Simplifying IT and security
Unifying modern IT environments into one platform can strengthen security and networking while reducing costs
As enterprise IT environments grow more complex, connecting multiple clouds, apps, and users has grown more challenging.
Cloudflare operates one of the world’s largest cloud networks and is addressing these challenges with the connectivity cloud, a unified platform of cloud-native services delivering fast, secure, any-to-any connectivity. “By bringing together essential networking and security services in a single platform, the connectivity cloud enables enterprises to connect and protect everything while reducing management complexity,” says John Engates, Field CTO at Cloudflare.
Here are some ways a connectivity cloud helps enterprises regain control over complexity and cost.
Unifying IT — simply and securely
In the past, all applications were run in on-premises data centers, and they were accessed by users working from corporate offices. Consequently, perimeter security was effective in protecting apps and users from external threats.
Today, most enterprises have multi-cloud environments, using SaaS apps in public and private clouds along with traditional apps in on-premises data centers, all accessed by a distributed workforce. The result is an inefficient, expensive and risky patchwork of networking, security and management tools. A connectivity cloud connects users, apps, clouds and networks to provide an intuitive, unified management interface for networking and security across the organization.
In a recent study, 66% of respondents cite an increase in the number of applications they use as a top factor contributing to the loss of IT control. Unifying IT management not only simplifies administration, it also strengthens security by closing the gaps between distinct tools
Enabling Zero Trust security
Zero Trust security—which requires strict verification of every person and device at every access request—has become vital for securing corporate IT environments. But enacting effective, enterprise-wide access controls is difficult for environments spanning multiple sites, clouds and geographies. A connectivity cloud helps companies implement effective Zero Trust security, enabling them to set consistent controls, establish protections around multi-cloud environments, and create their own policy guardrails for accessing apps and data.
Adhering to global data rules
A growing number of strict data privacy and protection laws around the globe have further complicated IT, often requiring companies to protect data differently depending on where it resides. A connectivity cloud makes it easier for enterprises to navigate those country- and region-specific laws, significantly improving risk management practices. You have much greater control over where data is processed and stored, and can comply with laws without sacrificing app performance or complicating management.
Integrating the security stack
In response to growing threats, many companies have accumulated a hodge-podge of security tools, each addressing a particular vulnerability. This fragmented approach has created gaps in visibility and protection, while adding significant management complexity. A connectivity cloud helps companies consolidate multiple security capabilities into one platform for simpler, more efficient and effective security. Reducing complexity means companies can simultaneously lower risk and cost while diminishing the burden on IT and security teams.
AI inference at the edge
As artificial intelligence (AI) is applied across business operations, reducing the physical distance between models and users is critical for rapidly delivering AI inferences. Cloudflare’s global network includes servers with AI-capable GPUs, putting the necessary computing power close to users, anywhere around the globe. Individuals can have responsive, low-latency experiences using AI with their laptops, phones and other devices—from anywhere. For enterprises, powerful edge data centers allow them to substantially expand their potential use cases for AI.
As companies continue to expand their IT environments and support distributed workforces, it becomes harder and harder to reduce complexity and regain control. Recognizing the need is one part of the challenge. Rethinking the approach to networking and security is another. A connectivity cloud enables companies to more easily connect and protect IT environments, helping them move with more speed and confidence while reducing the cost, complexity and stress of managing IT. It’s a foundation for accelerating innovation today and in the future.
“By bringing together essential networking and security services in a single platform, the connectivity cloud enables enterprises to connect and protect everything while reducing management complexity,” says John Engates, Field CTO at Cloudflare.
This article is part of a series on the latest trends and topics impacting today’s technology decision-makers.
Key takeaways
After reading this article, you will be able to understand:
Why the adoption of myriad apps and multiple clouds has led to IT sprawl
The benefits of simplifying complexity in the enterprise
How a connectivity cloud can help control and secure expanding IT environments
Related resources
Dive deeper into this topic.
Learn more about this growing complexity of IT and security operations in the Forrester research study, Regaining control with a connectivity cloud.
This article was originally produced for The Wall Street Journal