As digital transformation accelerates across the globe, it has become increasingly evident that European organizations are falling behind in their networking practices for hybrid and multicloud environments. A recent study conducted by the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) for InfoBlox has brought this issue to light, revealing that companies across Europe exhibit lower maturity levels in advanced networking strategies compared to their global counterparts. The survey, which included responses from 1,000 IT security and networking managers, with 300 participants hailing from Europe, underscores critical areas where these firms lag and provides vital insights into their preparedness for and progress in implementing advanced networking solutions.
Network Maturity and Cross-Functional Teams
The study’s findings clearly show that European organizations generally demonstrate less maturity in networking practices designed to support hybrid and multicloud architectures. This assessment was conducted based on three critical criteria: the presence of cross-functional cloud platform teams, the levels of automation for network and security management, and the usage of enterprise-grade, cloud-neutral networking products. European companies are significantly more likely to be classified within the least mature cohort regarding hybrid and multicloud maturity, with 55% falling into this category compared to 44% globally. This stark disparity indicates a substantial gap in the advancement of networking strategies between Europe and other parts of the world.
Specifically, cross-functional cloud platform teams, which integrate network, security, and cloud operations, are less prevalent in Europe. Such teams are pivotal for fostering efficient and secure cloud operations. Yet, despite the importance of these cohesive teams, European firms lag in establishing them, which further exacerbates their technological immaturity. The lack of these integrated teams often leads to more fragmented and less efficient operations, putting European companies at a competitive disadvantage in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Bridging this gap requires a concerted effort to bring together disparate IT functions into a more unified operational framework.
Technology Maturity and Automation
Another critical point highlighted by the study is the varying levels of automation deployed for network and security management across different regions, with European organizations notably lagging. The findings reveal that companies in Europe are behind in utilizing enterprise-grade, cloud-neutral networking products, and in implementing comprehensive defense-in-depth strategies. Automation is a cornerstone of modern network and security management, enabling faster response times and enhanced operational efficiency. However, the study clearly demonstrates that European organizations have not fully embraced these automated solutions, contributing to their lower maturity levels in managing hybrid and multicloud environments.
The deficiency in automation and the lack of extensive use of advanced networking tools reflect a significant technological maturity gap. Without robust automation, European firms struggle to maintain the same level of efficiency and security as their global peers. This gap underscores the imperative for these organizations to prioritize investments in automation and advanced networking tools to elevate their network management practices. Moreover, addressing this technological shortcoming involves not just deploying new tools, but also fostering a culture of innovation that continuously seeks to optimize and enhance security and operational efficiency.
Platform Engineering Capabilities
Platform engineering teams play a vital role in standardizing and automating cloud operations, yet their presence and implementation vary widely across regions. The study found a lower implementation rate of platform engineering teams in Europe, standing at 66%, compared to 74% in other regions. This gap symbolizes a critical area where European organizations need to catch up. Platform engineering teams are essential for defining standards, automating processes, and ensuring that cloud operations are consistent and secure. The lack of these teams can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in cloud operations, further hindering technological maturity.
Interestingly, there is a silver lining, as a considerable 29% of European organizations plan to establish platform engineering teams within the next 12 months. This planned expansion demonstrates a growing commitment to catching up with global standards and enhancing their technological capabilities. Frank Ruge, Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at InfoBlox, emphasized the necessity for European companies to improve their technology practices. He identified critical areas for improvement, such as building platform teams, converging networking and security tools, and leveraging network core services for better asset management and security. This proactive approach suggests that European firms are aware of their shortfalls and are taking steps to address them.
Networking and Security Tool Convergence
The convergence of networking and security tools is crucial for integrated and efficient management of these functions. However, the study reveals that European organizations are 44% more likely to maintain a siloed approach (26%) compared to their global counterparts (18%). This segregation impedes the streamlined and effective management of network and security operations, reinforcing the perception of lower maturity in Europe. A siloed approach can lead to a range of inefficiencies, from duplicative efforts to increased vulnerability due to lack of coordination. Integrated tools, on the other hand, can offer a more cohesive and robust security posture.
The need for European firms to pursue greater integration of their network and security tools is clear. A more integrated approach promises not only increased efficiency but also a stronger, more resilient security framework. Convergence can enable a more holistic view of the network environment, allowing for quicker identification and mitigation of threats. It also simplifies management, reducing the risk of oversight and ensuring that all aspects of the network are working in concert. As European organizations look to improve their technological maturity, embracing the convergence of networking and security tools will be a critical step.
Embracing DNS Security
DNS security is another area where European organizations have room for improvement. The study underscores the importance of Domain Name System (DNS) security in detecting and mitigating cloud security risks, yet reveals that European firms lag in leveraging DNS for cloud asset discovery and visibility. DNS security offers significant benefits, including enhanced cloud asset discovery, increased visibility, and improved overall security posture. By comprehensively embracing DNS security, European organizations can significantly strengthen their defense mechanisms and better protect their cloud environments from potential threats.
Enhanced DNS security also provides critical insights into the network, helping organizations detect potential issues before they become serious threats. Leveraging DNS for cloud asset discovery ensures that all assets are accounted for and monitored, reducing the risk of shadow IT and unprotected endpoints. For European firms striving to enhance their technological maturity, investing in robust DNS security measures is a crucial strategy. This move not only bolsters security but also streamlines asset management, making it easier to maintain a secure, efficient network.
Main Findings and Recommendations
The main findings from the study indicate a clear disparity in network maturity levels between European organizations and their global counterparts. European firms exhibit a lower maturity level in hybrid and multicloud networking practices, largely due to deficiencies in automation, tool integration, and the establishment of cross-functional teams. Despite these challenges, there is a noticeable movement towards improvement, with a substantial proportion of European organizations planning to establish platform engineering teams within the next year. This proactive stance suggests that with the right investments and strategic focus, European companies can elevate their network maturity and enhance their global competitiveness.
To achieve these goals, the study recommends that European firms prioritize investments in automation and advanced networking tools, form cross-functional teams to integrate networking, security, and cloud operations, leverage DNS security for better cloud asset management and security, and pursue the convergence of networking and security tools to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. By following these recommendations, European organizations can bridge the gap in technological maturity and position themselves for success in the increasingly cloud-centric global market. These steps will not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen the overall security posture of these organizations.
Conclusion
As digital transformation speeds up worldwide, it has become clear that European organizations are lagging in their networking practices for hybrid and multicloud environments. A recent study by the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) for InfoBlox shed light on this issue, revealing that companies in Europe show lower maturity levels in advanced networking strategies compared to their global peers. The survey included 1,000 IT security and networking managers, with 300 participants from Europe.
Results from this study highlight key areas where European firms fall behind and provide crucial insights into their readiness and advancement in adopting advanced networking solutions. It underscores a significant gap in their networking capabilities, which could affect their ability to keep up with global trends. This lag in adopting hybrid and multicloud strategies may hinder their competitive edge. The study serves as a wake-up call for European organizations to enhance their networking practices and better prepare for the demands of the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
