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Spark Services | Can Your Network Handle WFH

The mobile era has changed everyday things like shopping and banking, to how we design and configure our office area. As the pandemic fastens the adoption of remote work, large and small organizations are realizing that jobs we used to think had to be done on-site can be easily done remotely. Now organizations are scrambling to offer VoIP, video meetings, team collaboration, and other tools to make WFH employees as efficient as they were in office. And new research suggests that WFH isn’t going away for a long time, which will have a massive impact on the organization’s network.

This will require the IT leaders to re-think their corporate network and security and make sure that their network can handle WFH Hybrid for the long-term.

Given the present circumstances, the communications team should be actively discussing networking and security issues and options with network infrastructure teams and strategizing on migrating to new network architecture. All leaders have to ensure that the next-generation WAN and security solutions have the essential features, capabilities, and management tools to be able to handle the ambush of new ways employees are communicating.

Here are some tips to make sure that your Network can handle WFH, Hybrid for the Long Term:

  1. Use the right remote productivity tools

Tools like Teams, in combination with a unified communications solution (Zoom), can have a good impact at low cost. With extra security applications, this is the best means to facilitate an eventual transition or long-term transition. There is going to be increased dependence on Wi-Fi, IoT sensors, and Bluetooth. With a rich set of open APIs and high-quality AI-curated information, SPARK Services is actively mapping out what the new normal may look like and the advantages it will offer. Long established partnerships with key leaders in the various fields will help redefine the next generation spaces. Additional technology partnerships will deal with smart building and long-term safety and health challenges, regardless of where the staff and customers connect.

  1. Make smart network decisions

Let’s explain this in simple words. For instance, a branch office that supported VoIP and phone calls in 2019 will require to support much more in 2021. In 2019, that branch location with 35 staff might have made 10 simultaneous VoIP calls. This same branch in 2021, will be making 20 active video call sessions, a 15-40 times increase in essential bandwidth.

The new investments will require the bandwidth and latency to accommodate the increasing volume of communication sessions. Also, SASE and SD-WAN monitoring tools and capabilities must be evaluated to make sure of great UC and team collaboration app quality.

  1. Security-hygiene is a must

This is the time when cybercriminals strike and thus you must be careful. Be vigilant about phishing emails making offers related to COVID-19 specifically targeted to your company. Enforce multi-factor authentication on all employee accounts. Make sure that the devices are up to date on malware protection. Make sure the staff only utilizes secure wi-fi connections. SPARK utilizes a cloud architecture to ensure ultimate flexibility and scalability when the situation calls for it. For instance, it enables the centralized management and AI-powered automation.

SPARK Services offers a single pane of glass for wired, wireless, and WAN infrastructure across the branch, campus, or data center locations for a unified operational model. This becomes vital as the workplace is dispersed, as it simplifies network operations and management across any environment.

Regardless of where we work, new technologies and their implementation will be a success marker moving forward. This is where we at SPARK Services come into the picture. Our portfolio and solutions are designed to function in every customer environment – from small business to the enterprise, campus, data center, branch, and cloud. No matter where the journey may lead, SPARK customers can count on having a network that provides the security, connectivity, management, data insights, and AI necessary for the future.

SPARK’s cloud-delivered services are complemented by a broad range of solutions delivered through an extension partner ecosystem. Using SPARK’s APIs, telemetry data, and connectivity, these partners are able to offer robust return-to-work solutions, with the controls essential for maintaining confidentiality and privacy.

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Robert E. Allen Jr.

About Robert E. Allen Jr. A Journey of Integrity, Innovation, and Impact Welcome to my corner of the web, where the confluence of technology, entrepreneurship, and ethical business practices come to life. I'm Robert E. Allen Jr., a proud native of southern Ohio, where my roots run deep into the fabric of community and hard work. My journey in the tech world began at Shawnee State University, a chapter filled with exploration and the beginnings of a lifelong passion for computer science. However, my academic path took a turn toward the prestigious halls of Penn State, where I completed my degree and set the foundation for what would become a nearly three-decade-long adventure in business. Building an Empire on Principles Nearly 30 years ago, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, not just to start a business, but to build an empire defined by a commitment to ethical practices and community service. Inspired by the Rotary four-way test—Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?—my business philosophy centers on these questions, guiding every decision and interaction. This ethos has not only shaped my professional life but has also fostered a culture of integrity, trust, and mutual respect within my company and with our clients. A Family Man at Heart Beyond the world of bits, bytes, and business, my life is rich with love and laughter, thanks to my wife and our two wonderful daughters. They are my why, the reason behind every late night, every early morning, and every decision to push the boundaries of what's possible. Together, we've created a life filled with memories, learning, and love—a true testament to the balance between professional ambition and personal fulfillment. Looking Forward As I look to the future, my goal is to continue leveraging technology to make a positive impact on the world, guided by the principles that have brought me this far. I strive to innovate, to lead with integrity, and to inspire those around me to do the same. Whether through my business endeavors, community service, or simply by being a role model to my daughters, my journey is about creating a legacy that transcends technology—a legacy of positive change, ethical leadership, and a commitment to making the world a better place for future generations. Thank you for visiting my site. I hope to not only share my journey with you but also to inspire you to pursue your passions, lead with integrity, and make a meaningful impact in your corner of the world.

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