Partner Article

Watch out for the Third Platform in 2014

IT managers face ever-increasing challenges in every area, from infrastructure to security, thanks to our growing need for sophisticated data and communications networks, combined with the diverse ways in which users access these resources.

Smartphones and tablets have seen the end of days where PCs and servers were the only devices needed to access enterprise networks.

These new age devices require wireless access, meaning network management overheads have increased as a result.

The Third Platform

The Third Platform is the name given to this movement, and incorporates social media, big data and cloud based services among other things.

Users now want and need to access all kinds of network features in ways few foresaw, meaning that most networks fall short in their capability to handle these types of interaction.

Research has shown that more users require mobility in their working practices, and whilst some IT departments are capable of meeting these demands with the support of hardware like laptops, many more workers are reliant on BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) to meet their needs.

Increased Complexity

However, it’s not just tablets and smartphones that are contributing to the increased complexity of communications networks.

Video-conferencing systems, point-of-sale devices and building management and security systems are just a few examples of other usage-types and devices that make up the Third Platform.

All of these new demands mean that there are new costs involved for those responsible in maintaining the company’s communications infrastructure.

Wired and Wireless networks

Wired network for things such as PCs and servers must still be maintained, but it’s equally important to maintain a robust wireless network, which has its own principles and protocols that differ somewhat from that of a wired network.

Security is a further consideration as users will access resources from different locations on multiple devices, some of which may not necessarily follow enterprise security protocols.

There’s no doubt that the increasing reliance on robust data networks will continue and the benefits offered by flexible, mobile working practices are clear.

However, the challenge remains in how best to accommodate the diversified demands of each of the different stakeholders wishing to utilise this infrastructure.

Cisco networks can provide valuable solutions to these new challenges when they are used effectively. Rymote is a new company that offers these solutions at much lower costs than those of using a dedicated engineer. They can help you to optimize these networks, access the best engineers and find solutions to your networking needs all at a lower cost than you would expect using remote technology.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Alastair Yong .