Remote offices and workers can be a valuable asset to any organization, especially in terms of cost savings and worker satisfaction. But when those workers express concerns about doing their job more efficiently, it pays to listen.
In a recent blog post, Bryan Valko, VP of sales at Virtela (News - Alert), the world’s largest independent managed network, security and cloud services company, offered up some suggestions on how to keep remote workers happy and producing.
“Branch-office staffs may be scattered around the globe, but they remain central to business operations and profitability,” Valko wrote. “Yet, how many remote-office users struggle every day with the performance of mission-critical business, Internet and cloud applications? Too many to count.”
Valko went on to point out that the use of cloud services, the Internet, video, BYOD and guest networks is sharply rising and MPLS networks are getting hammered. “CIOs trying to improve services to branch offices are also getting slammed,” he noted, “with unanticipated and unbudgeted network costs for additional MPLS and Internet capacity.”
But Valko also offered a number of guidelines for companies wishing to stay ahead of the curve and address problems before they get out of hand. His suggestions are for businesses both with and without VPN (virtual private network) connections for remote workers.
Among his suggestions are what Valko calls “must-haves” for companies looking to offer an Internet offload solution:
Network segmentation: The solution should be able to intelligently distribute user service requests via the MPLS network or separate Internet connection.
Primary network backup: The provider should have the expertise and global footprint to configure the backup Internet VPN infrastructure and supply local Internet connectivity.
Global reach: Supporting multiple branch offices demands extensive Internet connectivity through the service provider’s partnerships with countless local and regional network providers. This gives you greater flexibility, resiliency and geographic reach than traditional network providers.
Fully managed, business-level Internet connectivity: Traditional carriers just provide an Internet connection. The nontraditional service provider will furnish the router and circuit and monitor your Internet connection 24/7 to ensure uninterrupted service.
Cloud-based security suite: Network segmentation, however you configure it, requires safeguarding your LAN, WAN, data and equipment. A service provider with cloud centers located strategically around the globe can provide cloud-based security that protects your next-generation network, aligns with your security policies and eliminates the costs associated with on-premise security devices.
The preceding are just some suggestions that Valko offers. His full blog post with more insights and ideas can be found HERE.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson