The landscape of IT networking continues to evolve at a rapid pace. For CIOs and IT infrastructure leaders, staying ahead of these trends is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring robust, secure, and efficient network operations. As Jack Welch once remarked, “If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near.”
Here are the key networking trends to watch in 2025 and beyond from Ergo’s expert Network Team:
1. Platform consolidation
Organisations are increasingly pursuing vendor consolidation strategies, integrating platforms from Wi-Fi access points to LAN switching, SD-WAN, core data centre firewalls, and cloud SASE. This consolidation simplifies management and enhances security capabilities.
HPE Aruba is pursuing this converged approach with its leading networking portfolio and recent acquisitions in the SASE and Firewall & Security spaces.
2. Unified management and visibility
The demand for unified management and visibility across network infrastructures is growing. Leveraging AI and ML through a single pane of glass, organisations can simplify network management, enhance resilience, and improve application-based network policies. This trend is driven by the need for consistent network and security policies across diverse environments.
HPE Aruba are leaders in this space with HPE Aruba Networking Central and HPE Aruba ClearPass for network access control.
3. Connectivity speed growth
With the rollout of high-speed internet services, there is a pressing need for high-density Wi-Fi coverage solutions designed for future scalability. This ensures that office sites can match the high-speed connectivity available to home users, supporting business-grade SLAs and dual-edge hardware configurations.
Ergo and HPE Aruba are seeing office spaces upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Switching Networks to build campus networks that are prepared for tomorrow.
4. Focus on role-based access, network access control, and zero trust network access
The shift towards role-based access control (RBAC), network access control (NAC), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) is gaining momentum. These security paradigms allow organisations to regulate access based on individual roles, ensuring that sensitive information is accessible only to authorised personnel.
Ergo and HPE Aruba have successfully implemented these technologies with several large enterprises in 2024 who are reference customers and happy to discuss their journey.
5. Operational technology (OT) and network integration
The convergence of IT and OT networks, particularly in manufacturing, is a growing trend. Legacy OT systems are being integrated with modern IT security frameworks to enhance asset intelligence. However, these OT systems can blur the lines between traditional IT and operational technology, presenting new security challenges.
With legislation such as NIS2 and DORA on its way, Ergo and HPE Aruba can help you prepare for these compliance issues in OT.
6. Micro-segmentation
Micro-segmentation is becoming essential for enhancing security postures by isolating workloads and preventing lateral movement of threats within networks. This approach supports zero-trust models, deep packet inspection, and centralised management, ensuring robust protection for sensitive data.
In our experience, Ergo has observed an increasing number of customers requesting segmentation projects.
7. Resourcing for multiple solution providers
With the proliferation of networking and perimeter security vendors, organisations face challenges in hiring personnel with expertise across all offerings. Managed service providers (MSPs) like Ergo can bridge this gap, offering design, deployment, and managed services to allow IT staff to focus on strategic projects.
We have a team of experts in HPE Aruba networking solutions. Our specialists are well-versed in the latest technologies and best practices, ensuring that our customers receive unparalleled support and guidance.
Ergo has carefully chosen our key partners and are proud of our continued growth with HPE Aruba. Together, we provide cutting-edge networking solutions that address the evolving needs of modern enterprises and public sector bodies. Our collaboration focuses on delivering innovative technologies such as high-density Wi-Fi coverage, network access control, and zero trust network access, ensuring that our customers benefit from robust, secure, and scalable network infrastructures. Ergo and HPE Aruba continuously strive to empower businesses with the tools and specialists they need.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more about these trends, please watch our ‘Navigating IT Networking Trends in 2024 and beyond’ webinar.
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