Technology is advancing at breakneck speeds, especially in the network industry, and the only way to remain competitive in this environment is to be flexible, adapt to changes, and embrace innovation. In the past, manual configurations were the norm, but today, manual processes and legacy network technologies are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern operations. Network transformation has become not just a choice, but a necessity for organizations aiming to thrive in this fast-paced era. For Cisco distribution partners, it’s crucial to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with this transformation and the significance of embracing DevNet practices to stay competitive.
The need to address current challenges in the digital landscape is one of the key drivers behind the speed of transformation. Network engineers grapple with the difficulty of hiring and retaining experienced talent and managing complex vendor interactions. Additionally, businesses are increasingly transitioning toward software-driven solutions. Focusing on software enables them to provide more flexibility, customization, and timely customer interactions. Partners who adapt quickly to this changing landscape will benefit from increased revenue, more customer loyalty, and an agile workforce. The question is, how can distribution partners transform to meet these challenges head-on?
The answer lies in embracing DevNet practices. Ruben Dedman, Technical Consulting Manager for Cisco DevNet at TD SYNNEX, said in a recent interview with EDGE360, “To address these challenges effectively, it’s essential to embrace DevNet practices, which focus on programmability, automation, and API integration.” Zero-touch provisioning, for example, is a game-changer for deploying devices using automation as it streamlines configurations and eliminates common human errors that cost companies time and money. “It allows businesses to set up the code ahead of time. Then, when they need to deploy, they just plug in the device, and the computer and servers will do all the backend work to configure those devices,” Dedman explained.
Through API integrations, which Dedman mentioned are fairly new with Cisco, users can interact with devices through the websites’ addresses, or URLs, simplifying network management. This approach streamlines communication between vendors and permits automation, even across different vendor platforms. “It’s very powerful because you can do everything in the back end with code using API integrations. Because of that, you can integrate eight different vendors together, so that you can automate things between all of those vendors.”
These are powerful tools that reduce manual work and complexity, but they’re not the only advantages of embracing DevNet practices. As companies transition into the software-driven age, their employees become more invested, work quality improves, and they build a more dynamic, adaptable network infrastructure. This leads to what Dedman described as “unicorn employees, because you’re teaching them valuable tools and methodologies that will help improve their daily lives, improve the business and improve the customer experience.” As the network industry continues to shift toward a more automated, software-centric model, DevNet practices are key to driving digital transformation and ensuring that organizations remain competitive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
The era of network transformation is here, and Cisco distribution partners can play a crucial role in their customers’ success. By adopting DevNet practices and focusing on software solutions, partners can build more robust, resilient, and responsive networks. This transformation allows partners to become an indispensable part of their clients’ journey. The result is increased revenue, reduced churn, and, more importantly, a future-ready business that can adapt to the changing digital landscape.
The digital realm has presented numerous challenges, but more importantly, it’s teeming with opportunities. Cisco distribution partners who embrace DevNet practices and adapt to the evolving needs of their customers will not only stay competitive but thrive in the new era of networking.
Cisco DevNet certifications provide software developers with new pathways to career growth in emerging roles for Specialists through Expert. To learn more about Cisco DevNet certifications, click here.
