Software-defined networking (SDN)
Software-defined networking (SDN) is the latest buzzword in the networking industry, but there is still vast debate on the best way to implement it and which businesses it is suitable for. Read the latest about SDN and find tips and advice on the technology trend taking networking by storm, with all the news, case studies and advice in this topic section.
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News
21 Apr 2025
CW Innovation Awards: M1 aims to become digital-native telco
The digital-first telco is running all its back-end systems on the cloud, enabling it to speed up decision-making and enhance customer service Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2025
Nokia networking backbone firms up ResetData AI factory
Deployment of networking backbone to support immediate roll-out of Australia’s first sovereign and sustainable liquid immersion-cooled data centres looks to gain 75% reduction in energy consumption over previous generations Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2019
SD-WAN in play: How software-defined solves core business challenges
For foodservice business HMSHost International and chemical products firm Element Solutions, both customers of networking supplier Aryaka, software-defined wide area networking technology is proving its mettle when it comes to solving core business challenges. Find out how. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jul 2019
Securing your mobile estate – best practice for CIOs
The prevalence of mobile devices in every part of daily life is shaping how enterprises make choices about software and network infrastructure, but how do businesses go about securing these vast new endpoint estates? Continue Reading
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News
07 Jul 2019
There’s no free lunch in SD-WAN, says Tata Communications
Software-defined wide-area networks may help to lower connectivity costs and prioritise network traffic, but enterprises must still invest in bandwidth to reap the benefits of the technology Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2019
Why are regulations still hindering connectivity?
This is a guest blog post by Tom Dailey, chief international legal, policy and regulatory officer at Verizon The regulatory and policy landscape is a really important topic for all businesses given ... Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2019
Aerohive adds cloud and edge network features to Extreme portfolio
Software-defined network specialist Extreme Networks has bought Aerohive to extend its capabilities in critical areas for future networks Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2019
New security challenges await 5G planners, say APAC experts
With 5G technology expected to move more data and processing to the network edge, some experts have called for the need to address the security risks when planning 5G networks Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2019
How digital transformation underpins Three’s 5G ambitions
At Three, the smallest of the UK’s four mobile network operators, a transformative attitude to underlying IT is helping the firm mount a serious challenge to its rivals when it comes to 5G roll-out Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2019
Cisco shows off AI-driven network analysis at customer event
New tools to help IT departments better understand network behaviour and predict potential problems were among a series of announcements made on the opening day of Cisco Live in the US Continue Reading
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11 Jun 2019
Buyer’s guide to multicloud - part 1 of 3: SD-WAN requirements for a multicloud environment
SD-WAN is becoming an important option for businesses migrating branch and other edge communications to the cloud. We find out what makes a successful deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Jun 2019
Managed SD-WAN providers ranked in new market report
AT&T ranked first in Vertical Systems Group's SD-WAN report that compared more than 30 carrier-managed SD-WAN providers based on market share of installed customer sites. Continue Reading
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News
27 May 2019
StarHub taps OpenStack to run telco network
The Singapore telco has deployed OpenStack and signed up for Red Hat’s training programme to equip its network engineers with technical expertise Continue Reading
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News
16 May 2019
Cisco sees enterprise network opportunity in public cloud
CEO Chuck Robbins says Cisco is in the best place to make the most of the new era of 5G, IoT and Wi-Fi 6 enterprise networking Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2019
Singapore telco regulator proposes standalone 5G networks
Standalone networks will deliver the full suite of enterprise 5G capabilities, including network slicing and low latency connections for internet of things applications Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2019
Open doors at Huawei in China as it mounts defence
Computer Weekly was on a recent UK press tour of Huawei’s new campus in Dongguan, China. The company is opening up as it faces US criticism for alleged complicity with China’s security apparatus Continue Reading
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E-Zine
18 Apr 2019
CW ASEAN: Trend Watch – 5G
In this handbook, focused on business IT in the ASEAN region, Computer Weekly looks at the great spectrum conundrum, considers the potential of digital indoor systems and weighs up the challenges and opportunities that 5G presents for edge computing Continue Reading
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E-Zine
18 Apr 2019
CW ANZ: Trend Watch – 5G
In this ANZ handbook, Computer Weekly finds out which industries are likely to be the first to benefit from 5G technologies, hears about Huawei’s ambitious plans for its mobile portfolio, and weighs up the challenges and opportunities 5G presents for edge computing Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2019
