HPE Aruba Central is a powerful, cloud-based tool that simplifies daily network management for administrators in large enterprises, university campuses, data centers, and even remote offices . All network-related activities, from configuration and optimization to cybersecurity protection, are performed on a single platform. Furthermore, it leverages technologies like artificial intelligence for decision-making and the automation of repetitive tasks, saving time and effort . In short, it provides the power to manage all of an organization’s connections from a single, accessible, and efficient control point.
It is important to note that this solution is now integrated with HPE GreenLake, providing a consistent operating model for IT administrators , enabling them to manage computing, storage, and networking equipment more efficiently and at reduced costs.
The transition to the cloud comes at a crucial time, as networks become increasingly complex and businesses continue to adopt cloud services at an accelerating pace . In 2021, cloud usage increased by nearly 20%. It is estimated that by 2025, more than 95% of new digital workloads will be deployed on cloud-native platforms , compared to 30% in 2021. As networks also migrate to the cloud, it is expected that more than half of new deployments in 2022 will be managed using cloud-based platforms.
Risks of Decentralized Network Management
Network operations management is often fragmented , with separate management tools used for WAN, LAN, and WLAN networks. This leads to several problems, such as the manual execution of most processes, which increases the risk of errors and causes downtime. In fact, approximately 40% of all network outages are due to human error, which can result in decreased productivity and profits.
Lack of visibility makes decision-making difficult.
When a problem arises that affects the network or users, the same tools are used to troubleshoot it. However, manually connecting data between these tools is time-consuming, and root cause analysis is often based on assumptions . Nearly 30% of network outages lasted more than 24 hours, increasing support costs and diverting staff from other projects. Unfortunately, 70% of businesses have employees who experience performance issues several times a week. As these problems persist, employee productivity can be severely impacted.
Network vulnerabilities continue to expand.
The increasing adoption of cloud computing and the rise of remote work are changing how IT networks have traditionally been secured . As more Internet of Things (IoT) devices are integrated into the network without the network administrator’s knowledge, an additional challenge arises . Nearly 80% of IT teams have encountered IoT devices they did not install themselves . Several points are important to consider when choosing a solution like Aruba Central, such as the network equipment models compatible with the platform, which do not need to be specifically purchased for cloud management as is the case with some other manufacturers. These devices can be verified at the following link: Supported Devices (arubanetworks.com)
For customers who, due to regulations and compliance requirements, cannot deploy public cloud services, there is the option of HPE Aruba Central on-premise, which only requires primary components for access:
- A physical application-based server running in the client’s data center and
- A software subscription that enables management features for HPE Aruba Central-compatible devices. It’s important to remember that all HPE Aruba Central licenses, whether for 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 years, have a 30-day grace period. This means that, for example, activating a 12-month license actually provides 13 months of licensing.
In conclusion, incorporating Aruba Central to support cloud-related networks for use in enterprise environments helps to:
- Maximize budget efficiency by leveraging flexible licensing and diverse financing options, enabling more effective management of financial resources while meeting the evolving needs of the business.
- Mitigating security risk by implementing proactive measures that include early identification, rapid response, and timely detection of threats, thereby effectively safeguarding assets and maintaining the integrity of the operating environment.
- Minimize disruptions and improve operational efficiency by reducing problem resolution time by up to 50% with the use of this tool, allowing you to maintain continuity in operations and maximize team productivity.
- Providing users with reliable and secure connectivity to applications and data from any location, while ensuring comprehensive network protection against potential threats. This solution not only facilitates remote access to critical resources but also implements robust security measures to safeguard data integrity and network infrastructure, thus promoting a secure and productive work environment at all times.
- Boost WLAN performance and optimize access to critical applications, including SaaS, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for end users. This performance improvement
- It optimizes the support process by proactively identifying and addressing potential incidents before they escalate into significant problems, resulting in a notable reduction in technical support time. This proactive approach not only minimizes the negative impact on network operations but also strengthens the resilience of the business environment by anticipating and effectively mitigating potential disruptions, thus ensuring seamless operational continuity.
- It significantly improves administrative efficiency by consolidating various tools and functionalities into a single, centralized, common environment. This integration not only simplifies management processes but also facilitates collaboration between teams, thereby promoting greater operational efficiency and enabling more informed and strategic decision-making in network and systems administration.
- Achieve a higher level of scalability and agility by implementing a system that allows for rapid and efficient infrastructure expansion, with new deployments that can be completed in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks.
Unlock the full potential of your business network with our innovative cloud management solutions. From improving efficiency and security to maximizing operational agility, our article will guide you through the most advanced strategies and tools to drive your company’s success in a constantly evolving digital world where networks and businesses are exposed to new vulnerabilities and security threats.
Written by: Juan David Barbery Concha.
Specialist Engineer:
¹ Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, April 2022
² DC, Five Key Enterprise Networking Trends to Watch in 2020, April 2020
³ Uptime Institute Intelligence report, June 2022
⁴ IDC, Future of Enterprise Networking: Emergence of the New Normal, Feb. 2, 2021
⁵ Internet of Things – statistics and facts,Statista, 2020
