You can't fix what you can't see

Every business is under pressure to incorporate AI, but the conversation that remains absent is about the necessary foundation for AI to work effectively. Neil Dragt, an Echo Innovation Executive, warns that AI introduces more unknowns into network operations, making stable, observable networks not just necessary, but intensified in importance.

AI does not replace the need for predictable, manageable networks; instead, it adds a layer of unpredictability and complexity. Visibility becomes crucial, providing insights into traffic, application performance, and security. This visibility must exist at three levels: network, application, and device-security. Dragt emphasizes that having real-time data is essential, as data older than an hour is not truly valuable.

A mid-market business replacing a firewall, for instance, should opt for managed, observable options rather than cheaper, unmanaged alternatives, as the latter lacks the necessary application-level insight, security integration, and forensic trail for problem diagnosis and control. AI enhances network visibility, making it more efficient, but it also creates challenges due to its variable nature.

This necessitates richer, real-time monitoring and insight. A combination of managed SD-WAN, SD-Branch, and a managed firewall can provide centralized visibility across devices, applications, and network flows. Echo's solution, built on Fortinet's technology, offers enterprise-grade visibility and control, managing complexity without requiring extensive internal expertise.

Dragt highlights that investing in better tools, rather than cutting costs, equips businesses to handle the forthcoming AI-driven complexity with greater predictability and security.