Ahead of FTTP and 5G, BT picks Nokia to enhance core capacity
With the national full-fibre broadband roll-out in full swing and 5G expected to launch, BT is deploying new Nokia hardware at its network core to boost capacity for data-hungry services Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2019
How Australia’s Curtin University is transforming the digital classroom
The Perth-based institution has been using collaborative learning spaces to better engage students and bring its classes to the world Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
Huawei looks to ISPs for enterprise business growth
The Chinese technology bigwig is counting on internet service providers to fuel its enterprise business in the South Pacific region Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
Singapore’s UOB signs up for VMware Cloud on AWS
United Overseas Bank has become the first in Southeast Asia to use VMware Cloud on AWS in its move to the hybrid cloud Continue Reading
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News
20 Mar 2019
Colt picks Cisco to simplify 5G backhaul services
Colt is to deploy Cisco’s segment routing and Ethernet VPN-based architecture on its IQ Network for mobile operators Continue Reading
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News
14 Mar 2019
IT Priorities 2019: ANZ organisations focus on fundamentals
Organisations in Australia and New Zealand will spend more on modernising legacy applications and breaking down data silos this year Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2019
MWC 2019: Vodafone powers 5G with VMware
Vodafone is using VMware’s telco cloud platform to prepare its mobile networks for 5G in 15 geographies Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2019
MWC 2019: 5G driving telcos into the cloud, says VMware CEO
At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger explained how the requirements of 5G mobile networks are helping to push more telcos into the organisation’s arms Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2019
IT Priorities 2019: Security concerns top agenda for network buyers again
The ability to gain visibility into what is happening on enterprise networks has once again topped the agenda for network managers and buyers, according to the latest Computer Weekly/TechTarget IT Priorities survey Continue Reading
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News
20 Feb 2019
MWC 2019: Huawei claims massive lead on 5G readiness
At a pre-Mobile World Congress event in London, Huawei’s Ryan Ding shared details of the firm’s rapidly expanding 5G mobile portfolio, and laid into his competitors Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2019
MWC 2019: 5G in Europe driven by industrial automation, says Ericsson
As Mobile World Congress 2019 nears, Sweden’s Ericsson has been expanding, and expounding upon, its plans for 5G mobile networks Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Feb 2019
SD-WAN vendor lock-in is unavoidable, but not necessarily bad
It's practically impossible to avoid SD-WAN vendor lock-in. But, instead of being deterred by lock-in, companies should focus on wisely locking in the vendor with which they want to partner. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2019
Cisco CEO brushes off Brexit and other crises
Chuck Robbins has been speaking about the networking business’ resilience in the face of multiple geopolitical trends and crises, and says his customers just can’t stop spending Continue Reading
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E-Zine
07 Feb 2019
CW Benelux: Google helps Dutch schools to teach computer skills
A programme in the Netherlands to help primary schools provide computational thinking and programming, developed with financial support from Google, is well on schedule. Also read about four Russians’ attempted hack into the networks of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, and how Dutch delivery company PostNL is making savings by using robotic technology to automate administrative tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2019
What are the SD-WAN requirements for a multicloud environment?
SD-WAN is becoming an important option for businesses migrating branch and other edge communications to the cloud. But what makes a successful deployment? Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2019
Suffolk County Council awards 20-year WAN contract
MLL Telecom will work with CityFibre to extend Suffolk County Council’s existing WAN to 600 sites and offer them ultrafast connectivity services Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2019
Coders and developers: The new heroes of the network?
Cisco is moving towards a software-based future. We chatted to Susie Wee, founder and leader of Cisco developer and innovation programme, DevNet, to find out how she is helping to enable this change Continue Reading
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Podcast
05 Feb 2019
Podcast: The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload - Episode 2
In this week’s episode of Computer Weekly’s Downtime Upload podcast, the team discuss what went on at Cisco Live Europe, consider the benefits of office robots, and deep dive into the financial results of AWS, SAP and Microsoft Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2019
Cisco Live Europe: Intent-based networking meets the IoT head-on
Networking and communications technology supplier Cisco plans to bring intent-based networking techniques to bear on the internet of things Continue Reading
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News
30 Jan 2019
Automation potential outweighs SDN deployment risks
SDN deployment varies among service providers and enterprises due to risks, costs and use cases. But, when it comes to SD-WAN, both groups appear to agree about the potential. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2019
Cisco, the developer company, right?
