Category "Blog"

The integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) has become paramount to sustaining competitiveness and driving growth in the manufacturing sector. However, this journey can be complex, from embracing digital transformation to fortifying against cyber threats and ensuring the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills.

This article discusses these pressing issues and explores actionable steps to overcome them.

Challenges of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation in manufacturing entails leveraging technologies like IoT, AI, and cloud computing to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and enable predictive maintenance. Yet, many manufacturing companies face hurdles in adopting these innovations due to legacy systems, lack of digital expertise, and concerns over initial investment and then seeing a return on their investment.

Actionable Steps:

1. Assessment and Strategy: Begin with a comprehensive assessment of current IT infrastructure and processes. Develop a clear digital transformation strategy that aligns technology investments with business goals.
2. Cloud Adoption: Embrace cloud computing for scalability, flexibility, and cost efficiency. Sify provides cloud advisory services to tailor cloud strategies that fit manufacturing needs.

Increased Threats Related to Cyber Security

As manufacturing processes become more interconnected and data-driven, cyber threats loom larger. The sector is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals seeking to disrupt operations, steal intellectual property or gain financially.

Actionable Steps:

1. Cybersecurity Assessment: Conduct regular cybersecurity assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and implement robust defences.
2. Managed IT Services: Engage with managed service providers like Sify, who offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that can be customised specifically to manufacturing environments.

Reskilling/Retraining the Manufacturing Workforce

The influx of digital technologies necessitates a skilled workforce capable of operating, maintaining, and innovating with these tools. However, there’s a significant skills gap in the sector, exacerbated by rapid technological advancements.

Actionable Steps:

1. Training Programs: Invest in ongoing training programs to upskill existing employees on emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and data analytics. Sify’s digital learning solutions ensure custom learning content to meet your goals is created and implemented.
2. Partnerships and Collaborations: Explore partnerships with IT training providers to develop the IT skills within your team. Sify has a comprehensive range of IT training courses and certifications that can deliver training programs that bridge the skills gap and prepare the workforce for future challenges.

Sify: Your Partner in Overcoming IT Challenges

Sify can help manufacturing companies overcome these challenges and become a vital partner. With our expertise in cloud optimisation and cloud advisory services, Sify empowers manufacturing companies to accelerate their digital transformation journey securely and efficiently. Our bespoke solutions will address your specific needs, ensuring scalability, reliability, and compliance.

The Key Challenges We Solve

With a heritage in IT Infrastructure, Sify has grown over two decades to provide a one-stop engagement across networks, data centre, cloud, digital and IT services.

Sify enables you to build an IT infrastructure that underpins business profitability, by delivering flexible expertise to fill IT skills gaps, and by deploying, managing and optimising complex hybrid environments to deliver the right combination of flexibility, security and affordability.

Here are the key challenges our Managed Services can help your organisation solve:

Conclusion

The manufacturing sector stands at a critical juncture where embracing digital transformation, strengthening cybersecurity defences, and upskilling the workforce are imperative for sustained growth and competitiveness. By taking proactive measures and partnering with a trusted provider like Sify, you can navigate these challenges effectively, take advantage of new opportunities, and plan for a successful future.

Growth of business today is highly dependent on agility. As business grow, the physical in-branch or in-store location or new workspaces need to come up quickly and efficiently.

The Colt Bike Ride is an annual charity event that challenges 175 riders to cycle 450km from Brussels to Dusseldorf, all in support of digital inclusion and raising funds for 22 global charities.

Since its inception 11 years ago, the bike ride has raised almost two million euros for worthy causes.

This year’s bike ride focuses on digital inclusion, addressing the critical need to ensure everyone has equal access to digital resources and services.  Almost three billion people worldwide are digitally excluded. With the support of sponsors and participants, we aim to amplify voices and make a tangible difference in bridging the digital divide affecting so many globally.

As a proud sponsor of this event, Sify’s partnership with Colt underscores our dedication to making a meaningful impact in the areas we serve.

Howard Thomas, Managing Director Europe, Sify, said “Sify is incredibly proud we are supporting such a fantastic cause as Colt’s Annual Bike ride and equally proud to be sponsoring alongside some of the leading technology providers in our industry.”

For more information on how you can contribute or get involved, please visit the dedicated Colt Bike Ride homepage.

