1. Info-Tech Research Group1 Info-Tech Research Group, Inc. is a global leader in providing IT research and advice. Info-Tech’s products and services combine actionable insight and relevant advice with ready-to-use tools and templates that cover the full spectrum of IT concerns. © 1997-2013 Info-Tech Research Group Inc. Make the Network Invisible by Developing a World Class Network Management Function Treat the enterprise network like a utility – make it just work. Info-Tech's products and services combine actionable insight and relevant advice with ready-to-use tools and templates that cover the full spectrum of IT concerns.© 1997 - 2013 Info-Tech Research Group

2. Info-Tech Research Group2 Enterprise networks are often managed on an “as-needed” basis. Components are replaced ad hoc without considering the overarching network architecture and evolving technologies; skills and expertise are not actively maintained and managed; and unused processes collect dust. The enterprise network management function can be a significant business enabler when people, process, and technology coalesce. Introduction Infrastructure managers interested in improving the people, processes, and technology associated with network management. CIOs seeking to leverage enterprise networks to deliver business value. Network managers and administrators managing day-to-day network operations. Develop network management skills and expertise required to excel in a changing network management environment. Optimize processes to better suit the evolving network management function. Prepare for new and evolving technologies like software defined networking (SDN), network virtualization, and primarily wireless access networks. This Research Is Designed For:This Research Will Help You:

3. Info-Tech Research Group3 Executive Summary As an organization’s application and service demands grow, networks must follow. As networks grow in complexity, and technology evolves, it is critical to have the right skill sets, processes, and technologies in place to manage the ever-changing enterprise network. Ad-hoc upgrades have led to poorly architected networks that make management difficult, resulting in performance issues, and making incident response and troubleshooting challenging. In order to deliver reliable, resilient, high-performing networks, organizations must evaluate and reassess their processes, technology, and people to optimize the network in a cost-effective and non-disruptive manner. Software Defined Networking (SDN) will dramatically change the networking environments in many organizations. Begin evaluating SDN, but be prepared to adopt improved management processes, train staff in new skills, and assess new technologies to prepare for the changes SDN will bring. The changes brought on by this project will not be small, one-off changes. Organizations looking to succeed will need to employ proper project management practices in order to overcome obstacles.

4. Info-Tech Research Group4 Create your World Class Network Management Transformation Plan Assess the Current State of Your Network Document Future Network Goals Gap AnalysisMake the Case Plan the Transformation The benefits of operating a world class network. Look at which processes need the most attention. Determine your agility by setting network process goals. Establish a baseline for people and skills. Review the architecture of your network at a high level. Look at which technologies are in place. Decide which technologies should be in place in your organization. Determine which skills are required for the future of your network. Take the steps needed to improve network processes. Plan the implementation of new technologies. Train network staff to handle new responsibilities in the coming environment. Create an innovation calendar to stay abreast of networking advancements. Summarize gap analysis. Plan the project properly for the highest rate of success. Track project progress for the project team and stakeholders. Build a timeline of important milestones. Day 1: Morning Day 1: Afternoon Day 2: Morning Day 2: Afternoon

5. Info-Tech Research Group5 Workshop Overview ModuleWorkshop GoalsOutputs 1.Identify goals for network modernization and understand the current architecture Define your organizational goals Identify core stakeholders, contributors, and their responsibilities Address stakeholder concerns Develop a high level layout of the current infrastructure Organizational Goals Worksheet High level network architecture diagram 2.Make the case for network monitoring Explore the benefits of implementing a strong network monitoring practice Understand the skills, processes, and technology that make network management a key part of the organization Business case for implementing and improving network management practices 3.Evaluation of current network management practices Assess and document the current state of the organization’s network management skills, processes, and technology A baseline view of the current network state

6. Info-Tech Research Group6 Workshop Overview ModuleWorkshop GoalsOutputs 4.Set goals for the future state of network management Design the future state of the network with respect to people, processes, and technology Documented goals of how the network should function in the future An understanding of which technologies and processes should be in place 5.Gap analysisDiscovery of gaps based on the outputs of modules 3 and 4 Detailed list of gaps the organization must fill Innovation calendar for the continued update of network practices 6.Plan the transformationBuild the project plan and assign roles to individuals Create a project timeline to outline milestones in the implementation List of assigned roles and project teams Timeline of project milestones and start/completion dates