You know Cisco, that networking company that makes hardware for deep internal systems and spends all its time developing switches, routers, hubs and token ring adapters and suchlike, right? No, ... Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2019
Cisco breaks out of physical datacentres to support app-based future
At Cisco Live Europe, extending datacentre capabilities beyond the confines of the physical site to enable app innovation formed the core of a swathe of announcements made by the networking kingpin Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2019
MPs challenge Huawei over spying allegations
The chair of the cross-bench Science and Technology Committee has written to Huawei seeking answers over its activities in the UK Continue Reading
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E-Zine
22 Jan 2019
Moving beyond network boundaries
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at how businesses are adapting to the challenges of perimeterless network security. We examine how digital transformation is bringing increased complications for identity and access management (IAM). And we ask if public cloud providers are becoming a threat to the funding model for open source software. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2019
The pitfalls of multicloud network management
Migrating to and managing a multicloud network introduces new complexities into the network. We look at how to avoid the potential pitfalls Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2019
Vodafone and IBM prep user clouds for future network tech
Companies expand existing collaboration to enable enterprise customers to prepare for the impact of advanced networking technologies Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2019
Dutch pharma firm Centrient switches out MPLS for Cato SD-WAN
Centrient Pharmaceuticals, a Netherlands-based drug company, has switched out its global MPLS service in favour of a high-performance software-defined WAN from Cato Networks Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Jan 2019
What is a software-defined perimeter, and do I need it?
An evolving network world requires evolving network security. Learn how software-defined perimeter offers a compelling answer to network vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2019
Equinix to open fourth Singapore datacentre in 2019
The latest investment by Equinix in Singapore comes as datacentre operators look to fill vacant real estate arising from intense market competition between 2017 and 2018 Continue Reading
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News
02 Jan 2019
SMEs urged to get on board with Network Services 2 framework
Suppliers have until the end of January 2019 to sign up to the new government network services purchasing framework Continue Reading
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News
02 Jan 2019
Huawei aims to be more resilient in 2019 amid challenges
Huawei’s rotating chairman Guo Ping outlines the firm’s priorities to optimise its product portfolio, empower employees and build a more resilient business structure Continue Reading
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Answer
31 Dec 2018
Which KPIs should I measure for security in SDN?
KPIs provide useful guidelines to measure how network performance and security align with business objectives. Here are some KPIs to help keep track of an SDN environment. Continue Reading
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News
31 Dec 2018
Top 10 network stories of 2018
2018 was the year when software-defined networking, and more specifically software-defined WANs, took centre stage. We look back at a transformative year for the world of the network manager Continue Reading
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E-Zine
18 Dec 2018
The 50 most influential people in UK IT 2018
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we reveal our annual UKtech50 list of the most influential people in UK IT. We talk to this year’s winner, HM Revenue & Customs chief digital and information officer Jacky Wright, about the challenges of government IT during Brexit and the changing role of the CIO. And we examine the issues around upgrading SAP’s ERP system to S/4 Hana. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
Casting the net for a software-defined future
The practical and cultural challenges of enterprises transforming to software-defined networking Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Dec 2018
Manchester’s evolution from rag trade to digital hub
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we visit Manchester to examine the city’s expanding digital and e-commerce industry and find out the key to tech sector growth in the former home of the UK rag trade. We look at the challenges of IT security in the quantum computing age. And we talk to Bloomberg’s CTO about tech innovation, machine learning and blockchain. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2018
SDN: Where is it now and what is the future?
Software-defined networking is one of the great IT hype stories of this century – we look at where it stands now Continue Reading
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04 Dec 2018
Intelligent automation and the WAN: Is SD-WAN moving mainstream?
