Month: April 2023

Getting the Best of All with Hybrid Network Infrastructure

Posted on by yotta@manage

In today’s digital era, hybrid network infrastructure can provide a greater advantage for businesses looking to maximise utilisation of data center network connectivity and improve the management of networks. With hybrid network services, organisations can combine both physical and virtual elements to create a more agile, scalable and secure architecture that addresses business specific needs.

This article explores the benefits and challenges associated with implementing hybrid network infrastructure. So, if you are considering hybrid network connectivity services for your organisation, read on to better understand how hybrid networks can help you achieve greater success in the long run.

What is Hybrid Network Infrastructure & What Does it Bring to the Table?

Any network infrastructure that comprises of multiple networks residing at distributed locations is essentially a hybrid network infrastructure. With a strong uptake of hybrid IT infrastructure among enterprises, hybrid networking is becoming more pervasive. Customers are moving towards borderless data centers, where network plays a crucial role. Similar to the distributed nature of hybrid IT infrastructure, where data resides on a combination of on-premise data centers, private and public cloud platforms, a hybrid network infrastructure combines networking infrastructure of every IT infrastructure platform to build a seamless, integrated network environment.

There are various benefits that enterprises can derive from hybrid network infrastructure. Since hybrid networks are designed to leverage both on-premises and cloud resources, businesses can benefit from access to a wide range of data center network connectivity services and optimal performance and scalability. Mentioned below are the major benefits of hybrid network infrastructure:

Also Read: Decluttering Network & Connectivity with Internet Peering

  • Improved Scalability & Flexibility: One of the imperatives of hybrid networks is improved scalability and flexibility. With hybrid networks, businesses gain access to a host of technologies that can be leveraged to create a network infrastructure that can scale according to the evolving business needs. By using hybrid network infrastructure, businesses can leverage cloud computing resources such as virtualization, storage and networking capabilities to provide optimal performance with high levels of availability and reliability.
  • Cost Savings: Hybrid networks are cost-effective as they help businesses reduce the hardware and resources needed to maintain on-premises infrastructure, thereby reducing expenditure. Additionally, in an age where enterprises are increasingly adopting a multi-cloud model, a hybrid network infrastructure makes it easier to connect to different cloud platforms in an integrated manner – thereby enabling seamless access to a wide range of cloud services. Further with connectivity solutions like Yotta Global Cloud Konnect, enterprises benefit from single-hop connectivity to multiple cloud platforms, thus strengthening and complementing their hybrid network infrastructure, while reducing costs and complexity.

Also Read: Why adopting Hybrid Cloud architecture is becoming a norm in the enterprise world

  • Enhanced Security: A hybrid network infrastructure provides enhanced security for data center networks. It combines elements from both on-premises and cloud-based network connectivity services. It helps create a secure connection between the two while allowing seamless access to various applications and data. Additionally, hybrid infrastructure enables organisations to have better control over data access and management.
  • Seamless Data Exchange: The most significant benefit of hybrid networking is that it allows businesses to combine existing public networks, such as the internet or virtual private networks (VPNs) with their own internal networks, creating a hybrid environment where data traffic can move freely and securely. This hybrid environment enables secure transfer of large amounts of data quickly and easily over long distances without sacrificing performance, speed or security.

Addressing the Most Common Implementation Challenges
While the benefits of a hybrid network architecture significantly outweigh the challenges, enterprises must factor in some key considerations and challenges, which can be conveniently overcome with best practices and measures.

Integration & Compatibility
One of the common challenges that hybrid network infrastructure presents is the integration of physical and virtual components into a seamless, unified solution. This requires that data center network connectivity hardware, such as switches and routers, can integrate with cloud’s software defined networks. Additionally, hybrid networks must be compatible with various services that your cloud provider or third-party providers may provide for network connectivity.

  • Solution: The best way to ensure successful integration and compatibility is to work closely with the network service provider, software developer (API and orchestration) and respective OEMs . They will often have specific experience in hybrid environments and be knowledgeable about solutions that are most suited to your applications’ needs.

Management & Maintenance
A hybrid network infrastructure often requires significant effort to manage and maintain. This is especially true when data center network connectivity and other hybrid network services must be managed simultaneously. Additionally, if the hybrid network spans multiple geographical locations or involves numerous vendors, it can create a complex operational landscape that may prove challenging to manage.

  • Solution: To address these issues, one needs to ensure the availability of automated tools, skilled manpower and robust process. It is important to have an experienced IT team in place, with clear processes and procedures for monitoring and managing the hybrid network infrastructure. Furthermore, they should leverage automation tools to facilitate simplified management of the hybrid environment across geographies.

Security Concerns
Security could be primary concern in hybrid networks due to complexity. For instance, connecting various cloud-based systems with your on-premise resources.

  • Solution: This use case must be carefully monitored and managed to protect your data from malicious actors or cyber threats. Enterprises must have a logical network segregation between various environments to eliminate security threats. Additionally, organisations must ensure that proper access control measures are in place for users across all network infrastructure components.

Transforming Success with Hybrid Networks
Implementing a hybrid network infrastructure has many benefits, from improved performance and scalability to greater flexibility. To reap the maximum advantages that come with a hybrid approach, organisations must also evaluate their existing network infrastructure, consider specific areas to address and devise the most appropriate implementation roadmap. Moreover, choosing the right service provider, with deep domain expertise, and with multiple product offerings, is a critical step to yielding maximised benefits.

