Extra capacity is extra expensive in bandwidth-strapped SA. Initial focus on a 'big pipe' for data streams is therefore complemented by tighter scrutiny of what goes down the pipe, how, when and why.
 
Cost-conscious companies are increasingly reluctant to throw more money at network capacity, says Peter Furneau, technology marketing manager of Channel Data, especially when they have already invested in a bigger 'network pipe' after assurances that size does the trick.
 
Channel Data, a provider of solutions and consultancy services in the field of network optimisation and data storage, serves companies in all sectors. From financial services to logistics, network priorities are moving from more pipe to more insight, says Furneau.
 
This, he adds, explains wide interest in the latest version of Juniper Networks WX Central Management System (CMS) software. Version 5.2 is designed to reduce the time and costs required to roll out application acceleration services, automate critical provisioning functions and optimise the network key issues for large enterprises and managed service providers (MSPs) delivering application acceleration services.
 
WX CMS software aims to simplify the configuration and management of multiple platforms across geographically dispersed networks, deriving precise data on network utilisation from WAN acceleration (WX) and WAN acceleration cache (WXC) devices, he says.
 
Granular visibility to highlight the microscopic detail of traffic flows is now a key business requirement, adds Furneau. He explains: A five-minute average is no longer enough. Business wants a snapshot of all network activity in exact detail minute by minute.
 
To unlock savings and free bandwidth, business needs insight and oversight, not averages and assumptions. This is why the promise of centralised visibility through Version 5.2 attracts such interest.
 
Executives peep into the existing 'pipe' and see chaos down there. However, if they can police the traffic, they can create extra capacity where it is needed, speed response times and save money as centralised management of dispersed platforms can contain the total cost of ownership.
 
By limiting some network activities and prioritising others, they not only ease bandwidth congestion and contention they also ensure mission-critical operations are not compromised.