 

Embarking on an SAP landscape modernization and migration journey can be a daunting task, fraught with complexities and challenges. However, with Sify and LeapGreat, distinguished SAP partners, by your side, you can navigate this transformation with confidence and ease.

Sify/LeapGreat’s SAP Innovation Services offer a comprehensive solution that seamlessly transitions your business to SAP S/4HANA. This groundbreaking solution is built upon a robust foundation of automation, comprehensive testing, and a clean core code line, ensuring a smooth and efficient migration.

Discover AI-driven automation at Sify’s SAP Innovation Lab. This enables you to quickly adopt and reap the benefits of your business operations, SAP Solution extensions, and more.

Our future-ready software is neatly integrated with a robust and accelerated SAP Landscape. This integration facilitates your ‘Rise with SAP’ journey, making it more cost-effective and faster through a resilient service.

The software is further enhanced through integration to Cloud ALM tools and a Transformation Management Tool Stack. This allows for seamless operation across various customer estates of your choice. In essence, our services are designed to make your transition to SAP smoother, more efficient, and tailored to your specific needs, embedded with Tricentis comprehensive QA.

Risk Reduction through Automation and Best Practices: At the heart of Sify/LeapGreat’s offering lies a powerful automation platform that leverages SAP Best Practices and the SAP clean core code. This approach not only streamlines the migration process but also significantly reduces the risks associated with complex SAP transformations, ensuring a future-ready software stack for seamless cloud adoption.

Increased Value through Comprehensive Services: Sify/LeapGreat’s offering goes beyond mere implementation. It is enriched by a full-service managed experience, including deployment, go-live support for your preferred environment (cloud or on-premises), and seamless integration capabilities from the outset. This holistic approach ensures a seamless transition and ongoing optimization, enabling you to realize the full value of your SAP investment.

Intelligent QA and Testing for Smooth Go-Live: To further mitigate risks and ensure a successful go-live, Sify/LeapGreat employs intelligent QA and testing processes. Rigorous testing protocols are applied just before production go-live, ensuring that your new SAP system is thoroughly validated, minimizing the risk of disruptions, and guaranteeing a smooth transition.

As a nonprofit professional, you’re constantly seeking ways to maximise productivity and efficiency to further your mission. Microsoft Copilot, an AI-driven assistant integrated into Microsoft 365, offers a transformative opportunity to enhance your organisation’s operations. However, successful implementation requires thorough preparation.

It’s vital to remember that Copilot is designed to augment, not replace, human expertise. It serves as a digital assistant that enhances efficiency and creativity. By automating routine tasks, Copilot allows us to focus on the more complex aspects of our work.

Here’s a guide to ensure your organisation is ready to harness the full potential of Microsoft Copilot.

1. Understand the Capabilities and Benefits
   Before diving into readiness, it’s crucial to understand what Microsoft Copilot can do. Copilot integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and Teams, providing AI-powered assistance to streamline tasks such as drafting documents, analysing data, and managing communications. By automating repetitive tasks, it frees up your team to focus on strategic initiatives and mission-critical activities. Copilot is not there to replace humans!Watch: Microsoft Copilot walkthrough from our webinar “Unleashing the Power of Microsoft Copilot for Success” 
2. Assess Your Current Digital Environment
   Start by evaluating your existing IT infrastructure. Ensure your organisation is already leveraging Microsoft 365. Review your subscription plan and check for any upgrades needed to access Copilot features. Consider conducting a digital audit to identify gaps in your current setup that might hinder Copilot’s implementation.Related Read: Complete an enquiry form to discuss how Sify can assess your Microsoft Copilot readiness
3. Prioritise Data Security
   Data security is paramount, especially for nonprofit organisations handling sensitive information. Microsoft Copilot operates within the Microsoft 365 framework, which adheres to stringent security protocols. However, you must ensure your data security measures are robust:
   • Encrypt Data: Ensure that all data within Microsoft 365 is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
   • Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to restrict who can view and modify data.
   • Regular Audits: Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

   If you want support with your data security audit, Sify can help.

