New EMA and Auvik Research Reveals Significant Lack of Confidence in Network Operations

Data shows 23% decline in confidence during the COVID-19 pandemic amid rapid technology changes and staffing challenges

WATERLOO, ON, May 2, 2022 — New research by Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) and Auvik, an award-winning provider of cloud-based network management software, revealed organizations’ confidence in their network operations groups has dwindled amid staffing shortages and network data quality issues.

According to the newly released 2022 Network Management Megatrends Report, just 27% of organizations believe their network operations groups are completely successful – down from 35% in 2020 and 49% in 2016. The decline comes at a time of rapid change, with the proliferation of new IoT technologies and a shift to cloud-first amid hybrid work needs.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen organizations take steps to make their network operations more agile and efficient, but this latest data shows they need to go a step further to empower network teams,” said Alex Hoff, Chief Product Officer and co-founder, Auvik. “Companies are experiencing a double-edged sword as both their networks and network operations teams are increasingly stretched. It’s critical for organizations to have access to network management solutions that can help them meet new challenges in this constantly changing IT environment.”

Additional findings from the report include:

  • 31% of all IT service problems are reactive, with end users reporting them to IT before NetOps is aware
  • Only 34% of alerts from network monitoring tools are actionable
  • Network managers are interested in SaaS-based network management tools, but have data security concerns and struggle with legacy tool lock-in
  • Only 12.5% of IT organizations find it very easy to hire and retain networking personnel; they are especially struggling to hire people with network security, network automation, and network monitoring skills
  • Network operations professionals believe their tools could be better at supporting troubleshooting tasks, with the average respondent spending as much as 22% of their day troubleshooting
  • IoT is driving investments in network security, network performance monitoring, and network automation; in fact, nearly 96% of enterprises expect IoT devices to connect to their corporate networks in the near future

“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on network operations, not only because of massive technological change, but also hiring challenges – with nearly 40% of respondents reporting COVID-19 has introduced new challenges to the hiring process,” said Shamus McGillicuddy, VP of Research, EMA. “EMA advises looking for network management tools that emphasize proactive problem prevention and automation to optimize network operations for today’s digital world.”

The research, based on a March 2022 survey of over 400 network infrastructure and operations professionals and conversations with networking professionals from Fortune 500 companies, provides insight into the state and evolution of network operations. Additional sponsors of the report include Broadcom, NetScout, Park Place Technologies, Progress, and SolarWinds.

For additional information, join EMA for a webinar on Tuesday, May 3.

About EMA
Founded in 1996, EMA is a leading industry analyst firm that specializes in providing deep insight across the full spectrum of IT and data management technologies. EMA analysts leverage a unique combination of practical experience, insight into industry best practices, and in-depth knowledge of current and planned vendor solutions to help their clients achieve their goals. Learn more about EMA research, analysis, and consulting services for enterprise line of business users, IT professionals and IT vendors at https://www.enterprisemanagement.com.