In the past, IT networks were isolated. There was a separate network for voice, data, and video. This made it difficult to manage and secure the networks, and it also made it difficult to provide a unified user experience.
Network convergence is still in its early stages, but it’s clear that it’s the future of IT. At HTM we are already managing complex projects for Network Convergence and we’re leading the way. And because of this, we can clearly see even more benefits for our clients, such as:
- Reduced costs: Network convergence can help businesses to reduce their IT costs by eliminating the need to maintain multiple networks.
- Improved security: A single network is easier to secure than multiple networks.
- Increased agility: Businesses can respond to changing market conditions more quickly.
- Improved user experience: Users can access all their applications and data from any device, anywhere in the world.
- Increased flexibility: Businesses can adapt to changing needs easily.
Network Convergence is being driven by factors such as:
- The rise of cloud computing: Cloud computing makes it possible to deliver voice, data, and video services over the same network.
- The increasing popularity of mobile devices: Mobile devices make it possible for users to access applications and data from anywhere in the world.
- Growing demand for unified communications: Unified communications (UC) is a set of technologies that integrates voice, data, and video into a single platform.
If you’re a business that’s looking to stay ahead of the curve, then you need to start planning for network convergence. By doing so, you can improve your IT infrastructure, reduce your costs, and improve your security.
By working with HTM you can rest assured your project is managed by a team of experienced engineers who can deliver what you need, when you need it, in a cost-effective way, preparing you for the future of IT.
Then, why are so many businesses reluctant to implement convergence?
As an MSP we understand how new technologies and technological trends can be daunting and pose several questions. However, if you’re relying in your old technology because it hasn’t failed – yet -, or you’re questioning the return on investment when upgrading to a converged network, we can assure you that the benefits on costs, scalability and future-proofing will put you at ease.
So, how does network convergence work?
Network convergence is made possible by combining different technologies, including:
- IP-based networks: IP-based networks use the same protocol for voice, data, and video. This makes it possible to transport all services over a single network.
- Virtualisation: This is the technology that allows multiple operating systems to run on the same physical hardware. This can help to reduce the cost of your IT infrastructure.
- Software-defined networking: SDN is a new technology that decouples the control plane from the data plane in a network. This makes it possible to manage and control networks more easily.
Of course, there are several challenges to network convergence:
- Integration: Integrating voice, data, and video onto a single network can be a complex and challenging task. At HTM we have the experience needed to integrate all your hotel systems.
- Standards: There are several standards for voice, data, and video. Our engineers understand how all these standards interact with each other and can easily integrate them.
If you want to know more about how we can help with your hotel’s Network Convergence, contact HTM today for a free consultation.