Networking Trends

Wednesday, January 13th, 2021

2020 has reshaped networking – but, if we choose to be honest, that’s a good thing. Sometimes it is a little too easy to maintain the status quo when we need to be “up-dating.” Networking technology plays a role both with employees working remotely, and those who must work on-site.

Remote working is here to stay, bringing an increased need for advanced network platforms that respond quickly to nearly any circumstance, while maintaining cybersecurity. Employees who access corporate applications/data via personal devices are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, making the challenge to adapt a bit overwhelming. Take these steps to maintain a secure and productive remote network environment.

• Provide company devices – If he/she were working on-site, they would be using a company device –a device secured with proper firewalls, antivirus software, etc., and compatible with company platforms. And while a company cannot monitor a remote employee’s personal device, there isn’t a problem with maintaining access to a company device that is only used for company work.
• Employee Training – Require all employees, on-site and remote, to participate in training on cybersecurity best-practices. Establish standards for password usage and multi-factor authentication.
• Set Enforceable Boundaries – Allowing uncontrolled access to systems increases vulnerability. Blocking necessary access hinders productivity. Due diligence on which information employees can access remotely will prevent cyber catastrophes.
• Cloud Computing – Utilizing a cloud service provides a secure framework for remote work, professional support, and extensive cybersecurity protection. Going multi-cloud will help companies optimize the cost factor. Gartner predicts that 90% of organizations will adopt hybrid infrastructure management in 2021.

Safer work environments have become essential for employees who must work on-site. Changes are occurring across the board from office layouts that enable social distancing, limiting break room capacity, and guidelines on work parties to sanitizing practices. While challenging, establishing policies and procedures are doable. New technology is on the market, including:

• Wearable devices assist with contact tracing, temperature awareness, and beeping when people get “too close” for social distancing.
• Mobile apps let employees enter their temperature and recent activities before entering the workplace. The employee will then receive a message clearing them to come in or disqualifying them from coming in due to risk.
• PwC has created a check-in app, which tracks employees’ time, distance, and frequency of contact with co-workers and gives them a proximity score. Domo, a cloud-based software company, has produced a suite of back-to-work apps, including one that lets employees measure their temperature.
• The Enlighted IoT platform combines industry-leading sensor technology with applications and data analytics. It enables organizations to make data-driven safer workplace plans and respond if an individual tests positive for COVID-19. The system provides data and visualizations of people’s density and movement, monitoring workplace cleaning and disinfection, real-time-overcapacity alerts for crowded spaces, digital contact tracing, and more.

Networking technology is on a fast track. In Networking Technology P2, posting next week, we will discuss trends to expect in 2021. Meanwhile, if you are ready to take your business a step further with the right talent, contact Waypoint Search Advisors. We’re the right people to find your right people.