#United States #Network Automation #Lafayette #DIY Tools #Enterprise Management

Unpacking the DIY Network Automation Challenges and Solutions

In the fast-paced world of IT operations, network automation has become increasingly essential. A recent report by Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) sheds light on the surprising prevalence of homegrown software within enterprises, revealing critical insights into why companies remain reliant on DIY network automation tools despite the availability of commercial alternatives.

According to the research, a staggering 64% of enterprise networking teams utilize internally developed scripts or tools for their automation needs. While this might initially seem like a favorable choice, these teams often find themselves dedicating six or more hours each week just to maintain and troubleshoot these self-created solutions.

The Balancing Act

EMA's report, authored by Shamus McGillicuddy, who specializes in network infrastructure research, highlights the dilemma faced by network engineers. The well-known 80/20 rule often comes up in discussions about network automation: commercial tools can efficiently address around 80% of use cases, but the remaining 20% often requires bespoke solutions only achievable through DIY methods. This creates a unique scenario where enterprises continuously grapple with the advantages and disadvantages of relying on traditional commercial tools versus customized scripts.

Despite the challenges, DIY automation has its merits. Enterprises often pursue it due to budget constraints and the desire for full control over their automation roadmaps. However, doing so introduces hidden costs, such as the need for skilled personnel capable of managing complex scripts, as well as usability issues that can impede overall efficiency.

The Skills Gap

The research notes a critical skills gap within network automation teams, where many professionals may not possess the necessary expertise to navigate the complexities of DIY tools effectively. Many network engineers express a longing for vendors to provide solutions that emphasize tool governance and modularity, as well as extendable architectures that can simplify reporting and logging processes.

Real-world challenges highlighted in the report underscore the stakes involved. It reveals the potential impacts of poor automation strategies, which may lead to increased downtime or mismanaged network resources. This reality prompts enterprises to reevaluate their DIY strategies amid rising complexities in network environments.

Potential for Vendor Collaboration

Interestingly, the report suggests a hybrid approach as a possible pathway forward. Network engineers could merge their customized automation with commercial platforms to create a more robust solution that fulfills 100% of their operational requirements. This partnership with vendors could enhance the capabilities of existing DIY tools without forcing a complete overhaul of current operations.

Responding to this need, EMA emphasizes that vendors must understand the unique requirements of enterprises and refine their solutions accordingly. By delivering tools that bridge the gap between DIY capabilities and commercial efficiencies, they can encourage enterprises to explore a more balanced and effective approach to network automation.

Conclusion

As enterprises continue to navigate the complexities of network automation, the insights offered by EMA's report underscore the ever-evolving needs of the IT landscape. Entities that find themselves entrenched in DIY solutions must weigh the benefits of modern tools against the costs of maintaining homemade scripts. By developing strategic vendor partnerships and embracing hybrid models, these organizations can modernize their network automation processes and unlock new levels of efficiency.

For those interested in this topic, EMA plans to delve deeper into these findings during a free webinar on June 17, where attendees can learn more about bridging the divide between DIY and commercial tools. This conversation is essential for any enterprise looking to improve their network automation strategies and operational resilience.