1. Info-Tech Research Group1 Info-Tech Research Group, Inc. Is a global leader in providing IT research and advice. Info-Tech’s products and services combine actionable insight and relevant advice with ready-to-use tools and templates that cover the full spectrum of IT concerns. © 1997-2013 Info-Tech Research Group Inc. Modernize the Enterprise Network in Five Steps This is not your father’s network. Info-Tech's products and services combine actionable insight and relevant advice with ready-to-use tools and templates that cover the full spectrum of IT concerns.© 1997 - 2013 Info-Tech Research Group

2. Info-Tech Research Group2 Create your network modernization plan Wireless, Near and Far See the benefits of WAN optimization Which WAN Appliances are best fit for the organization Make the case for WAN appliances Explore how wireless fits into the organization Explore the benefits of going wireless Data Center/Core Network Define the modern data center Explore SDN Evaluate faster connections for increased bandwidth Realize the benefits of a faster connection Determine how SDN aligns with business drivers Understand Network Modernization Modernization requires upgrades to all existing infrastructure Identify goals for network modernization Become Cloud Ready Know when the time is right for a cloud ready organization Create a flexible network to achieve the best results Follow the path to a hybrid cloud Manage the Onslaught of Connecting Devices Secure the network before the devices arrive Discover connected devices Determine your risk tolerance Determine the need for NAC Measure your security needs Day 1: Morning Day 1: Afternoon Day 2: Morning Day 2: Afternoon

3. Info-Tech Research Group3 To stay relevant in IT, everything needs to evolve. While appliances have been added to the network, and aging hardware replaced, the network has done little to change as a whole. Now is the time to modernize. Introduction Organizations looking to upgrade or replace legacy network equipment. Organizations requiring an advanced network framework for bandwidth hungry or time- sensitive applications. Organizations looking to modernize and/or optimize their current network infrastructure. Gain knowledge of current networking trends and technologies. Plan, at a high level, which network technologies are required in your organization. This Research Is Designed For:This Research Will Help You:

4. Info-Tech Research Group4 Executive Summary As organizations expand, so too must the network. Generally, these network expansions have been completed on the fly, implementing new infrastructure as requirements demand. As a result of these ad hoc upgrades, network equipment varies in age and efficiency, resulting in a need to modernize equipment to deliver the best connections to employees as well as customers. With the right appliances in place, network traffic and server usage can be optimized, leading to cost savings, efficiency gains, and high availability of applications to keep operations running smoothly. As they modernize their networks, organizations will be drawn into a new set of considerations as network demands become apparent. Networks will require flexibility and agility to support dynamic demand for growth, speed, and security. This evolution should be planned in advance, considering the changing needs of the data center/core network, WAN, edge access network, external connectivity, and non-corporate devices.

5. Info-Tech Research Group5 Workshop Overview ModuleWorkshop GoalsOutputs 1.Identify goals for network modernization and understand the current architecture. Define your organizational goals. Identify core stakeholders, contributors, and their responsibilities. Address stakeholder concerns. Develop a high level layout of the current infrastructure. Organizational Goals Worksheet. High level network architecture diagram. 2.Core Network/Data Center Evaluate current Ethernet needs against current Ethernet capabilities. Explore the growth of Ethernet in the organization. The exploration of Software Defined Networking as it applies to business goals. List of prominent SDN vendors to begin short-listing. A clearly defined business case that outlines the benefits of implementing SDN in the organization. 3.WANThe evaluation of the WAN, with attention paid to Modernized WAN Infrastructure and how WAN appliances fit into the organization. A selection of vendors in the categories of WAN Optimization and Multi-Link WAN Balancers. A business case for the implementation of a modernized WAN appliance.