Click here to explore Yotta’s Network & Connectivity Solutions.

What Is Enterprise Asset Management And Why It Matters?

Posted on by yotta@manage

Keeping a track of assets manually for any organisation is an ordeal, especially in high-value industries where the asset footprint is vast and complex. Siloed management asset lifecycle brings the challenges of lack of visibility and control, adding to the complexities. Thankfully, Enterprise Asset Management software addresses this concern. Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) combines systems and software that help enterprises manage their physical assets like equipment, vehicles, machinery, etc. and non-physical assets such as software and intellectual property. With EAM software, companies can track the complete lifecycle of their assets, from purchase to disposal. According to IDC, businesses that adopted a modern EAM system witnessed a 15–20% boost in workforce productivity, a decrease in spare part inventory stock by 20–30%, and an increase in mechanical efficiencies of 5–10 percentage points. In this article, we will explore what EAM is and what makes it essential for enterprises.

What is Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)?

Enterprise Asset Management involves using specialised software to manage an asset’s lifecycle. Asset-intensive companies use it to keep a check on their property and ensure everything is functioning as expected. Industries heavily reliant on enterprise asset management solutions include mining, energy, engineering, construction, logistics and transport, manufacturing, healthcare, government, aerospace, and defence, among others.

Besides asset tracking, the software can be used for maintenance management, work order management, inventory management, and reporting and analytics. With enterprise asset tracking solutions, companies can monitor the location and status of their assets in real-time, while maintenance management enables them to schedule preventative maintenance and repairs, thereby reducing downtime and extending the asset lifespan.

Work order management helps enterprises assign tasks to technicians and other concerned personnel, while inventory management ensures that organisations have the necessary parts and supplies to keep assets operating smoothly. Reporting and analytics offer insights into asset performance, expenses, and other metrics, thus enabling enterprises to take data-driven decisions.

Key Capabilities of Enterprise Asset Management System

  • Asset Inventory: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information on assets is vital to effectively manage maintenance and repairs and forecast needs that can arise. An EAM software streamlines asset inventory management. It will identify and catalogue all assets, including equipment, machinery, and infrastructure.
  • Asset Tracking: Companies can track asset location, usage, and condition with EAM software. They can optimise asset utilisation, reduce downtime, and track asset performance. EAM systems help ensure that assets are used effectively, and they’re in good condition.
  • Maintenance Management: An EAM system contains tools for managing preventive maintenance and corrective repairs. The maintenance teams can schedule and track maintenance tasks, identify needs, and automate the work order process. It also helps track the maintenance history.
  • Depreciation Management: EAM systems can help track the depreciation of fixed assets over time and manage related costs. It provides information on when assets need to be replaced or retired.

How Can EAM Solutions Benefit Your Enterprise?

Organisations of all sizes across every industry own assets in a variety of forms. With Enterprise Asset Management software, they can effectively manage assets as they gain a centralised view of asset information. Here are some ways in which industries stand to benefit from EAM:

  • EAM in Manufacturing
    Manufacturing businesses are under significant pressure to bring down costs, meet production targets, and maximise returns. Machinery failures must be avoided at all costs. With EAM software, manufacturers can track maintenance schedules, manage work orders, monitor asset performance, and identify potential issues before they become problems.
  • EAM in Oil and Gas Industry
    EAM software can help to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of pipelines, offshore platforms, and refineries. EAM software affords enterprises the opportunity to monitor asset health, access and analyse deficiencies, and identify potential risks. With predictive maintenance, unplanned downtime can be avoided.
  • EAM in Transportation and Logistics
    EAM can be used to manage the maintenance of vehicles, aircraft, and other assets, ensuring they are available when needed. Fleet managers can track asset performance, schedule maintenance activities, and monitor fuel consumption with EAM software.
  • EAM in Construction
    EAM can be used to manage the maintenance of heavy equipment, like excavators, bulldozers, and cranes. Companies can track equipment utilisation, schedule maintenance activities, and monitor asset health. EAM software can be used to track the location of assets, thereby reducing the risk of theft, and the availability of spare parts for construction activities.
  • EAM in Healthcare
    It’s essential that every medical equipment stays in top condition so that healthcare professionals can perform their duties and functions smoothly. With EAM software, the maintenance of medical equipment, HVAC systems, and building infrastructure can be managed. It can be used to track inventory and reduce the risk of equipment downtime and delays in patient care.

The Bottom Line: EAM Software Maximises Asset Value

Enterprise Asset Management is a critical tool that organisations should use to manage their assets effectively. As seen above, EAM software goes a long way in optimising the performance of assets and reducing costs. By providing a comprehensive view of an enterprise’s assets, EAM helps companies make informed decisions about any repair and/or replacement of assets. They can track their asset performance, identify potential problems early, and take proactive measures to prevent downtime.

Hardcat EAM, powered by Yotta, is a market-leading Enterprise Asset Management software serving the asset lifecycle management needs across industries. Deployed on cloud and delivered as a service, it includes an accurate asset register, maintenance management, asset accountability, and more. The solution enables companies to access real-time data and analytics, identify potential safety hazards, manage assets anytime and anywhere, etc. Overall, organisations have much to gain from EAM software, and utilising it can achieve operational excellence, reduced costs, and improved overall business performance.