Improve business resilience through modernised networking infrastructure

Across Africa, companies have adapted their business models to allow for remote work. What we have learned in the last few years is that business resilience is strongly linked to networking infrastructure and modern IT solutions.

Enterprises need more reliable networks and communications infrastructure with more bandwidth and security. The more employees who work from home, the better the networking solutions need to be. Companies need to choose a reliable networking and information and communications technology (ICT) partner that offers a seamless experience and round-the-clock support.

Business continuity relies on a solid strategy and a world-class networking model. These solutions need to be scalable and future-proof to match the company’s needs as it grows and adapts to the new way of working. However, with increased networking capacity comes increased security risks from cyber attacks and hackers. Businesses need to ensure that their ICT partners can guarantee advanced security solutions and cloud-based storage of data.

Cloud is the key for a remote workforce

Most large companies should be in the process of moving to the cloud already. Being unprepared will mean being left behind. Due to the large scale of cloud migration, businesses must ensure that they have the correct infrastructure in place and that their cloud-based servers can support collaboration tools, business applications, video conferencing and e-commerce capabilities.

Until recently, it is estimated that only 30% of companies had built appropriate networking infrastructure that could meet their remote connectivity demands. The majority of businesses were not equipped with cloud infrastructure, advanced cyber security solutions, firewalls and wide area networks that could support a remote workforce. Today, many companies have already set up hybrid networks that incorporate cloud and on-site infrastructure.

Business resilience also relies on home connections

As employees connect to the business network from their homes or remote offices, the security of the connection becomes an important part of business resilience and the ability to get the job done. This requires scalability and secure access through virtual private networks (VPNs).

Corporate and home networks both need to be upgraded to deliver the productivity required for modern business. This may entail a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), which uses software to intelligently direct traffic across the business network. It not only improves efficiency, security and reliability but can also reduce the costs of networking for the company. For companies operating with a remote workforce, managed network services may be the best option to ensure proper functionality and reliability of these new systems.

Work applications need to be cloud-based and compatible

Business resilience necessitates the need for software compatibility and accessibility for employees. Unified communications (UC) and productivity depend on programs that work with one another, such as Microsoft 365 applications. Employees need to be able to access these applications in order to collaborate on projects and complete tasks efficiently. Microsoft 365 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and PowerBI, which are all compatible and intuitive to use.

Businesses need to ensure that these sorts of tools are readily available to employees so that they can work remotely but have access to the same files and documents. Going forward, companies need to consider their networking and ICT infrastructure carefully. Seamless operation, whether working from the office or from home, will require solutions such as the cloud, SD-WAN, advanced security software and managed network services.

These technologies will continue to underpin business resilience and enable companies to set up robust networks for a remote workforce. SEACOM offers all of these services to large companies in South Africa and abroad. For more information or to get a quote for our various ICT solutions, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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