4. Focus on Privacy Compliance
   Privacy is a significant concern, particularly with AI tools that process large amounts of data. Ensure your organisation complies with all relevant privacy regulations, such as GDPR in the UK. This includes:
   • Data Minimisation: Only collect data that is necessary for your operations.
   • Consent Management: Obtain and manage consent from individuals whose data you process.
   • Transparency: Be transparent with stakeholders about how their data is used, stored, and protected.
5. Monitor and Optimise
   Post-implementation, continuously monitor the performance of Microsoft Copilot and its impact on your operations. Collect feedback from your team to identify areas for improvement. Regularly review your processes to ensure they align with best practices and adjust as needed to optimise efficiency.

How Sify Can Help with Data Readiness and Data Security

Partnering with Sify can significantly streamline your journey towards implementing Microsoft Copilot by enhancing your data readiness and security. We offer a comprehensive Microsoft Copilot readiness assessment that you can utilise to assess the status of your IT infrastructure and how it can become more robust and scalable.

Our Microsoft-certified experts will:

• Safeguard your sensitive information.
• Ensure your data is easily accessible by data indexing and tagging.

By leveraging Sify, your organisation can seamlessly integrate Microsoft Copilot, ensuring that you maximise the productivity gains.

Conclusion

Implementing new technology can seem daunting but the gains are too great to ignore. Microsoft Copilot can significantly enhance the productivity and efficiency of your nonprofit organisation. However, readiness is key. By focusing on data security, privacy compliance and data organisation, you can ensure a smooth transition and maximise the benefits of this powerful AI tool. Embrace this opportunity to elevate your organisation’s capabilities and advance your mission more effectively.

For detailed setup instructions and more information on Microsoft Copilot, you can visit the official Microsoft Copilot setup guide.

 

In nonprofit organisations, the intersection of technology and strategy plays a pivotal role in driving impact and sustainability. From establishing clear technology frameworks to diversifying fundraising strategies, nonprofits face a myriad of challenges that demand innovative solutions and resilient practices.

Let’s explore the core areas where nonprofits encounter hurdles and explore strategies to overcome them effectively.

Establishing a Clear Technology Strategy

The foundation of any nonprofit’s technological journey lies in a robust technology strategy. However, many organisations struggle with defining their technology needs, selecting appropriate tools, and aligning them with organisational goals. To tackle this, nonprofits should prioritise a comprehensive assessment of their current technological landscape, identify gaps, and formulate a strategy that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters scalability and adaptability for future growth.

Related Read: Transform your IT Infrastructure with Sify to fast-track your digital plans

Diversifying Fundraising Strategies

Relying solely on a single fundraising method can pose significant risks for nonprofits. To mitigate this, organisations must diversify their fundraising approaches to reduce dependency on a sole revenue source. By exploring various avenues such as crowdfunding, grant applications, corporate partnerships, and individual donations, nonprofits can create a more sustainable financial ecosystem that withstands fluctuations and fosters long-term stability.

Related Read: Explore Microsoft 365 grants and discounts

Managing and Integrating Data

Nonprofits gather vast amounts of data related to donors, beneficiaries, programs, and operations. However, managing and integrating this data efficiently pose significant challenges. Investing in robust data management systems, leveraging data analytics tools, and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations are imperative steps toward harnessing the full potential of data while maintaining integrity and security.

Measuring Success and Impact

Demonstrating the impact of nonprofit programs is crucial for fostering transparency and building donor trust. However, measuring success in the nonprofit sector is often complex due to diverse metrics, data availability constraints, and the long-term nature of social impact. To overcome this, nonprofits should adopt a multifaceted approach that combines quantitative and qualitative indicators, embraces outcome-oriented evaluations, and incorporates stakeholder feedback to gauge effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

Implementing and Maintaining IT Infrastructure

While a digital presence is indispensable in today’s interconnected world, it comes with inherent costs related to staff, technology adoption, and ongoing maintenance. Nonprofits must strike a balance between leveraging technological innovations to streamline operations and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Collaborating with technology partners, exploring cost-effective solutions, and prioritising scalability and sustainability are key strategies in navigating the complexities of IT infrastructure management.

Related Read: 5 Benefits of Using an IT Partner to Support Cloud Optimisation

Developing Internal Talent

Nonprofit staff often juggle multiple responsibilities under tight budgets, making them vulnerable to burnout and stress. As organisations embark on technological transformations, investing in staff training, providing adequate support during transitions, and fostering a culture of resilience becomes paramount. By nurturing an environment that values learning, innovation, and well-being, nonprofits can empower their staff to adapt to new technologies and thrive in dynamic landscapes.

