NETWORK MANAGEMENT
Meeting the demand for corporate video caused by BYOD Managing Diversity By Darran Clare, Head of IP services, Zycko
Computers, storage, networking and communications infrastructure once operated at arm’s length from the core business, with terminals providing the only interface between the two. However, compute power has become ubiquitous; we now carry in our pockets capabilities that used to be confined to the corporate data centre or the meeting room.
Consider video conferencing for
Darran Clare considers how IT managers can meet the increased demand for corporate video caused by BYOD
example. In days gone by you booked a session in the conferencing suite. When your time slot was up, the satellite link would drop and that would be that. However, as network bandwidth has
increased, video conferencing systems have become more powerful and accessible, contributing to a predicted €33.4 billion unified communications spend by 2015 (according to analyst IDC). Meanwhile, personal video capabilities have moved from low- resolution cameras plugged into our desktops and laptops, to high definition smartphones and tablets.
In fact, video and mobile are growing
in use and converging further. High definition video conferencing solutions are now designed to support Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Much has been written about the growing bring your own device (BYOD) trend and the headache it causes IT managers. But what we really need to recognise is that if it works smoothly, this new level of accessibility is good for business. Many of us have sat waiting patiently while the boss tries to connect to the corporate wireless network with a non-standard device (such as an iPad) so that they can join the video conference.
Expect the Unexpected When something ‘unexpected’ like this happens, existing infrastructure will do its best to cope. But the truth is that legacy wireless networks were not designed for such flexibility, either in terms of connections or bandwidth management for data streams such
as video. When the network fails, IT support gets it in the neck, but the real culprit may well be a poorly conceived network design or inadequate kit. Too often, business users are seen as
part of the problem by IT departments, particularly when it comes to using their own kit. We should be sympathetic to the helpdesk operative or support engineer dealing with technical issues on non-standard equipment. But the bigger issue is that technology will continue to diversify, and that working with such diversity and maximising its potential should be seen as a strategic imperative. The good news is that network
infrastructure and management tools are also advancing. Virtualising the wireless architecture allows networks to be partitioned, affording each device its own virtual switch-like performance. Access can then be managed dynamically, according to the device types to be connected and applications to be prioritised.
So What? The point is that in the face of diversity, technology infrastructure also needs to become more intelligent, and therefore responsive to the devices we use, the information we stream and the services we need. It is about delivering an integrated set of capabilities that provide direct value to business users, and doing it well. To do otherwise is not only living in the past, it also increases risk, as the resulting environment will become less secure over time and ultimately buckle under the strain. Technology will continue to diversify and maximising its potential should be seen as a strategic priority. From the business perspective, the key is to recognise this, and ensure you’re well placed to allow both the business and its staff to reap the benefits of trends like BYOD, without creating additional IT headaches.
40 NETCOMMS europe Volume II Issue 4 2012
www.netcommseurope.com
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