IP Communications Featured Articles

Today’s enterprises are increasingly looking to transition more of their applications to the cloud. Unfortunately, they are discovering along the way that their networks simply aren’t resilient enough to handle an uptick in network traffic or the tedious process of prioritizing heavy volume and different types of traffic.

So, how did this happen? James Whitemore, executive vice president of Smoothstone (News - Alert) IP Communications, recently wrote that business’ dependency on traditional telecom carriers and managed routers as a solution have thrown quite a wrench into the works. Managed routers, which enable carriers to remotely control the router as they see fit, just aren’t enough.

Instead, today’s world of MPLS networks, which are designed to transport voice and data with QoS, has fueled a need for managed networks. However, companies are not only opting for a managed network, but they are also moving to the cloud in order to fully ensure optimal performance of enterprise voice, video, data and applications. Here’s why:

Fully tailored QoS: Now that more and more companies are incorporating voice, video and data onto a converged network thanks to MPLS, it’s become quite pertinent to prioritize the QoS for each application to adhere to business requirements. As Whitemore puts it, your ESPN (News - Alert) highlights won’t disrupt Salesforce.com access or voice traffic.

A managed service approach: Managed service providers have become the go-to for companies, which now have access to always-available certified network design engineers. This, in turn, can minimize the technical, implementation and investment risks that otherwise would have been problematic if issues were handled by a carrier or even by the company itself.

Router monitoring, activity logging control: Using a managed network framework, companies gain access to a Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System, which maintains logs of router activity. Therefore, companies are free to make changes they deem necessary.

Automatic QoS configuration: By setting up automatic QoS tagging, this eliminates the “guesswork out of prioritizing traffic” for manage network providers, which would instead have to consult the customer on how to tag (News - Alert) data and prioritize applications. In addition, companies can create rules on routers and switches to allow only specific types of traffic to flow through those devices.

Multiple direct peering: In order to pinpoint the best Internet connection available across a managed network provider’s Tier 1 providers in real time, MSPs will opt for multiple direct peering.

Network support and monitoring: Through enhanced monitoring and support, a managed network gives companies visibility into their network, even to the application level. And, with application QoS tagging, companies can see if traffic is being appropriately marked, prioritized and delivered.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Tammy Wolf is a TMCnet web editor. She covers a wide range of topics, including IP communications and information technology. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Rich Steeves