WEI Tech Exchange

The Secret To Network Connectivity For Branch Retail Locations

By Greg LaBrie |   Jun 15, 2023

Some secrets are worth keeping, but we’re here to spill the beans on reliable, secure network connectivity for fixed retail locations. Overall, the retail industry has some of the most advanced data centers and hybrid cloud networks within today’s IT landscape. But the corporate center is not where the majority of business operations take place as many retail transactions occur at the outer edge. Some of these edge locations are more remote than others, yet they still rely on the same level of network connectivity. Overall, retail edge locations face unique connectivity challenges that urban, metro, and suburban locations simply do not. These challenges include:

• A lack of traditional network connectivity options
• Limited IT support in the area
• Higher rates of IT literacy amongst staff
• Disaster recovery and business connectivity

FortiOS 7.4: Unpacking The New Hybrid Network Security Update

By Michael Thweatt |   May 30, 2023

With generative text programs and image generators doing things many never thought possible, many industry leaders have focused on the application of AI technologies in content creation. Unfortunately, there is a darker application for artificial intelligence technologies. Ultimately, these complex systems are tools, and – like any tool – they can do a lot of damage in the wrong hands. In no place is that truer than in the practice of cybersecurity.

How to Connect & Protect for Zero Trust Security

By Greg LaBrie |   May 25, 2023

Do you trust your network? Performance may be in an optimal place, and workplace operations are thankful for that. But what about security? ‘Zero Trust’ is a practice every IT leader and decision maker should be educated on as more and more organizations have realized that all attacks don’t originate from the other side of the firewall. Attacks can be launched from anywhere, including within the network itself. Network administrators must always operate under the assumption that their network has already been breached. And sadly, for some reading this article, that may be the case.

8 Reasons Why Cisco DNA Center Is The Future Of Network Management

By Josh Cronin |   Mar 28, 2023

With so much to offer, Cisco DNA Center is the ultimate network management platform for any enterprise. This all-inclusive solution provides users with a variety of tools that integrate into their networks and enable functions such as automation, virtualization, and security. Additionally, it helps simplify complex hybrid architectures across multiple campuses or remote branches while also providing connectivity solutions for IoT devices. By utilizing this sophisticated system at its core, businesses have access to an unprecedented level of control over their digital infrastructure. Keep reading to discover this solution’s eight key benefits and how it solves network challenges for your business.

The Top 5 SD-WAN Trends And How They Benefit Your Business

By Victor Fabian |   Mar 07, 2023

With the rise of hybrid workplaces, software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WANs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their scalability, cost-efficiency, and improved user experiences. Organizations must be prepared by taking advantage of centralized SD-WAN platforms to remain resilient during times of crisis. In an earlier article, we covered the reasons why your enterprise needs a centralized SD-WAN platform. This article examines five key SD-WAN trends that organizations need to incorporate into their SD-WAN strategy to rebound from current challenges and thrive in the future.

Enhance Hybrid Workplace Security: Invest In A SASE Solution

By Josh Cronin |   Feb 21, 2023

As businesses move to digital transformation, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) has emerged as a prevailing approach to securing vast networks and diverse endpoints. However, the right implementation of SASE will depend on an organization's level of maturity and how they decide to construct their own unique architecture. To reduce complexity while enhancing speed and agility across multiple cloud systems, organizations must consider implementing a powerful SASE solution.

FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall: The Leader Of Network Security Solutions

By Mike Thweatt |   Feb 07, 2023

Network security is an essential component of any organization's digital transformation journey. With the increasing complexity of cyber threats, network firewalls are a critical tool for protecting distributed infrastructure from malicious attacks. Security solution services offer organizations the ability to extend and strengthen their overall security efforts from edge to core, allowing them to securely scale their digital business operations. By deploying advanced technologies such as next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and intrusion prevention systems (IPSs), organizations can protect themselves against a wide range of internal and external threats while maintaining high levels of performance. Read on to learn about Fortinet’s FortiGate NGFWsand why they are considered the best in the business when it comes to providing organizations protection against web-based network threats.

Start Simplifying The Complex DNA of Your Network

By Josh Cronin |   Jan 17, 2023

In our increasingly technology-reliant world, most modern enterprises cannot achieve sustainable growth without an adaptive IT environment. That’s why having a stable, adaptable network makes the difference between a business that is succeeding and one that is struggling to keep its operations above water. Employees and customers alike depend on an enterprise’s network to do their jobs and conduct business. In other words, when the network fails, the business and its operations fail, too.

Leaders in the IT industry have turned their attention to creating a network solution that evens out the bumps in the road. If you are looking for a smooth connection process, Cisco DNA Center is for you.

Top Five Strategies To Build A Flexible Wireless Architecture

By Victor Fabian |   Aug 16, 2022

Hybrid work is quickly becoming the predominant model for many organizations. Its popularity stems from the fact people can work from home, the office, or anywhere else. Approximately 59% of employees in the U.S. prefer a hybrid work environment compared to fully remote or fully on-site. This creates the essential need for office networks to accommodate increased bandwidth and other adaptations. In this article, we cover the importance of a flexible wireless architecture and five strategies to help enterprises meet their needs with hybrid workforce solutions.

Don't Sleep On A Wireless Network Security Nightmare

By Greg LaBrie |   Jun 30, 2022

We’ve been talking a lot about Wi-Fi 6E this spring and summer season even though it was formally introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance way back in January 2021. So, why all the attention now? There are a lot of groundbreaking aspects of this exciting new technology as Wi-Fi 6E allows for more devices to connect at greater speeds than any of its predecessors. However, it is only now that devices are rolling off the assembly line with Wi-Fi 6E capability. The urgency to upgrade to this new protocol will only grow for enterprises as time goes by.