In this episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV, host Katie Bavoso sat down with Vandis CEO Andy Segal and CTO Ryan Young to discuss the critical importance of future-proofing and securing network infrastructure — plus, how emerging technologies like private 5G create new opportunities and challenges for hybrid organizations.
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The importance of a future-proof network infrastructure
As companies continue to embrace hybrid work environments and leverage cloud technologies, the need for a robust and scalable network infrastructure isn’t just growing — it’s also growing more complex. The ability to seamlessly connect various components, such as data centers, branch offices, and hybrid cloud environments, is crucial for businesses to operate efficiently and effectively.
That’s why future-proofing your network infrastructure is so critical for business longevity. “If you’re not able to provide the same level of access that all of your employees were used to when working from the office [when they’re] working from home,” advised Ryan Young, CTO of Vandis, “you’re actually losing money, with employees not able to access web portals or enterprise resources that they need to conduct everyday business for the organization.”
And that, Young said, is where Vandis can help. “We provide our customers with both networking and security options and really help them connect their hybrid cloud environment, their data center environment, and their branch environments into a scalable and manageable global infrastructure.”
Hybrid work environments’ impact on cybersecurity
The shift towards hybrid work environments has also brought about changes in cybersecurity strategies. In the past, many businesses neglected to protect their internal applications from the external internet. Now, the work-from-home transition has prompted the increasing deployment of web application firewalls, better securing the entire network infrastructure.
Young emphasized the importance of micro-segmentation and role-based access control (RBAC) in the context of cloud environments and the evolving Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) paradigm. By adopting solutions like Aruba’s CX 10000, AMD Pensando, and VMware NSX, businesses can ensure the secure and efficient transmission of data from its origin to its destination, irrespective of the user’s location.
Private 5G: The next step in network infrastructure
Private 5G is an emerging technology that offers businesses the opportunity to have their own 5G infrastructure instead of relying on large carriers. While the technology is already available, widespread adoption is still in its early stages. Vandis believes that private 5G will revolutionize the Wi-Fi space and recommends that businesses start exploring its potential now.
“What we’re starting to see is people are looking at the private 5G space as the next step in Wi-Fi,” said Young. “[And] the next step, really, is going to be availability of the hardware to the enterprise.”
How can businesses start preparing for that upgrade?
Vandis recommends several strategies for businesses to future-proof their hardware stack, including:
- Investing in modular equipment that supports field upgradability.
- Standardizing on a singular platform to simplify management.
- Engaging in regular lifecycle management reviews.
- Staying informed about emerging technologies such as private 5G.
From a vendor perspective, Vandis focuses on partnering with vendors that align with their clients’ needs and offer reliable support. Collaborative partnerships, solid documentation, and a stable support network are essential factors in delivering exceptional service to clients.
How Vandis delivers exceptional service to clients
One of Vandis’ recent success stories involves a multinational manufacturer with large-scale facilities operating 24/7 in as many as 30 different countries. Vandis CEO Andy Segal explained, “They recently came to us and said, ‘We’d like to tighten it up a little bit. We’d like to have your tem, your engineers and your project managers, come in at the very inception of our planning, so that we can develop the solutions together.’ And we started to do that.”
Before implementing Vandis’ turnkey platform, Young said, the client was provisioning approximately one to three manufacturing sites per year. With the new model, they did seven sites in about nine months.
It’s that level of understanding and collaboration — and resulting efficiencies — that Vandis seeks to bring to all of their partnerships. Segal urges prospective clients not just to visit the website, but call and speak directly to himself or Young. They’re ready to listen, and eager to help businesses of all sizes future-proof their network infrastructure for the era of hybrid work, private 5G, and beyond.
Tune in to the video or podcast above for more insights from Katie Bavoso and Vandis’ Andy Segal, CEO, and Ryan Young, CTO — and be sure to like and subscribe for future interviews with solution providers and thought leaders, plus special episodes and opportunities!
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