forrester hears are:
- Organizations not knowing where to start
- How to start
- What to start automating
- When to scale
None of these questions were particularly surprising to us as we read the report, as these are questions we often are asked from customers when they begin their network automation journey.
One of the areas we’ve seen organizations struggle with when it comes to network automation is where to begin - with many believing they need an all or nothing approach. But that is not the case; in fact, we strongly recommend against that. Instead, deployment teams should consider starting with a focus on small, tactical problems that are common everyday struggles. Emphasizing these small wins, helps to form a foundation for a network automation strategy.
Beyond looking at common concerns, the report also examines common mistakes organizations make when it comes to network automation. The findings indicated that these mistakes will make any automation attempts far more difficult, waste precious time and money, and may set back progress for years. With those negatives weighing on organizations, it’s easy to see why network automation can be pushed to the back burner.
But these basic questions and concerns over making a mistake don’t need to be roadblocks. And network automation doesn’t need to be a complex mystery. By starting small and developing a strategy, organizations can slowly introduce automation to their networks without overwhelming admins and reap the benefits over time.
Simplified, holistic approach to network automation
Starting network automation with Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform can help organizations manage their network infrastructure throughout the entire production lifecycle -- from building your network and integrating across multi-vendor configurations, to managing day-to-day network production tasks, to helping ensure continuous compliance to check for network configuration drift.
Additionally, Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform uses Ansible’s simple automation framework, meaning that previously isolated network administrators can finally speak the same language of automation as the rest of the IT organization, extending the capabilities of Ansible to include native support for both legacy and open network infrastructure devices. Network devices and systems can now be included in an organization's overall automation strategy for a holistic approach to application workload management.
While the Forrester study brought up valid questions and concerns that organizations have today when it comes to network automation, it doesn’t need to be overly complicated and there is no reason to put off automating any longer. A few simple points to keep in mind when beginning your network automation journey include:
- Pick the right tool - one that is simple and works across vendors, like Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform. Additionally, have your network staff on board for the change in mentality. Without the willingness to change you are stuck in the old way of doing the work by hand.
- Don’t try to do too much too fast. We touched on this above - discussing how network automation needs to be consumable in bite-sized chunks. Focus on solving small tactical problems at first and as you learn, that automation can be scaled.
- Fight the urge to fall back to manual processes. Network automation will never take hold if it isn’t made a priority.
- Define metrics to track success.
If you want to learn more about network automation with Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform check out https://www.ansible.com/products/automation-platform
À propos de l'auteur
Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver reliable and high-performing Linux, hybrid cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies.
Red Hat helps customers integrate new and existing IT applications, develop cloud-native applications, standardize on our industry-leading operating system, and automate, secure, and manage complex environments. Award-winning support, training, and consulting services make Red Hat a trusted adviser to the Fortune 500. As a strategic partner to cloud providers, system integrators, application vendors, customers, and open source communities, Red Hat can help organizations prepare for the digital future.
Parcourir par canal
Automatisation
Les dernières nouveautés en matière d'automatisation informatique pour les technologies, les équipes et les environnements
Intelligence artificielle
Actualité sur les plateformes qui permettent aux clients d'exécuter des charges de travail d'IA sur tout type d'environnement
Cloud hybride ouvert
Découvrez comment créer un avenir flexible grâce au cloud hybride
Sécurité
Les dernières actualités sur la façon dont nous réduisons les risques dans tous les environnements et technologies
Edge computing
Actualité sur les plateformes qui simplifient les opérations en périphérie
Infrastructure
Les dernières nouveautés sur la plateforme Linux d'entreprise leader au monde
Applications
À l’intérieur de nos solutions aux défis d’application les plus difficiles
Programmes originaux
Histoires passionnantes de créateurs et de leaders de technologies d'entreprise
Produits
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- Red Hat OpenShift
- Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform
- Services cloud
- Voir tous les produits
Outils
- Formation et certification
- Mon compte
- Assistance client
- Ressources développeurs
- Rechercher un partenaire
- Red Hat Ecosystem Catalog
- Calculateur de valeur Red Hat
- Documentation
Essayer, acheter et vendre
Communication
- Contacter le service commercial
- Contactez notre service clientèle
- Contacter le service de formation
- Réseaux sociaux
À propos de Red Hat
Premier éditeur mondial de solutions Open Source pour les entreprises, nous fournissons des technologies Linux, cloud, de conteneurs et Kubernetes. Nous proposons des solutions stables qui aident les entreprises à jongler avec les divers environnements et plateformes, du cœur du datacenter à la périphérie du réseau.
Sélectionner une langue
Red Hat legal and privacy links
- À propos de Red Hat
- Carrières
- Événements
- Bureaux
- Contacter Red Hat
- Lire le blog Red Hat
- Diversité, équité et inclusion
- Cool Stuff Store
- Red Hat Summit