Related Read: Expand your IT staff training with pre-curated learning content

Conclusion

The journey toward technological advancement is not without its challenges. Concerns such as managing multi-cloud environments, maintaining compliance and security standards, and identifying the right cloud service provider are prevalent among nonprofit leaders. To address these concerns effectively, nonprofits should seek specialised expertise, leverage industry best practices, and cultivate partnerships with reputable technology providers to navigate the complexities of cloud management and optimisation.

In conclusion, the path to technological excellence and strategic innovation in the nonprofit sector demands commitment, proactive adaptation, and collaborative efforts. By embracing these challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, nonprofits can pave the way for impactful change, drive sustainable growth, and meet their organisational goals.

How Sify Can Help

Sify is an IT and Digital Services company that was formed in 1995 and Nasdaq listed since 1999. We help over 10,000 clients and partners improve business operational efficiency and deliver excellence.

At Sify, we believe every nonprofit organisation deserves to thrive in the digital age. By partnering with Sify, you gain more than just a consultant — we become your strategic guide dedicated to your success.

Our approach is based on our IT expertise and collaboration skills. We understand the complexities of IT landscapes, and we’re committed to guiding you through every step of your digital transformation journey. With our deep knowledge of cloud technologies like Microsoft Azure, we empower you to unlock your potential and achieve operational excellence.

Key benefits:

• Expert Guidance: Our IT professionals understand the complexities of IT landscapes and can provide bespoke solutions to meet your specific needs.
• Strategic Alignment: Align your IT strategy with your goals to improve technology spend ROI.
• Efficiency and Optimisation: Optimise your IT workloads and environments with Sify by leveraging Azure’s advanced tools to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.
• Robust Security: Rest assured knowing that your data and infrastructure are protected by strong security measures.
• Agility and Scalability: Stay agile and responsive to changing organisational demands with scalable solutions designed to adapt to you.
• Continuous Innovation: Stay ahead of the curve with access to the latest technologies and innovations, as Sify continually drives efficiency, enhances performance, and unlocks new opportunities.
Choose Sify as your trusted partner to unlock your potential by optimising your IT workloads and IT environment.

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Justin Polley
Justin is senior business and technology leader with a distinguished and long career in telecommunications and IT services. As in industry veteran of more than three decades he is an accomplished data engineer, commercial leader, enterprise architect and management consultant. He has enjoyed a successful career creating client value, delivering solutions built on business value, client trust, and sustainable growth.

Part of the success and growth of a Fintech organisation lies in having a robust IT infrastructure. Without this strong foundation, other business units cannot function efficiently and productively. But building, managing and optimising a strong IT environment brings unique challenges.

In this article, we will cover the key challenges for Fintech IT leaders and offer strategic solutions to overcome these hurdles.

1. Scalability

   Challenge: Rapid growth is a common characteristic of successful fintech organisations, and scaling IT infrastructure to meet increasing demands can be a daunting task.

   Solution: Embrace cloud computing solutions to provide scalable resources on-demand, adopt a modular architecture that allows for easy expansion, and regularly assess and adjust capacity based on business needs.

   Related Read: Unlocking Growth – Scaling Repeatable IT Processes and Environments

2. High Availability and Reliability

   Challenge: Downtime is not an option in the fintech world, where transactions happen in real-time.

   Solution: Design a resilient architecture with redundant systems and failover mechanisms, conduct regular performance testing, and implement robust disaster recovery plans to ensure high availability and reliability.

3. Cybersecurity Risks

   Challenge: Fintech companies deal with sensitive financial data, making them prime targets for cyber threats.

   Solution: Implement a multi-layered cybersecurity approach with encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Conduct regular penetration testing, educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, and stay abreast of evolving threats to proactively defend against potential breaches.

4. Legacy System Integration

   Challenge: Many fintechs inherit legacy systems or work with partners using older technologies, creating compatibility issues.

   Solution: Prioritise interoperability when adopting new technologies, invest in middleware solutions to bridge the gap between legacy and new systems, and consider a phased approach to integration to minimise disruptions.

   Related Read: Utilise Sify for the skills and expertise to assist your cloud strategy

5. Compliance and Regulatory Demands

   Challenge: Fintech companies operate in a heavily regulated environment with evolving compliance requirements.

   Solution: Leverage automation to streamline compliance processes and reduce the possibility human errors.