7. Info-Tech Research Group7 How to use this blueprint We recommend that you supplement the Best Practices Blueprint with a Guided Implementation. For most Info-Tech members, these Guided Implementations are included in your membership plan.* Our expert analysts will provide telephone assistance to you and your team at key project milestones to review your materials, answer your questions, and explain our methodology. Info-Tech Research Group’s expert analysts will come onsite to help you work through our project methodology in a 2-5 day project accelerator workshop. We take you through every phase of the project and ensure that you have a road map in place to complete your project successfully. In some cases, we can even complete the project while we are onsite. Do-It-Yourself Implementation Use this Best Practice Blueprint to help you complete your project. The slides in this Blueprint will walk you step-by-step through every phase of your project with supporting tools and templates ready for you to use. Project Accelerator Workshop You can also use this Best Practice Blueprint to facilitate your own project accelerator workshop within your organization using the workshop slides and facilitation instructions provided in the Appendix. Book your workshop now by emailing: workshopbooking@infotech.com workshopbooking@infotech.com Best Practice Blueprint Free Guided ImplementationOnsiteWorkshops * Gold and Silver level subscribers only Or calling: 1-888-670-8889 Ext. 3001 There are multiple ways you can use this Info-Tech Best Practice Blueprint in your organization. Choose the option that best fits your needs:

8. Info-Tech Research Group8 Book a free guided implementation today! Info-Tech is just a phone call away and can assist you with your project. Our expert Analysts can guide you to successful project completion. For most members, this service is available at no additional cost.* Here’s how it works: 1. Enroll in a Guided Implementation for your project Send an email to GuidedImplementations@InfoTech.com Or call 1-888-670-8889 and ask for the Guided Implementation Coordinator.GuidedImplementations@InfoTech.com 2. Book your analyst meetings Once you are enrolled in a Guided Implementation, our analysts will reach out to book a series of milestone-related telephone meetings with you and your team. 3. Get advice from a subject matter expert At each Guided Implementation point, our Consulting Analyst will review your completed deliverables with you, answer any of your questions, and work with you to plan out your next phase. * Gold and Silver level subscribers only This symbol signifies when you’ve reached a Guided Implementation point in your project.

9. Info-Tech Research Group9 When we introduce new Blueprints, we offer workshops to our members at no charge for a short beta testing period. Please check the Workshop section of our website for a list of free beta workshops. Book a workshop today! An Info-Tech project accelerator workshop will help you to engage your stakeholders, gather important data, make key decisions, and generate a customized project road map. Here’s how it works: 1. Enroll in a 2-5 day workshop for your project Send an email to WorkshopBooking@InfoTech.com or call 1-888-670-8889 Ext. 3001. Your account manager will contact you and quote you the cost of a workshop.WorkshopBooking@InfoTech.com 2. Book your workshop A Workshop Coordinator will contact you to book a workshop planning call with one of our Facilitators and arrange dates for your workshop. We can hold the workshop in Info-Tech’s world-class facility in Toronto or at your location. 3. Plan your workshop A Workshop Facilitator will contact you to go over the workshop outline and choose the contents that are appropriate to your situation. 4. Participate in your workshop Our experienced Workshop Facilitators will take your project team through your tailored slides and exercises and will summarize all the workshop outputs into a final report. Free Beta Workshops

10. Info-Tech Research Group10 Guided Implementation points in the Network Management project Book a Guided Implementation Today: Info-Tech is just a phone call away and can assist you with your project. Our expert Analysts can guide you to successful project completion. Here are the suggested Guided Implementation points in the Network Management project: Section 1: Optimize processes for an agile network Remove extraneous steps Discuss which steps are redundant in your SOPs, which processes need tweaking, and how automation can increase productivity. Section 2: Build a business case Improve network visibility. Discuss the landscape of network management systems, discuss current architecture, discover which solutions are most appropriate for your organization. To enroll, send an email to GuidedImplementations@InfoTech.com or call 1-888-670-8889 and ask for the Guided Implementation Coordinator.GuidedImplementations@InfoTech.com This symbol signifies when you’ve reached a Guided Implementation point in your project.

11. Info-Tech Research Group11 Know the benefits of proper network management to effectively make the case for implementation Operating a World Class Network is a substantial goal that requires great effort from networking staff, but the benefits from improving your people, processes, and technology far outweigh the costs. Organizations can expect to see the following improvements as they journey towards operating a world class network: People ◦ Improved retention ◦ Development of new skill sets ◦ Improved engagement ◦ Improved efficiency Process ◦ Increased repeatability and standardization of processes ◦ Improved efficiency ◦ Decreased downtime ◦ Simplification of succession planning/skills development/training Technology ◦ Improved performance ◦ Improved productivity ◦ Improved availability ◦ Improved efficiency

12. Info-Tech Research Group12 Info-Tech Research Group Helps IT Professionals To: Sign up for free trial membership to get practical solutions for your IT challenges www.infotech.com Quickly get up to speed with new technologies Make the right technology purchasing decisions – fast Deliver critical IT projects, on time and within budget Manage business expectations Justify IT spending and prove the value of IT Train IT staff and effectively manage an IT department “Info-Tech helps me to be proactive instead of reactive – a cardinal rule in a stable and leading edge IT environment. - ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., LP Toll Free: 1-888-670-8889