It’s difficult to operate today’s networks with yesterday’s technology. Many networks have grown organically over the years to keep up with user demands but have become challenging to manage in the process. As organizations scale, the complexity of legacy IT systems can strain performance and make it challenging to add locations or new capabilities to meet operational needs.

Older components with outdated protocols, for example, can struggle with the demands of integrated cloud workloads that also require more bandwidth. Likewise, the sheer number of devices connected to a network over time adds to the maintenance requirements for IT teams. Routers, switches, wireless access points, IP cameras, and security devices all require configuration and updates that take time — time that could be better spent on technology initiatives that improve organizational competitiveness.

These are just a few of the reasons that six in 10 technology leaders say their organizations’ IT modernization programs are not yet ready for the future, while 67 percent say they need greater infrastructure flexibility. Making networks simpler to manage and easier to scale has become essential to prepare organizations for the future.