6. Data Management Complexity

   Challenge: Fintechs deal with vast amounts of data, and managing, processing, and extracting meaningful insights from this data can be complex.

   Solution: Implement advanced data management and analytics tools, leverage machine learning for data analysis, and establish robust data governance frameworks to ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance.

7. Talent Acquisition and Retention

   Challenge:Attracting and retaining skilled IT professionals in a competitive market can be challenging.

   Solution: Provide opportunities for professional development, foster a positive and collaborative workplace culture, leverage IT partners to plug any resources gap you have and actively engage in partnerships with learning organisations to develop business talent.

   Related Read: Empower Your Workforce with Digital Learning and Deliver Results

Conclusion

Addressing the challenges of IT infrastructure management is integral to sustained success. By focusing on finding solutions to the key challenges, fintech organisations can build a resilient and agile IT infrastructure that not only meets current demands but positions them for future growth and innovation.

How Sify Can Help

Sify is ideally placed to help businesses build a sustainable, fully optimised IT infrastructure that meets long-term business needs.

We offer deep expertise in all areas of cloud and IT infrastructure, combined with proven methodologies and frameworks to help analyse, design and optimise cloud environments.

Our proven experience and expertise have delivered for organisations seeking to optimise their cloud infrastructures, including reducing costs and ensuring resources are right sized, accelerating deployment time for new applications, improving alignment between business functions and helping firms integrate new cloud-based technologies such as AI or analytics.

The Key Challenges We Solve

With a heritage in IT Infrastructure, Sify has grown over two decades to provide a one-stop engagement across networks, data centre, cloud, digital and IT services.

Sify enables you to build an IT infrastructure that underpins business profitability, by delivering flexible expertise to fill IT skills gaps, and by deploying, managing and optimising complex hybrid environments to deliver the right combination of flexibility, security and affordability.

Here are the key challenges our Managed Services can help your organisation solve:

Within the financial technology (fintech) space, speed, reliability, and data security are paramount. The surge in interest surrounding mesh networking is making waves for all the right reasons. Fintech companies need to build network infrastructures that not only boast complete redundancy but are also optimised for speed. The increased awareness of these imperatives stems from the industry’s ever-growing dependence on seamless connectivity and the need to safeguard sensitive financial data.

So, why is mesh networking gaining prominence in the fintech sector, and how does it address these crucial needs?

Redundancy: A Shield Against Disruptions

Fintech operations are the lifeblood of financial transactions, and any disruption can have far-reaching consequences. Mesh networking offers a robust solution to this challenge by creating a web of interconnected nodes.

In the event of a network failure or disturbance, data can seamlessly reroute through alternative pathways, ensuring uninterrupted service. This redundancy feature is like having multiple safety nets in place, fortifying the fintech ecosystem against potential downtimes or data breaches.

Speed: Accelerating Financial Transactions

In fintech, split-second decisions and rapid transactions are the norm, so speed is non-negotiable. Mesh networking optimises network speed by enabling data to take the most efficient route between nodes. This not only enhances the overall performance of financial systems but also ensures that transactions are executed with unprecedented efficiency.

As fintech companies grapple with the demand for quicker processing times and real-time analytics, mesh networking emerges as a strategic option, driving them to accelerated operations.

Related Read: Transform your IT Infrastructure with Sify’s Cloud Advisory Services to fast-track your digital plans

Data Security: Safeguarding the Financial Realm

Given the regulatory changes within fintech, securing data has never been more critical and mesh networking can potentially help as a proactive measure. By decentralising the network architecture, mesh networks reduce the vulnerability of a single point of failure, making it inherently more secure. In an industry where trust is vital for success, mesh networking provides an extra layer of protection against cyber threats, ensuring that financial data remains confidential and transactions are shielded from potential breaches.

Incorporating mesh networking designs should always be considered as best practice in building any resilient and robust service environment. This will always help mitigate the risk of data loss or corruption whilst in transit.

Adapting to Dynamic Environments

Fintech landscapes are constantly evolving, and the adaptability of mesh networking aligns seamlessly with the sector’s need for flexibility. Whether scaling operations, integrating new technologies, or navigating the intricacies of a distributed workforce, mesh networking accommodates these changes with ease. Its modular and scalable design empowers fintech companies to evolve without compromising on the reliability and speed of their network infrastructure.