Take-up of software-defined networking in corporates is slower than expected. Where have we reached on the journey to software-controlled networks – and SD-WAN in particular – becoming the norm? Continue Reading
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E-Zine
04 Dec 2018
Tackling legacy systems by making IT evergreen
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we assess strategies for continuous IT improvement to help evergreen IT replace the difficulties caused by legacy tech. Our new buyer’s guide examines next-generation networking technologies such as SD-WAN. And we hear about digital transformation in the charity sector in an interview with the IT leader at Parkinson’s UK. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Nov 2018
Bright future for OTT video – if the network can support it
The emergence of over the top video services is having a massive impact on underlying network technology, according to the ITP Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
Cato SD-WAN service targets last-mile management
In networking news, Cato Networks unveils an SD-WAN tool to detect network outages; SolarWinds spotlights DevOps features; and Kaloom gets $10 million. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2018
How Singapore Airlines is flying the digital skies
Top Asian carrier Singapore Airlines has been building a digital foundation to fend off potential disruption, but it is not just the IT team that is leading the charge Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2018
Securing the SD-WAN: The next network challenge
Every time an enterprise weighs up whether or not to try SD-WAN, security is an essential part of the picture Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2018
5G will unleash digital transformation for UK enterprises
Mobile operator EE is working hand-in-hand with its largest enterprise customers to realise the potential of its future 5G mobile network Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2018
APAC firms warm up to SD-WAN to solve networking woes
A third of enterprises in the APAC region have already deployed SD-WAN at most of their sites, while 55% are in the process of doing so, a study shows Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Oct 2018
Will SDN replace MPLS? Not so fast
This is a guest blog post by Tony Judd, MD UKI and Benelux at Verizon With the popularity of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and ... Continue Reading
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News
10 Oct 2018
Huawei Connect 2018: Huawei tackles barriers to effective AI
At its annual customer and technology event, Huawei chairman Eric Xu set out 10 key challenges facing AI, and revealed how the networking supplier’s strategy will help to address these Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2018
Huawei Connect 2018: China on the hunt for AI talent
At Huawei Connect 2018 in Shanghai, Huawei shared insights into how the developing artificial intelligence industry is changing the face of IT talent development in Asia-Pacific Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2018
Network growth brings management challenges
As enterprise networks grow, so do the challenges of managing them effectively, says a report compiled by Oracle’s communications unit Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
At the new Cisco, culture is as important as innovation
Cisco’s newly appointed SVP of Emear, Wendy Mars, shares her thoughts on the state of network innovation within the industry, and explains why cultural change is just as important an element of a digital strategy Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Sep 2018
Intelligent automation and the WAN: Is SD-WAN moving mainstream?
Take-up of software-defined networking in corporates is slower than expected. Where have we reached on the journey to software-controlled networks – and SD-WAN in particular – becoming the norm? Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2018
Software-defined access networks pose promise and pitfalls
By implementing software-defined controls on the access layer, IT can centralize and unify network policies. However, any new technology is still rife with risk. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2018
Rural areas will be among the first to get Vodafone 5G
Parts of Cornwall and Cumbria will be among the first locations to get access to Vodafone’s 5G mobile network when it launches in 2019 Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2018
What are the current SD-WAN options for enterprises?
Software-defined wide area networking is well on its way to being a multi-billion dollar market. We assess the current state of the market and look at some of the options for enterprise CIOs and network managers Continue Reading
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04 Sep 2018
DevOps and containers: How to get connected
We look at how to apply a DevOps approach to a container-based microservices architecture. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Sep 2018
DevOps and containers: How to get connected
We look at how to apply a DevOps approach to a container-based microservices architecture Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Aug 2018
When networks collide: how M&A brings infrastructure together
Enterprise IT runs on networking, so fixing up the network should be a priority issue during mergers and acquisitions – but that’s not always the case. Find out how the pros manage it Continue Reading
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News
26 Aug 2018
VMware debuts VMware Cloud on AWS in Australia, cuts entry price
Virtualisation juggernaut VMware rolls out its hybrid cloud service in Australia and has halved the entry price to sweeten the deal for enterprises Continue Reading
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News
21 Aug 2018
Riverbed plots to take the network from IT blocker to IT enabler
The move towards automation and next-gen networking will help the network deliver more value to the enterprise than ever before, argues Riverbed’s new CEO, Paul Mountford Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2018
CEO Robbins puts multi-cloud at the heart of Cisco’s business
Placing the supplier at the heart of the enterprise transition to multi-cloud environments seems to be paying off for Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins Continue Reading
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14 Aug 2018
Need for speed: Designing a modern campus LAN
Just like datacentres before them, campus LANs are increasingly being defined by virtualisation and software-based controls. Next to this shift, the hardware also continues to improve as network owners look to keep pace with user demand Continue Reading
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News
07 Aug 2018
Arista settles patent dispute with Cisco
Cisco gets $400m from rival, but experts say it still has some way to go to build a cloud networking strategy as complete as Arista’s Continue Reading
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News
04 Jul 2018
Industry bets on fixed wireless access for first 5G deployments
Separate tests in Romania and the UK have been demonstrating the potential of fixed wireless access as a component of 5G Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jul 2018
How APAC enterprises and telcos are preparing for 5G
From Singapore to Tokyo, enterprises and mobile operators across Asia have been readying themselves for the next big leap in mobile connectivity that promises to speed up business operations and improve lives Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2018
Need for speed: designing a modern campus LAN
Just like datacentres before them, campus LANs are increasingly being defined by virtualisation and software-based controls. Next to this shift, the hardware also continues to improve as network owners look to keep pace with user demand Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2018
Advanced network supports new learning model at Northampton Uni
The University of Northampton is preparing to open a new campus at a cost of £330m, and has turned to Cisco to supply an intelligent, secure network to support its innovative learning model Continue Reading
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05 Jun 2018
Software-defined networking: gathering momentum in the enterprise?
