Network Authority

Network Governance Defined

Overview

Managing next generation networks is becoming an increasingly difficult task. New devices are added to the network every day, and we are not just talking about routers and switches; specialty devices for load balancing, traffic shaping, security and wireless dramatically increase the complexity and cost of managing corporate networks. But it is more than just the increase in device complexity and the sheer number of devices requiring management that are driving up the costs of running a corporate network. New applications that require specific service levels need constant attention. Audit and compliance regimens are dynamic and never ending. Security has become so complex in nature that a full time team is required to mitigate the risk. All of these things create a reactive, fire drill environment which is not focused on optimizing the investment in the network.

The network team is forced to handle all of the demands mentioned above while balancing the need for standardization to drive efficiency and specialization to support business demands. It’s a situation that most network teams can relate to because they live it every day of the year. This reactive approach is inefficient and risky; It has created the need for a new approach to network management. AlterPoint has helped 100’s of the largest companies break out of the reactive approach and adopt a Network Governance framework to become more proactive, safe and efficient.

In most enterprises, the network is an integral part of the business and is fundamental to support, sustain and grow the business. It is easy to identify the benefits that network technology can yield; however, most overlook identifying and managing the risks associated with implementing new technologies. The purpose of Network Governance is to ensure that the network team and the network itself meet the following objectives:

• Network decision making is aligned with business objectives
• Network decision making is analyzed from a cost perspective as well as a technical perspective
• Network related risks are managed appropriately
• Network resources are used efficiently
• Financial performance of the network is measured

AlterPoint enables companies to adopt a Network Governance Framework and meet the objectives listed above. Network Governance is based on two specific tenants. The first is an open, extensible, standards-based model that enables the discovery and normalization of thousands of attributes for every device on the network. Having a real-time view into all of the hardware, software, and configuration details for every device on the network is a crucial first step in governing the network to enable intelligent automation, advanced analysis and optimization of network spend.

The second is that it be “comprehensive,” meaning that it includes detailed representations for the entire network—all devices, vendors and services from core to edge, physical to logical—as well as aggregation of a wide range of network business data.

Network Governance goes beyond the simple, proprietary point tools for change automation common in the market today and provides enterprises with the right framework for effective network management.