Conclusion

The growing interest in mesh networking within the fintech sector is a testament to its ability to address the industry’s pressing needs for complete redundancy and optimised speed in network infrastructure.

As fintech companies strive for innovation, efficiency, and resilience, mesh networking emerges as a strategic enabler, driving them toward a future where connectivity is seamless, operations are swift, and data security is paramount.

The Key Challenges We Solve

Sify is an IT and Digital Services company that specialises in IT infrastructure and consultancy to deploy, manage and optimise complex hybrid environments including Google Cloud and AWS.

With a heritage in IT infrastructure, Sify has grown over two decades to provide a one-stop engagement across networks, data centre, cloud, digital and IT services.

Sify enables you to build an IT infrastructure that underpins business profitability, by delivering flexible expertise to deliver the right combination of flexibility, security and affordability.

Here are the key challenges our Managed Services can help your organisation solve:

In today’s hyper-connected and fast-paced global marketplace, connectivity is the lifeblood needed to keep businesses running smoothly. Enterprise, small or large, need reliable and fast communication networks to work and grow.

Organizations are given access to a communication network that is entirely dependable, quick, flexible, and cost effective due to MPLS and its “labelling protocol” Businesses are considering shifting to MPLS networks due to the clear advantages of MPLS connectivity, However, choosing an MPLS service provider can be time-consuming and complicated given the industry’s diverse offerings and management methods.

There are criteria that needs to be taken into consideration while evaluating the various telecom service providers to choose the most suitable solution for your businesses.

The first element that businesses need to check is the network coverage offered by the service provider. It is critical to confirm that the network carrier’s service area includes all your targeted locations, and if global connectivity is required, the network service can provide reliable international coverage. Therefore, latency, jitter, resilience, and cost of the MPLS network are all directly impacted by the service providers’ reach and coverage.

The second criteria is to consider the Network Project Management and Monitoring, because complex networks require constant management to run smoothly. Proactive management can result in reduced expense, fewer outages, and enhanced security. Therefore, the specifics of pricing and the range of services offered under the heading of network management and monitoring services must be understood by businesses.

In order to free up IT employees, it is also crucial to check whether the service provider monitors the entire network and provides managed services.

The third criteria to be mindful about while choosing an MPLS service provider is their Network Security. Security capabilities of the MPLS service provider need to be scrutinized closely. Businesses need to ensure that service providers can support and monitor the entire network closely and provide access to a dedicated security infrastructure, including experienced NOC engineers to ensure guaranteed uptime.

Another sure-fire way to assess the capabilities of the service provider is to check the SLAs (Service Level Agreements) offered. While experienced service providers with tested capabilities are usually willing to back their services with SLAs, it pays off to compare SLAs of several MPLS network providers. It is also helpful to look at their existing clients and check references to evaluate their performance.

Subsequent to comparing SLA’s, it is important for businesses to assess, evaluate and understand the Class of Service (CoSs) and Quality of Service (QoS) offered by the carrier. The Quality of Service (QoS) is impacted by the carrier’s consolidation and prioritisation decisions for different traffic categories. These standards must comply with the requirements of your business, and the contract with the service provider must specifically describe and list these service commitments.

While the mentioned points form a base to shortlist the right MPLS network provider, other factors such as routing protocols, staff expertise, 3rd party partnerships, network architecture and future scalability capabilities must also essentially be a part of the decision making process.

Despite the fact that cost is a major consideration in any business decision, your company’s long-term objectives and alignment with current and future needs should ultimately take precedence. After all, your MPLS Network will form the backbone of your business while looking at it from a wider perspective.

Read this article on https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/strategy-and-management/five-factors-to-consider-before-picking-an-mpls-service-provider/105346203.

 

In today’s hyper-connected world, a stable and efficient Wi-Fi network is essential for enterprises to operate seamlessly. A robust and dependable Wi-Fi network is the foundation of success for any thriving business, facilitating seamless employee communication and offering a platform for engaging with customers.

Managed Wi-Fi providers offer a range of services, designed to make your Wi-Fi network hassle-free and optimized for performance. But how to choose the right managed Wi-Fi provider? In this article, we will explore the key factors you must evaluate when making this decision.

Understanding your core requirements

Before beginning your search for a managed Wi-Fi provider, it is crucial to understand your core requirements. It might depend on your business type, size, number of devices connecting to network, bandwidth & coverage needs, security demands, compliance, and more. Here is a list of essential features and services your potential managed Wi-Fi provider must offer.

