Partner content funded by Fortinet.
COVID-19 disruptions have shifted IT priorities towards enabling remote workers – but with economic turmoil threatening IT budgets, technology managers must be ready to make a case for spending on secure networking too.
That may be difficult, given the current pressure on many IT budgets. GlobalData reports that one-third of surveyed Australian companies said their IT spending would fall by around 10 per cent in 2020.
Your business may be prioritising IT spend on areas of greatest risk, such as the cybersecurity threats to remote workers. So you may be tempted to defer core network security upgrades.
But it’s in resource-constrained times that a robust, secure and flexible network really comes into its own.
A flexible, secure core network is essential to supporting the future state of businesses beyond the pandemic – which may depend on the ability to build new business models around new applications, new ways of interacting with customers and new devices.
You should also consider Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to support changes to supply chains and the way your organisation interacts with partners and customers. And you should take advantage of cloud-based systems to operate more efficiently.
Many companies have already recognised this risk. Despite a climate of IT austerity, Fortinet revenues are up 47 per cent since the pandemic began.
When building a business case for network investment, consider the risks of your current network infrastructure. Weigh up the risk of security vulnerabilities and potential exposure to new threats that emerge as the pandemic drags on.
Also consider whether network infrastructure will support the business in 12 months. Translating the value of improved connectivity into business terms will create a clear business case for secure networking.
By translating the value of improved connectivity into business terms, the business case for secure networking will become clear – and so will the need to invest smartly to ensure your business thrives on the other side of the pandemic.
Spend your IT budget wisely to ensure your business thrives on the other side of the pandemic.
Contact Fortinet to learn more about secure networking.