Suppliers are pushing the benefits of software-defined networking harder than ever, and enterprises are starting to take the plunge rather than remaining on the sidelines. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
05 Jun 2018
The bumpy ride to digital transformation
In this week’s Computer Weekly, we look at the lessons to be learned from General Electric’s bumpy ride to digital transformation. We assess the use of software-defined networking in corporate IT infrastructures. And we find out how Royal Bank of Scotland approaches digital and business innovation. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
18 May 2018
GDS seeks advice on migration from Public Services Network
The Government Digital Service has started the process of moving public sector organisations away from the Public Services Network Continue Reading
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News
11 May 2018
KCOM picks Amdocs to enhance network transition
East Yorkshire and Humberside’s incumbent telco to implement new service delivery platform as it upgrades its network Continue Reading
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News
10 May 2018
Nutanix .NEXT 2018: CEO Pandey talks Xi, Cisco, multi-cloud
Nutanix CEO Dheeraj Pandey discusses why Xi Cloud Services are taking so long to deliver, blames Nutanix No. 1 HCI market share loss on 'funky accounting.' Continue Reading
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News
09 May 2018
Nutanix builds hooks to SDN and cloud with Flow, Era and Beam
Hyper-converged pioneer builds in functionality from acquisitions with Flow software-defined networking, Beam cloud monitoring and Era database provisioning and data protection Continue Reading
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News
04 May 2018
Businesses not ready for network implications of cloud native architecture
Composable applications can be built from connecting microservices that run in their own containers. This cloud-first approach requires a new approach to networking Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2018
Software-defined networking: gathering momentum in the enterprise?
Suppliers are pushing the benefits of software-defined networking harder than ever, and enterprises are starting to take the plunge rather than remaining on the sidelines Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Apr 2018
Can Huawei untangle the AI mess?
Huawei is building a digital platform with “device-cloud synergy” to support artificial intelligence applications, but enterprises should be wary of being locked into a single AI stack Continue Reading
- 18 Apr 2018
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News
18 Apr 2018
Huawei debuts its first intent-based networking proposition
At its Shenzhen Analyst Summit, Huawei unveiled its intent-based networking concept, promising to address enterprise customer pain points around network management Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2018
Huawei wants to unlock ASEAN’s digital potential
The Chinese technology supplier is working with communications service providers such as Converge in the Philippines to bolster their networks to support new digital services Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2018
Singtel, VMware to set up hybrid cloud sandbox
The hybrid cloud sandbox environment will let companies test their cloud workloads and software-defined networks Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2018
HMV pivots from legacy MPLS to SD-WAN
Record retailer HMV goes all-in on a Cisco Meraki software-defined network to cut costs and improve its network resiliency Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2018
The walking dead: Is there life left in 4G mobile networks?
These days, 5G grabs all the hype and headlines, but 4G still has plenty more to give. It’s a good thing, too, as operators have no choice but to sweat their assets Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Mar 2018
VMware microsegmentation in NSX trumps going sans SDN
Software-defined networking can help plug security holes and minimize microsegmentation management tasks; it's worth a look for companies that haven't virtualized their networks yet. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2018
The future of SDN in 2018 moves toward increased automation
Future SDN trends could show variations of the technology becoming more prominent among enterprises, as organizations look increasingly toward programmability and automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Mar 2018
How Turkish mobile operators are helping the vast Syrian refugee population to help themselves
Turkish mobile network operators are designing services that will help Syrian refugees make their lives in the country Continue Reading