1. Performance
   

   The foundation of successful business operations is a stable and high-performance Wi-Fi network. When evaluating managed Wi-Fi providers, prioritize reliability and speed. Downtime or slow connectivity can disrupt operations and negatively impact potential lead interactions. Ensure the provider can offer Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with guaranteed uptime and performance levels that meet your business needs.

2. Scalability
   

   One of the most critical considerations when choosing a managed Wi-Fi provider is scalability. Your network needs may change over time as your business grows or usage patterns evolve. Look out for a partner that can accommodate scaling up or down without significant disruptions. Ask potential providers about their scalability options and whether they can adapt to your future requirements.

3. Reliability and Redundancy
   

   A reliable Wi-Fi network is a non-negotiable requirement for businesses. Downtime can lead to lost revenue, frustrated customers, and decreased productivity. When evaluating managed Wi-Fi providers, inquire about their network reliability and redundancy measures. Look for providers with a track record of minimal downtime and robust failover solutions to ensure uninterrupted service.

4. Security
   

   Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and your network must be protected from potential breaches and attacks. Make sure your provider offers robust security measures such as firewall protection, intrusion detection, and encryption. Additionally, inquire about their approach to security updates and patches to stay ahead of emerging threats.

5. Quality of Service (QoS)
   

   Different devices on your network may require varying levels of bandwidth and priority. For example, video conferencing and voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls demand low latency and consistent bandwidth. A managed Wi-Fi provider that offers Quality of Service (QoS) allows you to prioritize traffic according to your needs, ensuring a seamless user experience for critical applications.

6. Network Management and Monitoring
   

   Effective management and monitoring are essential for maintaining a healthy Wi-Fi network. Your managed Wi-Fi provider should offer robust tools and platforms that allows you to monitor network performance, troubleshoot issues, and make necessary adjustments. Look for providers that provide real-time visibility into your network’s status and offer proactive support to address potential problems before they impact users.

7. Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
   

   Consider the level of support your managed Wi-Fi provider offers. What are their service level agreements (SLAs)? Do they provide 24/7 customer support? Can they respond quickly to network issues? Clear communication and reliable support are crucial, especially during network emergencies. Ensure that provider support offerings align with your business needs and expectations.

8. Cost and Pricing Structure
   

   Cost is undoubtedly a significant factor when choosing a managed Wi-Fi provider. Some providers might charge based on the number of devices connected, while others may have data usage-based pricing. Make sure you are aware of any potential hidden fees or overage charges and choose a pricing model that aligns with your usage patterns.

9. Compatibility and Integration
   

   Consider your existing technology infrastructure when selecting a managed Wi-Fi provider. Will the provider’s solution seamlessly integrate with your current systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) systems, security cameras, or other IoT devices? Compatibility and integration capabilities can significantly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your network.

10. Reputation and Reviews

    Finally, research the reputation and customer reviews of potential managed Wi-Fi providers. Online reviews and testimonials from current clients can provide valuable insights into a provider’s performance, customer service, and overall satisfaction. Additionally, inquire about case studies or references to gain a deeper understanding of how the provider has helped businesses similar to yours.

Sify Edge Connect: One-stop Solution for your Managed Wi-Fi needs

Sify Edge Connect is a comprehensive suite of services involving Edge connect Advisory and Implementation services combined with wireless management and intelligent edge analytics. It is a fully managed secure wireless platform that integrates IT, OT, and people. Edge Connect offers a seamless expansion of its core services to edge devices while delivering centralized management for streamlined operations, infrastructure near the end-user for reduced latency, and expert management of policies for data protection.

A few salient features of Sify’s Edge Connect are:

• Cloud-based centralized management platform
• Controlled Internet access to guest users with GIS mapping
• Highly scalable and resilient
• Pan India deployment & support
• Service-based model with end-to-end ownership

Wrapping Up!

Choosing the right managed Wi-Fi provider is crucial decision that can impact your business efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction. By carefully understanding above factors, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs and goals. A well-chosen managed Wi-Fi provider will ensure a reliable wireless network and empowers you to focus on what matters most while growing your business and serving your customers.

Boost your network edge for all-round digital transformation with Sify’s Edge Connect now!