Stage 4: Validate

• Configuration Auditing: Verify compliance by comparing actual configurations against desired policies for internal standards, 3rd party standards and benchmarks.
• Configuration Modeling: Use declarative models to validate changes before deployment, ensuring they align with the desired configuration state of the network.
• Network State Assessment: Evaluate the operational state of devices and connections as pre/post verification or on-demand assessment.
• Topology Visualization: Ensure network design aligns with business goals and requirements with the ability to generate site documentation for compliance.
• People and Process: Establish validation protocols and train teams on interpreting results.
• ITSM Connect Considerations: Link validation results to ITSM service level agreements (SLAs).

Stage 5: Self-Operate

• API Integration: Enable seamless interactions with third-party systems for advanced orchestration.
• Service Orchestration: Facilitate interactions between network automation and external platforms.
• Workflow Automation: Design custom processes for implementing configuration changes, troubleshooting, and compliance checks.
• People and Process: Shift focus from manual operations to strategic initiatives and optimization.
• ITSM Connect Considerations: Fully integrate self-operating capabilities with ITSM systems for proactive service delivery.

By following this structured approach, organizations can evolve their networks from manual to fully automated systems, enhancing operational efficiency, security, and agility. This journey transforms the network and also positions the organization for future technological advancements and competitive advantage.

The Benefits of Automated Networks

Implementing an automated network brings a host of advantages to enterprises. Automated networks can significantly enhance operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and freeing IT teams to focus on higher-value initiatives. This streamlining of operations leads to substantial improvements in overall efficiency. Security and compliance also see marked improvements, with IDC reporting an 84 percent enhancement through network automation. Standardized security configurations across the entire network infrastructure reduce the likelihood of misconfigurations and vulnerabilities.

Automated networks also enable organizations to seamlessly scale to meet growing demands without a proportional increase in management complexity, resulting in substantial cost savings. The acceleration of new service, application, and device deployment is particularly beneficial in dynamic environments requiring quick provisioning. Furthermore, automated networks provide better visibility into operations and enable proactive remediation for vulnerabilities and exposures, leading to more stable and reliable network environments with fewer configuration-related issues.

The impact of network automation on operational stability and security is profound. Some organizations have reported up to a 95 percent reduction in network outages and have achieved 100 percent network security policy compliance through automation. In terms of efficiency gains, there are organizations who have demonstrated a 300-fold speed increase for OS upgrades compared to manual methods. Perhaps most compellingly, some enterprises have been able to implement self-operating network capabilities in as little as three months, with a return on investment realized within the first year of implementation.

Automated Networks and Digital Transformation

As businesses increasingly adopt critical applications and services, the demand for agile, automated networks has skyrocketed. This surge in demand is driven by the need for networks that can keep pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape and support digital transformation initiatives across organizations. Automated networks are playing a pivotal role in accelerating digital transformation journeys. They enhance an organization's ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technological demands across diverse, multi-vendor environments. This adaptability is crucial in today's fast-paced business world, where companies must quickly respond to market changes and customer needs. Those that don’t keep pace run the risk of becoming obsolete.

The impact of network automation extends far beyond mere operational improvements. It's creating a robust foundation for innovation and resilience in our highly interconnected world. By freeing IT teams from routine tasks, automated networks allow organizations to focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth. This shift enables enterprises to completely reimagine their capabilities and