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Unlocking Network Insights: The Power of Observability for Mid-Market Businesses

13 January 2025 Time to read: minutes

In today’s interconnected world, mid-market IT leaders face the challenge of managing increasingly complex networks. As organisations grow and adapt to new technologies, the ability to gain deep insights into network performance becomes crucial. Enter network observability – a game-changing approach that’s revolutionising how businesses monitor and optimise their IT infrastructure.

Beyond Traditional Monitoring

Network observability goes far beyond traditional monitoring methods. It provides a comprehensive view of your entire network ecosystem, offering real-time insights into performance, security, and user experience. For mid-market companies, this level of visibility can be transformative, enabling proactive problem-solving and strategic decision-making[4].

Consider the case of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT). When faced with the challenge of creating a cutting-edge networking solution for their new STEM facility, they turned to Trustmarque for expertise. The result? A fully connected environment that supports multiple users from different education providers, each with their individual devices[1].

Real-Life Impact

The impact of network observability extends far beyond IT departments. Take, for instance, the National Trust, a beloved British institution. By implementing advanced networking solutions, they’ve been able to enhance their conservation efforts and improve visitor experiences across their numerous sites[2]. This demonstrates how network observability can have tangible benefits for organisations of all types.

Empowering IT Teams

For mid-market IT leaders, one of the most significant advantages of network observability is the ability to do more with less. As Michael Burke, Operations Director at GBSIoT, notes, “The Cisco network gives our staff and students new ways of working, from the cloud to the Internet of Things, helping us offer a world-class learning experience”[1]. This level of efficiency is crucial for mid-market companies looking to compete with larger enterprises.

Security and Performance Hand-in-Hand

In an era where cyber threats are ever-present, network observability plays a vital role in maintaining security. The Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) deployed at GBSIoT provides full visibility and control over who, what, where, when, and how devices connect to the network[1]. This level of granular control is essential for maintaining a secure environment without compromising on performance.

The Future is Observable

As we look to the future, the importance of network observability will only grow. According to recent industry reports, the global network monitoring market is expected to reach £2.5 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.6%. This growth is driven by the increasing complexity of networks and the need for more sophisticated monitoring tools.

Conclusion

For mid-market IT leaders in the UK, embracing network observability is not just about keeping up with technology trends – it’s about gaining a competitive edge. By leveraging solutions like those offered by Cisco and implemented by partners like Trustmarque, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency, security, and innovation.

As we’ve seen from examples like the GBSIoT and the National Trust, the real-world impact of network observability can be profound. It’s not just about managing networks; it’s about empowering organisations to achieve their goals, whether that’s educating the next generation of engineers or preserving Britain’s natural heritage.

In an increasingly connected world, the ability to see, understand, and act upon network insights is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. For mid-market IT leaders, network observability offers a path to not just keeping the lights on, but illuminating the way forward for their entire organisation.