Major changes have taken place in the network in the past 15 years. The type of data that users are passing across the pipes is significantly different in size and composition. And, the coming “data explosion” promises to put even the most robust networks to the test.

When you add in technologies like virtualization and the need to access cloud computing solutions reliably, it’s no wonder that the network sometimes falls behind the times.

If you want to modernize your data center’s network, here are some guiding facts and principles you need to consider:

• Video is growing in impact. Around 70% of organizations in a recent survey indicated that they either have already implemented a network-based video solution, or they will do so within one year.

• Bandwidth demands are growing, as ever. Depending on the size, structure, and nature of your organization, you can expect bandwidth needs to increase between 20% and 50% over the next 12 months.

• We’ve hit the tipping point for cloud solutions. Two thirds of organizations expect the majority of their applications to be cloud-based by 2013.

• Troubleshooting applications is going to become more complex. This is especially true with cloud implementations. Being able to identify whether the problem is internal or external is only the first step.

• More users want to provide their own devices. Tablets and smartphones may not be replacing desktops for most organizations, but users want to be able to integrate them into your network nevertheless.

• Unified communications and collaboration is moving forward. This has been a concept that IT has kept on the back burner for some time, often simply waiting for the telecom function to recognize its rightful place as part of IT. That’s happened in most organizations, by this point.

• Security needs to hit every aspect of your network. Security becomes more and more complex as applications find new ways to operate and with them new vulnerabilities.

• Networks are becoming flatter. Tiered networks are becoming very much a thing of the past. Today’s networks can benefit from becoming flattened, both in terms of performance as well as cost.