Network management teams nowadays focus on quick response, performance, agility, and low total cost of ownership. That is why they are turning to cloud technologies such as software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, which offer flexibility at a low price. SaaS may be swiftly deployed and customized to meet specific requirements, providing time-saving capabilities like automation and event correlation across heterogeneous networks.

The network management sector is always changing and expanding in a tech-driven world where more data is created daily. Network managers use enterprise IP planning, artificial intelligence, machine learning, analytics, automation, and cognitive computing to improve service delivery.

Cloud computing 

The rise of cloud computing is the most significant network management trend. Businesses may access their data and apps from anywhere using cloud computing. This provides them with significantly greater scalability and flexibility than traditional on-premises solutions. Cloud computing is less expensive because users only pay for what they use.

Intelligent networks

In the next few years, we will see a big transition toward intelligent networks that can self-optimize, self-configure, and self-heal. Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking advancements will make this possible. These technologies will aid in reducing human error, lowering expenses, and increasing efficiency.

This capability is crucial for firms with vast, worldwide networks attempting to meet increasing customer expectations while lowering operational expenses. Furthermore, intelligent networks promise to improve user experience by allowing for more predictable network behavior and continual tuning.

The rise of mobile devices and BYOD

BYOD has become increasingly popular recently as more employees use their computers, cell phones, and tablets for work. As a result, improved network management solutions are required to assist IT workers in keeping track of all network devices and ensuring they are properly set. According to a Mordor Intelligence report, 85% of firms established BYOD policies in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Organizations with effective BYOD programs or who have only recently begun studying this area must build strategies today to be ready to implement new policies and procedures in the future.

Architecture with zero trust

The emergence of zero-trust architecture is the top network management trend to keep an eye on. This security paradigm presumes that all users are untrustworthy and validates each user before providing them access to company resources.

Traditional security models are no longer viable against today’s complex cyber threats. Hence this approach is gaining traction. The advantages of zero-trust architecture include lower costs, greater security, and increased efficiency.

Cloud-based analytics

With the emergence of cloud-based analytics solutions, businesses can easily track and manage their networks. The demand for real-time information, the flexibility of the cloud, and the capacity to scale quickly are driving this trend. IT teams can employ analytics tools to monitor all elements of application performance, from infrastructure issues to user experience concerns.

As a result, IT staff can spot issues before they affect company operations or end users. These solutions, which use big data analytics at their core, provide a full picture of what’s going on with the network at any given time, allowing you to take action before service degradation happens.

Software-defined networking (SDN)

​​ The control plane and data plane are decoupled in a software-defined network, and the control plane is implemented in software. This offers better network management flexibility and agility.

SDN will grow essential in the future as it enables more complex networks to be handled more efficiently. Companies can use this technology to select their hardware or vendor while maintaining complete control over their network settings.

Automation and AI

The use of automation and artificial intelligence in network administration will continue to expand in the coming years. This is owing to network complexity, the desire for speedier issue resolution, and the drive to lower operational expenses. As these technologies advance, they will be able to tackle increasingly complex jobs and add much more value to enterprises.

Automation tools, for example, can use an API (application programming interface) to access the company’s systems to replace typical operations such as setting up new services or updating software.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence-powered analytics and optimization algorithms can monitor day-to-day operations across numerous devices with little or no human intervention.

Their ability to evaluate data quickly allows them to identify patterns people would otherwise miss. While people focus on high-level decision-making, automated technologies will perform more duties.