The Evolving Landscape of Data Center Network Automation

Assessing the State of Data Center Automation

Data centers are becoming increasingly complex, and network automation is critical to most enterprises. Therefore, finding a way to operate more flexibly and efficiently should be on every company's to-do list. However, even for entities poised to benefit the most from automation—such as communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises managing extensive, dispersed data centers—actual implementation has been sluggish. Encouragingly, signs of progress are beginning to emerge.

Earlier this year, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) conducted a survey of hundreds of IT leaders spanning the United States and Europe, representing companies across various sizes and industries. Almost unanimously, participants acknowledged that data center network automation holds the potential to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate security risks, ensure compliance, and bolster digital agility. Nearly 90% of organizations intend to escalate their investment in automation tools within the next two years. However, amidst these promising findings, a notable caveat emerged: nearly 77% of technology professionals perceive substantial room for improvement in their current automation strategies.

What do IT organizations aspire to achieve through data center network automation, and what obstacles impede their progress? Here's what industry insiders are reporting.

Data Center Network Automation Exceeds Expectations

A recent survey conducted by EMA targeted 359 technology experts involved in implementing data center network automation strategies, spanning from frontline network engineers to C-suite executives. The overarching message is crystal clear: while IT leaders might have been skeptical about the benefits of data center network automation in the past, they now harbor high expectations for its potential.

Over 40% of respondents anticipate that automation will enhance operational efficiency and diminish the dependency on manual tasks within their data center operations. Moreover, more than a third foresee automation as a means to mitigate security and compliance risks, with nearly equal numbers envisioning it to bolster agility, fortify resilience, and expedite their organization's response to network challenges.

Notably, the mainstream technologies of InfiniBand currently offer speeds of 100G and 200G, denoted by proprietary terms such as Enhanced Data Rate (EDR, 100G) and High Data Rate (HDR, 200G).

Equally encouraging is the fact that the majority of organizations are not merely discussing automation but actively implementing it. Nearly 90% of surveyed professionals indicate that their organizations intend to increase their budget for data center network automation over the next two years, with 35% expecting a substantial rise. They express confidence in the positive outcomes of these investments, with over half anticipating automation to yield returns within two years and 37.5% foreseeing a Return on Investment (ROI) within three years.

Persistent Obstacles

Considering these findings, one might assume that we are on the verge of agile, automated data center networks becoming standard for nearly every business. However, progress isn't as swift as it seems. Despite notable advancements, automation vendors still face challenges. Foremost among these is the need to alleviate confusion stemming from the abundance of tools available on the market.

Considering these findings, one might assume that we are on the verge of agile, automated data center networks becoming standard for nearly every business. However, progress isn't as swift as it seems. Despite notable advancements, automation vendors still face challenges. Foremost among these is the need to alleviate confusion stemming from the abundance of tools available on the market.

Considering these findings, one might assume that we are on the verge of agile, automated data center networks becoming standard for nearly every business. However, progress isn't as swift as it seems. Despite notable advancements, automation vendors still face challenges. Foremost among these is the need to alleviate confusion stemming from the abundance of tools available on the market.

More than 98% of IT leaders reported using automation tools from vendors rather than relying solely on individual scripts. While this shift is significant, it underscores the inadequacy of traditional scripting methods in meeting the demands of modern distributed data centers. Yet, when selecting tools, respondents often encounter more questions than answers.

EMA identified a common scenario among vendors: introducing a tool that automates specific tasks, such as configuration changes, without addressing other aspects of the network lifecycle, such as design and assurance. Subsequently, vendors expand into these areas, leading to rebranding and an array of automation options. However, this proliferation of tools exacerbates confusion about their functionalities.

Nearly half of respondents indicated using two different network automation tools, and over a third use three or more. This complexity is compounded by the use of in-house automation software by 93% of organizations. Consequently, operational complexity persists, despite efforts to streamline processes. One respondent from a $25 billion global enterprise remarked, "We had five different automation tools that we would have to update. So, it used to take me five or six hours to get something done with automation."

Moreover, "automation" often falls short of being fully automated. Nearly half of respondents admitted to manual data gathering, such as consulting spreadsheets or logging into devices, before implementing changes. Additionally, 51% noted that manual data gathering negatively impacts automation. Respondents also expressed dissatisfaction with vendor tools, citing inflexibility in supporting their organization's unique data center architecture and security and compliance requirements.

FS Empowering Data Centers with Reliable and Scalable Solutions

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FS empowers data centers with reliable and scalable solutions, offering switches from 10G to 400G and future 800G products. Serving industries like finance, education, and telecommunications, we provide expert guidance, ensuring tailored solutions that align with business goals.

Conclusion

Choose FS as your trusted partner for empowering your data center with reliable, scalable solutions. Our cutting-edge technology, expert guidance, and comprehensive product portfolio ensure optimal performance and tailored solutions for your unique requirements. With FS, you can embrace data center network automation and unlock the full potential of your data center in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.