By Herb Hogue, CTO, Myriad360
Network Automation Isn’t Optional Anymore—It’s the Only Way to Survive Multilayered Complexity
Managing networks today is like playing three-dimensional chess—every move adds layers of complexity. Physical devices, virtual overlays, and logical networks evolve faster than most organizations can keep up with. If your tools and processes can’t adapt in real-time, you’re playing a losing game. Network automation is no longer optional; it’s the only way to survive.
The Complexity Challenge
Hybrid IT has accelerated the complexity of network environments, with layers of technology multiplying across organizations. According to a 2022 Businesswire study, 62% of IT professionals report that hybrid IT has increased network complexity, eroding confidence in their ability to manage it effectively.
This echoes what I see every day. Many organizations are navigating a web of legacy systems patched together with newer solutions. For example, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified 65 federal legacy systems in need of modernization, with some systems over 50 years old that still operate with known security vulnerabilities. These systems were never designed for today’s hybrid or multicloud environments. Add virtual networks, SaaS integrations, and APIs to the mix, and you’ve got a “multidimensional array of point solutions” that feels impossible to manage.
Why Automation is the Only Answer
The sheer volume of data generated by today’s networks makes manual management obsolete. Security tools alone produce massive amounts of information, much of it alerts that may be false positives. I’ve seen teams drown in “data islands,” unable to connect the dots between tools to identify trends or real threats. This is where automation shines.
A 2022 Cisco report found that 33% of organizations cite operational complexity as a significant concern when managing hybrid and multicloud environments, underscoring the need for automation to manage these environments effectively. Automation reduces this burden by scaling operations, eliminating human error, and enabling real-time responses. The days of touching every device individually to update configurations are over. Automation allows IT teams to deploy changes across the network in milliseconds, not days.
Barriers to Adoption
Despite the clear benefits, many organizations are hesitant to adopt automation. Legacy systems are often so deeply embedded that a full overhaul feels impossible. Instead, incremental change is the way forward. As I’ve said before, “It’s usually dropping one or two [tools] out and plugging one or two new ones in to their stack.” This approach balances progress with operational continuity.
According to a 2023 McKinsey report, managing multiple cloud architectures introduces complexities in network management, requiring the integration of diverse networking technologies to ensure seamless communication and optimal performance. Add economic volatility and talent shortages to the mix, and organizations face even greater barriers to automation.
Steps to Automation
If you’re considering automation, start by assessing your current tools and configurations. You need to know what you have before you can automate effectively. Then, prioritize standardization and consistency. A 2021 NTT Global Services report emphasizes the importance of centralized monitoring and management to ensure hybrid cloud success.
Next, adopt tools incrementally. Swap out outdated solutions for platforms that integrate with your existing systems. Finally, embed automation into your operational lifecycle, aligning it with DevOps processes to ensure long-term success. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about process and people.
Looking Ahead
The future of network management will be defined by automation. The hybrid cloud market is growing, and a Bain report highlights how the need to manage ever-expanding workloads is pushing companies to adapt through automation or risk being left behind Bain.
Emerging technologies like AI are already reshaping how we approach automation. A 2023 Gartner report shows that AI-driven tools will be essential in managing complexity, providing insights that humans can’t detect in real-time. While the dream of a “single pane of glass” to manage everything may remain aspirational, automation is getting us closer to fewer, more integrated systems.
From Survival to Strategic Advantage
Automation isn’t just about keeping your head above water—it’s about turning network complexity into a strategic advantage. By automating now, you position your organization to outpace competitors and embrace innovation.
Start by assessing your network. Find where automation can make the biggest impact, and act as if the future of your business depends on it.