Emerging technologies put an enormous strain on the corporate network, which means legacy infrastructure becomes the Achilles heel for any company trying to fast track their digital innovation strategy. In fact, 87% of corporate networks are overtaxed by the data demands of next-gen technology. Whether it’s cloud, AI, 5G, or IoT, new technologies are network-centric in nature, requiring more bandwidth to run at peak performance. That means modern, agile networks are the digital core that catalyzes much-needed change. Network modernization, however, is no longer a simple strategy of buying more bandwidth while trying to lower costs. That’s why 86% of network admins say they plan to modernize their network, but only 5% have fully done so.
Why the lackluster results?
Transformation must come with a sea change in attitude about management and cost governance as agile network solutions become more tailored. Incorporating cloud and virtual technologies, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), and secure access service edge (SASE) solutions require a whole new approach. With the growing complexities of additional network connections, service providers, contracts, invoices, and security requirements, it’s easy to see how companies have yet to address this daunting task.
To address these issues, companies use Tangoe’s Advisory Services. Our 60+ technology consultants offer strategic and logistical support for critical network modernization projects, from initial design to execution, plus deep telecom expertise to drive savings and optimize IT spending.
Here’s how Tangoe guides clients through the network modernization process.
5 Steps for Modernizing Your Network
Step 1: What’s Your Modernization Strategy?
Today’s network strategy requires a holistic approach that addresses current and future requirements, prioritizing the network’s most critical areas and ensuring alignment between IT strategies and overall business goals. For the 62% of companies whose IT teams are “severely under-resourced” for modernization, Tangoe can help clarify their strategy and understand how all aspects of their network will need to change to be on target.
To support this foundational reconstruction phase, our consultants draw on in-house and third-party expertise to act as an extension of a client’s IT team on a part- or full-time basis. We offer strategic expertise, project management, and virtually any other support clients need as they define their requirements. In addition, we can continue lending support for everything including service quoting, ordering, site visits, implementation, service migration, training, and reporting as needed. This is how one of our clients, an industrial automation company, is implementing an infrastructure refresh that increases network capacity by 300% while driving 30%+ cost savings.
Browse Tangoe’s SD-WAN Transformation Case Studies:
- Global Biotech Fast-Tracks SD-WAN Service Quotes, Drives $1M in Savings
- Manufacturer Drives $1.4M in Telecom Savings during SD-WAN Modernization
Step 2: Get (and Stay) on Top of Your Network Inventory
Inventory management is not easy, but it’s a prerequisite for any network modernization project. You need to catalog what assets you have, where your workloads reside, and develop a process that ensures every virtual and physical resource (hardware, software, circuit, and service) is always accounted for. Manual spreadsheets make it hard to gain visibility and see how each piece is being used, making it even harder to align your current state to your future state as you modernize. That’s why Tangoe does things differently.
Tangoe’s professionals can do a deep dive into your network assets, building an accurate inventory and unified digital database of your data and telecom services. All your services will be in one centralized place with tracked details including carriers, circuit locations, invoices, costs, and more. We’ll also help deliver actionable insights that further drive savings and efficiency.
Step 3: What’s Your Target Operating Model?
Not to be confused with strategy, a target operating model is a strategic blueprint that provides a holistic view of your business case (how you are justifying the proposed project) and how you plan to deliver maximum stakeholder value. This process involves getting to the bottom of what your future state will look like, including the financial and non-financial value the project will bring. Take for example:
- improved agility and innovation,
- consolidated operations,
- stronger security, and
- reduced costs.
It defines how you will achieve this, bringing it in alignment with your budget. In doing so, you can better position your company with respect to improved service delivery for clients and enhanced returns for investors.
Connect the Dots between Financial and Business Value
From creating a baseline of your current network spend to identifying where (and specifically how) your future network can save you money, Tangoe Advisory Services has $34B in market pricing intelligence to help guide you in designing a superior solution. A competitive analysis of each vendor helps you compare your current spending benchmarks against the best (and most cost-competitive) network service providers in the industry. You’ll get the best rates and terms backed by expert negotiators with in-depth data to build a powerful business case with justifications that make for easy financial approvals.
See how a financial firm leveraged Tangoe’s negotiation experts to save $10M on telecom contracts.
Learn more about our savings assessment.
Step 4: Keep Expectations Realistic
You’ve addressed your requirements and determined how to embark on a successful network modernization project, but there needs to be realistic budgets, continued support, and continued cross-functional alignment to go the distance.
Tangoe’s Advisory Services help simplify, manage, and optimize the opportunities of your modernization program, enabling you to stick to realistic expectations, better manage timelines and budget, and identify potential roadblocks along the way. This support was key for one of our clients — a semiconductor company — that successfully eliminated their unused legacy services and redesigned their network to improve capacity and performance while driving nearly 20% savings.
Step 5: Resource Your Plan Effectively
Transforming your digital core is no small feat. For many companies, challenges arise from a lack of human resources and IT professionals to do the leg work of migrating and upgrading the infrastructure. You need dedicated experts with experience, time, and support to carry your modernization program across the finish line with a smooth plan that increases business continuity by reducing downtime.
Lean on Tangoe’s advisors to assess, recommend, and project manage your network migration process. We provide expert support that has minimal impact on your day-to-day operations, helping accelerate time to completion while you focus on other strategic initiatives with peace of mind. You can continue leaning on us with confidence as you evaluate and implement new technologies.
Summary
With the explosion of digital innovation and the radical increase in demand for network resources, legacy infrastructure must be modernized to intelligently connect every aspect of the enterprise.
From cataloging network assets and baselining current services and costs, to designing modernization strategies and operations with the staff augmentation to make it all happen smoothly, Tangoe’s Advisory Services can help. Address all elements of your network modernization completely with the right skills and resources in place to do so, ensuring your transformation creates a ripple effect of innovation.
See how Tangoe’s Advisory Services can assess and optimize your current technology landscape.