Today’s networks are complex and more difficult for IT to manage due to the distributed nature of data, applications, people and devices. With more endpoints being added to networks, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the chances for potential problems are high. It’s bringing down the efficiency of IT teams and their ability to tackle a long list of tasks.
Organizations are looking for ways to automate these tasks and enhance IT operations through analytics, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). This need is driving the adoption of AIOps, which has become more than an industry buzzword at this point. There are technologies available on the market that can help organizations implement AIOps to understand exactly what’s happening within their networks.
Over the past couple of years, I have noticed a marked difference in attitude toward automation and AIOps. The network has steadily grown in importance, and it’s becoming difficult, if not impossible, for engineering teams to keep the network running and continually evolve it. My advice to IT pros has been that to focus on strategic initiatives and automate many of the mundane, time-consuming tasks that bog people down today. AI/ML is the only path forward for a business that relies on its network to deliver customer and employee experiences, which is almost every company.
Extreme Networks recently hosted a webinar that explored the importance of AIOps and how it’s reshaping the way IT teams operate. AIOps is a highly desired capability for the newer generation of data-driven IT professionals, when it comes to managing their networks, explained David van Schravendijk, director of product marketing for Extreme’s cloud and wireless products.
“We still have a lot of customers and organizations that are transitioning to the cloud in different parts of their network,” said van Schravendijk. “The cloud makes it a lot easier for you to capture and manipulate data by applying ML algorithms. These trends are driving AIOps.”
Extreme has a cloud network management platform called ExtremeCloud IQ, which unifies AIOps across wired, wireless, and software-defined wide area (SD-WAN) networks. Last year, Extreme unveiled an addition to ExtremeCloud IQ called IQ Co-Pilot. As the name implies, just like a copilot helps fly an airplane, the solution is designed to assist IT admins. IQ CoPilot combines everything admins need on one screen, explains potential network issues and makes recommendations based on the data it verifies.
The solution rolled out to customers in Sept. 2022, with some key features like anomaly detection. This capability uses ML to monitor Extreme cloud-based wired and wireless devices for anomalies. It then alerts IT, explains why the anomaly was identified, and provides best options for resolution. IQ CoPilot also has a GTAC case creation, which allows IT to engage directly with Extreme’s support team for more difficult issues.
IQ CoPilot can be accessed via the Companion mobile app for AIOps, hence, IT admins can monitor their networks from anywhere. The free app is available for download on iOS and Android devices. It ties everything together and untethers admins from their desks, said Yarnin Israel, director of product management at Extreme.
“As more features are being introduced into the mobile app, it becomes the Swiss army knife in your pocket, where anything that happens on your network, you can immediately get to it. There’s a tight integration with IQ CoPilot, so everything that you see in CoPilot is reflected in the Companion app,” Israel added.
One of the newest capabilities Extreme recently introduced in IQ CoPilot is a digital twin. It allows IT to validate devices in a sandbox environment and test out configuration changes without having to physically deploy them. In other words, admins can make any modifications to simulated devices without impacting the network.
The digital twin feature is included in IQ CoPilot and doesn’t require a separate license. During the next release cycle, Extreme customers will be able to create a digital twin in the cloud and push its configurations down to a physical device, according to Gorden Jennings, a distinguished engineer at Extreme. This capability will be available early next year.
“A little later down the road, you’re going to be able to configure everything in the cloud—either one or 20 devices—and eventually, you’ll be able to push that down to the physical realm,” said Jennings.
When thinking about AIOps, Extreme’s panel of experts advised organizations to start in the cloud, where all the data is captured. It’s important not to overlook data governance and who can access the data. At Extreme, only a handful of engineers have access to data that is anonymized. ExtremeCloud IQ, which manages millions of network devices daily, is certified by the International Standards Organization (ISO) for information security.
Last but not least, implementing ML/AI will help automate detection and resolution of network problems, saving the organization time and resources. Most importantly, the experience will improve for both the end users and the IT team.
Zeus Kerravala is the founder and principal analyst with ZK Research. He provides a mix of tactical advice to help his clients in the current business climate and long-term strategic advice. Kerravala provides research and advice to end-user IT and network managers, vendors of IT hardware, software and services and the financial community looking to invest in the companies that he covers. He can be reached at [email protected], and follow him @zkerravala and on YouTube.
Industry Voices are opinion columns written by outside contributors—often industry experts or analysts—who are invited to the conversation by Fierce staff. They do not necessarily represent the opinions of Fierce.