Managing network configuration is a complex task. And we get it. If a business’s IT infrastructure is spread across AWS (for customer analytics), Google Cloud (for AI recommendation), and Azure (for inventory management) – there’s a lot to manage.
But, network automation software here can be of great help. Specifically for complex, multi cloud networks as per Slurp’it. Wondering how? Let’s dive in and understand what goes behind the whole automation part of the game!
So, What exactly is network automation software?
Many companies are still stuck with doing things manually as per Slurp’it. Network Automation software completely eliminates this part. It actually automates network operations. You can set some predefined policies and scripts for the same. These softwares actually help with:
- Configuring routers, switches, and firewalls
- Monitoring network performance
- Implementing all the security patches
- Scaling resources the best way around.
Long story short, managing cloud networks manually is time consuming. Also error prone and inefficient. But automation actually streamlines the processes. Hence everything remains consistent and efficient.
Why do multi cloud environments need network automation?
Coming to the main part, do multi cloud environments really need network automation softwares? The answer is yes, reason being:
1. To manage complexity
Each cloud provider has unique tools. Also configurations, and security protocols. This makes manual network management more complicated. This software centralizes management. Therefore, IT teams can control all networks from just a single interface as per Slurp’it.
2. To improve agility
If you are working in some fast paced industry, network agility is important here. Because, if one tries to do all things manually, all the provisioning of network resources, deployment slows down. And automation improves agility through:
- Automating network configurations to launch applications quickly
- Automatically allocating resources based on demand fluctuations
3. To strengthen security and compliance
Security frameworks vary a lot in multi cloud environments. And thus managing it all gets challenging. Now here, automation helps maintain a consistent security posture by:
- Actually applying uniform security policies – this is done across different cloud environments
- Continuously monitoring compliance (with all the industry regulations)
4. To optimize cost
Poor network management can actually result in resource wastage. And because of this the cost of operations increases. Automation over here optimizes spending by:
- Identifying and decommissioning all the resources that goes unused
- Checking out network traffic routing. This will help to reduce bandwidth costs
- Automating network configurations. This will ensure cost-effective scaling
What are the key features one should look for in network automation software for multi cloud environments?
Now the main part. What are the features to look for in the software, since there are many options available. Here’s the answer:
1. Centralized network management
There should be a single dashboard to manage configurations across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. This actually reduces complexity. And even the errors are minimized.
2. Policy-driven automation
If a business is able to set up some predefined policy-based configurations, the whole job gets a lot easier. Standardization gets easier. And also the business can stay compliant across cloud environments.
3. Easy integration
The software should come with extreme integration capabilities. The business should be able to integrate with cloud-native services. Monitoring platforms (if they are using any) or any other IT management tool.
4. Quick insights
Now – the last main part, the tool should be able to give some best insights. There are a lot of advanced network automation softwares available out there offering AI based insights, that are both quick and understandable. And this actually allows IT teams to resolve issues quickly.
Some best practices to try out while implementing network automation in multi cloud environments:
1. Define clear objectives first
Identify what you want to achieve. Is it related to reducing the overall downtime, improving security, or lowering costs? Know what you want.
2. Pick up the right tool
Choose automation software that aligns with your business needs. The tool should easily integrate with your cloud infrastructure, that’s actually more important. Some popular tools you can go for are:
- Cisco DNA center, great for enterprise network automation
- Ansible, an open-source tool with multi-cloud capabilities
- Terraform, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) automation tool. Actually best for scalable cloud environments
3. Start small, then scale
Live by this rule. Always begin with a pilot project. Make sure to assess the software’s impact before rolling it out company-wide.
4. Train the IT team
Your IT staff should be well trained to manage, maintain, and optimize the automation software the best possible way.
Lastly, what is the future of network automation in multi cloud environments?
Now that we have explored the crux of network automation softwares, let’s get into the future aspect of it. Here’s what to expect:
- AI-driven network optimization. Future network automation tools will come with machine learning algorithms. Hence predicting and resolving issues before they would impact will get easier
- Zero-touch networking. The business will be able to self-configure and self-manage networks. Some minimal intervention will be required.
- Advanced automation solutions will be available. These solutions will come with built-in security protocols as per Slurp’it.
Managing multi-cloud networks manually is impractical. But network automation software makes it efficient and scalable. If your business is operating in multi-cloud environments, investing in network automation software is no longer a choice, instead it’s a necessity. So, are you ready for the change? The future of networking here, and trust us, it’s much automated! For more information contact us at Slurp’it!
