Digital transformation in full swing and is increasing the complexity of networks. There are too many devices for manual configurations to handle. The environments themselves are constantly evolving. Some may be on-premises, others may be multi-cloud, or hybrid. They are also continuously changing as more channels and policy changes, such as hybrid or WFH get enforced. Compliance with a wide range of data protection laws is another concern. All these problems can be solved with Network Automation tools. We have seen why the software is needed, now we will see what trends are expected in the market for these software in 2025.
- Increased opting for out-of-the-box configurations: Traditional configuration processes are riddled with a lot of problems. There are chances of human errors, scaling takes a lot more time, and lengthy configuration processes, among others. Out-of-the-box configurations come with various capabilities that can overcome these challenges. They come equipped with templates, modules, and integrations with a host of devices and platforms. This allows immediate automation and easier integrations with various environments. The tools also come equipped with GUIs or allow the use of domain-specific languages, enabling implementation without the need for deep coding knowledge.
- No reliance on specific vendors: While users would stick to specific vendors earlier, the trend is expected to change as users want to move away from drawbacks like lock-in periods and silos. In addition, as the software environment gets increasingly complex, using specific tools intended to be used for specific products. This creates unnecessary tool sprawl that makes maintenance a draggy, cumbersome process. Vendor-agnostic products can, as the name says, connect with products by a variety of vendors. This will reduce the load on network teams, improving their productivity.
- Increased network and security integration: The security landscape has become even more complex with new threats and stricter data collection and storage compliance. Integrating these two allows for several benefits. First and foremost, it ensures that security rules are pushed across all devices. It ensures compliance by checking for any inconsistencies. And the most critical, speedier threat response through automated playbooks.
- Enhanced automation through AIOps: Today’s networks are complex and are becoming complex-er. Traditional networks are struggling to provide visibility into these networks. Any failure is a costly incident. Integration of AIOps will allow users to implement critical capabilities to ensure optimum network performance. These include real-time network monitoring and analysis, which include metrics like latency and bandwidth utilization. AIOps includes machine learning, which will help detect any anomalies and ensure the removal of any performance bottlenecks. It will also help detect potential issues that can lead to failure and ensure timely resolution.
- Increased use of low-code/no-code UIs: While AIOps can significantly improve network performance, the use of no-code/low-code UIs will further democratize the process of executing and managing automation workflows by allowing IT teams with less coding expertise to create and launch measures. The drag-and-drop interface also ensures speedier troubleshooting and ensures smoother network functionality.
- Reducing energy consumption of networks: This is a trend likely because of the increased focus on sustainability. Networks are being increasingly becoming energy-intensive because of the rising number of connected devices, extensive use of real-time applications like GenAI and VR, and high-bandwidth services like high-resolution videos. OpenAI chief Sam Altman sounded an alarm recently following the use of ChatGPT for “Ghibli-style images.” Efficient heat management will prolong device life and reduce resource usage for cooling. Therefore, efforts to make networks “greener” by reducing energy consumption through various means like AI is likely to be a goal for organizations.
- Increased usage of software-based and intent-based networking: This is another trend that helps to deal with complexity in networks. Intent-based networking shifts focus from traditional, clunky networks towards networks that agilely adjust to cater to a single intent. This ability helps align the technology with intended business outcomes. Software-defined networks centralize network control through software controllers. Both strategies help networks become policy-aware, self-healing, self-optimizing, and agile.
- Increased adoption of 5G: 5G network is expected to witness increased adoption. Its extremely low latency ensures real-time automation through instant feedback loops. It can also support a massive number of devices, which shifts network intelligence closer to edge. Its speed enables quicker on-demand services. It also helps generate massive amounts of data that help network optimization by predicting faults and dynamically balancing network loads.