Last year’s warning: IT departments still playing catch-up
Forrester’s findings were stark: IT departments are managing billion-dollar portfolios, but their internal operations are woefully behind in automation, coordination, and visibility.
The culprit? The complexity of managing vast networks, which has hindered the adoption of AI and automation tools. However, that’s slowly changing as companies begin to integrate AI into network management tools.
Network management is a crucial aspect of modern IT infrastructure, involving the oversight of routers, switches, firewalls, and other devices that keep businesses connected and operating smoothly.
AI-powered network management tools
Enterprises are now turning to AI-powered network management tools, which can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to detect and prevent issues before they become major problems.
One such tool is the AI-powered network management platform, developed by NetBrain. The platform uses machine learning algorithms to analyze data from network devices, identifying potential issues and providing recommendations for remediation.
Another example is Cisco’s Network Services Orchestrator (NSO), which uses AI to automate network provisioning, configuration, and monitoring.
Challenges and limitations
While AI-powered network management tools show promise, they’re not without their challenges and limitations.
For one, these tools require massive amounts of data to function effectively, which can be difficult to collect and manage, especially in large and complex networks.
Another limitation is the need for skilled professionals to train and configure AI models, which can be a significant barrier for organizations lacking the necessary expertise.
What this means
The integration of AI into network management tools has the potential to greatly improve network efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance overall IT operations.
However, it also highlights the need for organizations to invest in the necessary skills and infrastructure to support the adoption of these tools.



