Why network scalability is important for your SME

Network scalability is defined as systems and networks having the ability to handle a growing amount of data regardless of the quantity it is receiving. This is achieved by optimising the network performance and determining both current and projected requirements. Ultimately, it helps IT leaders manage their company's network comprehensively with one tool.

It is easy to see why network scalability is vital in automating an organisation’s network performance. Businesses are already pushing toward adopting this as-a-service networking solutions, as 39% of businesses are provided with more flexibility, according to Forrester Analytics’ Global Business Technographics Network and Telecom Survey.

The benefits to scalability

As technology advances, so do the possibilities and benefits that come with the services provided to businesses. With network scalability, the cloud can play a huge role in a growing day-to-day operations. The biggest is that it is convenient; IT leaders are able to add more devices or virtual machines without any delay, making it quick, efficient and flexible. It can also be customised to meet the exact needs for the organisation across multiple industries. 

In addition, network scalability means worker resources like IT staff can be used across other areas to complete tasks respectively. When considering all these key factors, if a business doesn’t have a scalable network environment, then it most certainly risks wasting precious resources like time, labour and finances.

Why will it help SMEs?

With the flexibility of the Cloud, businesses are able to grow and scale their operations over time. IT leaders never need to worry about pushing the boundaries surrounding technology applications or the increased demand for products or services. With the functionality of network scalability, businesses can bolster the service offered to their customers. Providing them with a greater customer service can help encourage consumers to come back, increasing customer loyalty and boosting the company’s competitive edge. 

Furthermore, network scalability monitors and checks response times. It ensures all responses provide a good, quality service that makes it easy for both staff and customers. It will also request throughputs. This process indicates how well a network can both monitor for any potential further expansions and ensure customers are provided with excellent service, while checking if it can support a growing customer base in the future.

Methods of scalability

Scalability provides features that help enhance a business and increase efficiency within its network. Just like with any business proposition, it is essential that SMEs have a good Quality of Service (QoS). Network scalability ensures that the data traffic flow within the organisation is both monitored and managed to ensure that the essential data is getting the attention that it needs.

When it comes to data, organisations want to make sure that its information is being sent and received sufficiently with minimal risk. Port channeling, and its ability to combine multiple ports into one, can be useful during heavy traffic and makes sure that each port connected to a network is getting a sufficent share of the bandwidth.

The last key functionality of having a scalable network is hierarchy. This process essentially involves breaking a business network down into smaller segments. Through this, each department has its own individual network that is completely separated from the rest of the organisation. This means that business departments are able to improve performance, while reducing congestion as each network can be managed and controlled independently.

How scalability helps businesses with IT demands

Overall, these key components demonstrate the benefits that network scalability will provide to SMEs in line with the ever-expanding demand for flexibility within the IT sector.  Network scalability provides businesses with a fluid system that moves and bases itself with demands on the network, providing opportunities for growth and greater control. 

It also allows businesses to cut costs during timeframes where traffic and demand are lower than usual and ensure companies’ capital is allocated to other in-demand resources. This is achieved through the network managing increasing workloads in a cost-effective and sustainable way. Scalability makes this possible by expanding the network’s bandwidth capacity.