* Verizon Business bolsters ISR management at the branch
IT staffing isn’t keeping pace with the growing number of branch locations at many companies. Not surprisingly, that’s causing strain on the IT staff and the ability to manage and improve IT at remote locations—at a time when demands from remote workers continue to become more stringent.
The average IT budget increase for 2007 is 4% (and only 2% for small and midsize businesses), yet the average growth in branch office locations is 11%, according to Nemertes’ Building the Successful Virtual Workplace benchmark.
Our research has shown IT decision-makers are relying upon Managed Service Providers (MSP) to pick up the slack when it comes to effectively providing and managing IT at the branch. These MSPs can include traditional carriers, alternative carriers, value-added resellers, systems integrators, outsourcers, and vendors.
A recent announcement from Verizon Business caught my eye as one that attempts to fill this void in branch offices. The carrier improved the managed services it offers for connectivity, security and content management at branch locations.
To use Verizon Business’ service, customers must install (or already have) Cisco’s Integrated Services Routers (ISR) at each site. Because the devices integrate multiple functions, companies can reduce the number of physical boxes required at each branch. In fact, Nemertes has found that 17% of organizations are using these type of devices (from Cisco and other vendors), and another 31% are evaluating them.
The vast majority of companies using multifunction devices in branch offices are managing them internally. The ability to consolidate the number of boxes (and the associated rack space, connections, power, etc.) is appealing on its own. Shifting the management of those devices to a third party adds even more appeal. Of course, using the Verizon managed service requires those companies that don’t already use Cisco to do so.
Verizon Business will manage caching of Web content, content filtering, Ethernet LAN connectivity, intrusion prevention, and zone-based firewalls. They’ll perform that management on devices the customer already owns, or they will lease them to customers.
The bottom line: Companies looking to consolidate branch-office devices and reduce the amount of time IT spends installing, managing, and upgrading them should consider this service.
