Dutch companies vulnerable due to outdated and complex networks

Dutch businesses are vulnerable to failures and cyber-attacks due to outdated and complex networks. Recent incidents underline the urgency of modernising IT infrastructure. Network problems can not only lead to costly downtime but also undermine the competitiveness of Dutch companies in an increasingly digital economy.

The network is the foundation of every business

The network is the indispensable foundation for almost all business activities. Everything revolves around a stable and secure network, from internal communication and data processing to customer interactions and cloud applications. Without a well-functioning network, everything grinds to a halt: production processes are interrupted, transactions cannot be carried out and critical business applications are inaccessible.

In our modern, digital economy, the network is no longer merely supportive, but a strategic pillar that determines an organisation's continuity and growth. According to a recent study by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), companies that invest in more modern networks are also at less risk of attacks and can recover faster when incidents occur.

Outdated architecture and network complexity

‘The problem is not just obsolete networks based on outdated architecture. Almost all companies use various vendors and products in their digital infrastructure. This increases complexity, putting pressure on the management of these networks,’ says network architect Michel Geensen of Nomios.

‘Modern network and security solutions are highly sophisticated, but here too, complexity has increased. As a result, we need to outsource some of the management to AI. For IT teams, it is simply too much to oversee everything manually. AI works quickly and efficiently, allowing the administrator to regain control and deliver quality, without being overwhelmed by an endless stream of support tickets.’

‘Many IT companies these days are shouting from the rooftops about their new AI solutions, creating an abundance of noise in the market.This hype obscures the focus on beneficial and proven applications of AI,’ - Luc van de Leijgraaf, senior account manager, Nomios

Beyond the AI hype

‘Many IT companies are shouting from the rooftops these days about their new AI solutions, creating an abundance of noise in the market. This hype obscures the focus on beneficial and proven applications of AI,’ stresses Luc van de Leijgraaf, senior account manager at Nomios.

‘Juniper Networks, which has been working on AI products with Mist AI for more than a decade, proves that the value of AI extends beyond marketing promises. Long before the hype, Mist AI delivered tangible results, such as automated network management that helps companies work more efficiently and solve problems faster. AI was purposefully integrated from the start here, not added afterwards."

Juniper Networks has been a major player in the data center market and telecom companies for many years. Yet the brand is less well-known among organisations where the network is not traditionally central. ‘These companies often opt for well-known vendors, thus missing out on opportunities. Juniper Networks is recognised as the most innovative networking player by Gartner for four years in a row for good reason,’ said Luc van de Leijgraaf.

Existing gap between cybersecurity and network management

In addition to effectively applying AI, cybersecurity and network management need to go hand in hand for a business to protect and operate optimally. Yet in many organisations, we see that the two are often approached as separate components.

‘These days, a strong firewall alone is not enough to cope with the complexity of modern threats. Effective network management ensures that the network runs smoothly, but without integrated security solutions, vulnerabilities remain that cybercriminals can exploit,’ warns Mohamed El Haddouchi, Managing Director at Nomios. ‘Bringing network management and security together creates a robust, dynamic environment where potential threats are quickly recognised and addressed, while ensuring business continuity.’

The power of Juniper Networks and Nomios

As an Elite Plus Partner of Juniper Networks, Nomios offers companies in the Netherlands and Europe access to the most advanced networking and security solutions. Juniper is known worldwide for its innovative technologies in network automation, cloud networking and AI-driven network management. Thanks to the close partnership with Juniper, Nomios can directly deploy these state-of-the-art solutions to organisations looking to modernise and secure their digital infrastructure, from wireless networks to data centers. This partnership makes it possible to deliver not only high-quality technology but also customised solutions that perfectly fit the specific needs of each business.

‘With a team of local experts and years of business experience, Nomios offers a combination of technical knowledge and personal service. Whether implementing scalable network solutions or ensuring robust security measures, Nomios is ready to guide companies through their digital transformation,’ said Steven Blees, sales director at Juniper Networks. ‘The strong partnership with Nomios enables businesses to take full advantage of reliable, future-proof networks, with a partner that understands and supports them for the long term. Nomios is Juniper Networks' EMEA Partner of the Year.’

Huge growth in POCs to test AI

More and more organisations are seeing the potential of AI in conjunction with their network and are deploying Proof of Concepts (POC) to test the technology on a small scale before implementing it widely. ‘This trend has exploded in recent years, mainly because companies want to explore the benefits of AI without making large investments immediately.

POCs offer companies a chance to experiment with AI networking solutions in a controlled environment, evaluating performance and efficiency. This ensures that organisations are better prepared to successfully deploy AI in their digital infrastructure,’ Michel Geensen emphasises.