6. Info-Tech Research Group6 Workshop Overview ModuleWorkshop GoalsOutputs 4.Enterprise Access Network The recognition of the benefits as well as the inevitability of the deployment of wireless throughout the organization. An access network coverage map that details the extent to which the wireless network is broadcasted. 5.Cloud Ready Infrastructure Confirm or deny the need to be cloud ready for your organization. Outline which pieces of the network require cloud ready upgrades. Optimize branch office connections and secure remote locations. A planned upgrade path that outlines each of the organization’s requirements for achieving cloud readiness. 6.BYOD/NACCreate a high level list of the mobile devices connecting to corporate resources. Determine organization risk level. Prepare the organization for a BYO world. Evaluate the need for NAC in your organization. List of mobile devices, both user owned and company owned, that are connecting to the network. List of security features required and in place for the organization.

7. Info-Tech Research Group7 How to use this blueprint We recommend that you supplement the Best Practices Blueprint with a Guided Implementation. For most Info-Tech members, these Guided Implementations are included in your membership plan.* Our expert analysts will provide telephone assistance to you and your team at key project milestones to review your materials, answer your questions, and explain our methodology. Info-Tech Research Group’s expert analysts will come onsite to help you work through our project methodology in a 2-5 day project accelerator workshop. We take you through every phase of the project and ensure that you have a road map in place to complete your project successfully. In some cases, we can even complete the project while we are onsite. Do-It-Yourself Implementation Use this Best Practice Blueprint to help you complete your project. The slides in this Blueprint will walk you step-by-step through every phase of your project with supporting tools and templates ready for you to use. Project Accelerator Workshop You can also use this Best Practice Blueprint to facilitate your own project accelerator workshop within your organization using the workshop slides and facilitation instructions provided in the Appendix. Book your workshop now by emailing: WorkshopBooking@InfoTech.com WorkshopBooking@InfoTech.com Best Practice Blueprint Free Guided ImplementationOnsiteWorkshops * Gold and Silver level subscribers only Or calling: 1-888-670-8889 Ext. 3001 There are multiple ways you can use this Info-Tech Best Practice Blueprint in your organization. Choose the option that best fits your needs:

8. Info-Tech Research Group8 Identify organizational goals for network modernization Example: Whiteboard What are the current high-level goals as laid out by different departments and organizational leaders? Executive GoalsIT GoalsOther Departmental Goals Reduce costs associated with maintaining and managing the network. Improved network capacity for BYOD, etc. Agility of overall IT services virtualization. Re-visit network security. Formalize IPv6 adoption Make the network more seamlessly available and ubiquitous. Discuss How does the existing network support or impede organizational goals? What emerging network technologies are creating opportunities to improve the capability, stability, and reach of the corporate network?

9. Info-Tech Research Group9 Organizational Goals Worksheet In terms of future network changes, what are the high level goals of executives, IT, and other business units? Executive GoalsIT GoalsOther Business Goals Discuss

10. Info-Tech Research Group10 Visualize the organization’s network Exercise: Review a current network diagram to identify primary components and vendors. Purpose: Prepare for analysis of the age, capacity, and scalability of the existing network. Identify areas of focus for the remainder of the workshop o Core network o WAN o Access network o Cloud-ready strategy o BYOD/NAC Example: Source: gliffy.com

11. Info-Tech Research Group11 Inventory the organization’s network components <2008200920102011201220132014 CoreExtreme BD WANRiverbed Enterprise LANExtreme Wireless LANMeru InternetAT&T Example: Exercise: Complete a high level inventory of network hardware and operating systems. Along the timeline, indicate the aging details along with known plans for the coming year. Purpose: Identify network components based on their age and upgrade requirements.

12. Info-Tech Research Group12 Info-Tech Research Group Helps IT Professionals To: Sign up for free trial membership to get practical solutions for your IT challenges www.infotech.com Quickly get up to speed with new technologies Make the right technology purchasing decisions – fast Deliver critical IT projects, on time and within budget Manage business expectations Justify IT spending and prove the value of IT Train IT staff and effectively manage an IT department “Info-Tech helps me to be proactive instead of reactive – a cardinal rule in a stable and leading edge IT environment. - ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., LP Toll Free: 1-888-670-8889