Constructing a cloud-ready network to power your organisation’s digitalisation journey can be likened to scaling your own version of Mount Everest. It might look far less dangerous, and is certainly closer to the ground but failure to take into account all the minute details can derail your journey, and prove just as costly.
Much as how climbers must engage the services of an experienced Sherpa to summit the world’s highest peak, you’ll need to enlist a proven and knowledgeable provider to create your cloud-ready network. They can help you overcome the various hurdles along the way, and set both your network and business up for success.
We’ve compiled a list of potential challenges and illustrate how teaming up with a cloud-ready network specialist can enable you to overcome them.
Challenge #1: Constructing a tailored network for your unique business needs.
Solution #1: A cloud-ready network specialist can create a custom-built network to fulfil your distinct multi-cloud connectivity requirements. The network should be agile, flexible and scalable, with predictable performance.
To execute this, specialists draw on a holistic suite of solutions – including top-notch software-defined technologies and extensive global infrastructure – plus relationships with local providers for robust in-country coverage.
Challenge #2: Ensuring that the Internet underlay is properly designed.
Solution #2: A well-built Internet underlay is pivotal for network functioning, especially for enterprises deploying hybrid-WAN configurations to provide blended working arrangements. The underlay facilitates the smooth running of the overlay, and is crucial for Internet visibility and security.
A cloud-ready network specialist can help you design the ideal Internet underlay – one that’s backed by sprawling submarine and terrestrial cables and multiple PoPs in key areas. They will also be well-equipped to resolve intermittent middle-mile issues; and deliver visibility through the appropriate monitoring tools.
Challenge #3: Navigating regulatory and compliance requirements.
Solution #3: Besides deep insights into a region, a specialist will ideally possess strong local partnerships and on-the-ground infrastructure. They’ll thus be well-equipped to navigate highly fragmented regulatory environments.
For instance, they can help you avoid European data-privacy violations by including GDPR considerations into network design. They’ll also have the sufficient in-country footprint to ensure that your network complies with the Chinese cybersecurity law.
Challenge #4: Implementing effective network monitoring and security.
Solution #4: Proactive monitoring is essential to keep your network strong and safe. A cloud-ready network specialist can leverage automation and AI tools for optimal monitoring and security assurance.
Specialists usually offer pre-empting performance degradation via automated ticketing and real-time alerts; and unified reporting through integrated portals with open APIs. In some cases, they will also have Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) capabilities that combine WAN and network security into a single model that is more agile.
Challenge #5: Making network management seamless and intuitive.
Solution #5: As your network becomes increasingly complex, it’s all the more crucial to achieve seamless network visibility, integration and management.
This is where a cloud-ready network specialist can help simplify things with a unified dashboard to monitor application performance and network visibility – including underlay access, and the SD-WAN, cloud and security overlays. This paves the way for effective troubleshooting and remediation.
Challenge #6: Receiving 24/7 service and operations support.
Solution #6: Want your network to get the proper maintenance it deserves? Simply pair up with a single cloud-ready network specialist that offers high-quality, far-reaching support.
Besides end-to-end service assurance and on-the-ground support teams, they’ll have the ability to conduct global, round-the-clock predictive network monitoring and management – so that any issues are quickly identified and resolved.
Singtel is an ideal choice for a cloud-ready network specialist, with a proven track record of helping diverse clients establish successful global networks – and it can do the same for you. Besides accompanying Fortune 500 companies in their digitalisation journeys, the provider has picked up various accolades: including being named a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Next-Gen Telcos Telecom Services Vendor Assessment for 2018 and 2020, and winning numerous Frost & Sullivan APAC Best Practices Awards.
Singtel network-building strategy comprises three crucial elements: the right design and solutioning; the right infrastructure; and the right operations, people and skills. This includes a holistic suite of the latest software-defined connectivity solutions; the ability to design a custom-built system tailored to your unique business needs; and the required manpower and expertise for robust service management and on-the-ground support.
