What makes network automation so important?

Imagine having software that can stop cyber threats, troubleshoot network issues, and fix problems—all without needing external IT help. Or think about how much more your IT department could accomplish if they weren’t bogged down by repetitive tasks like managing firewalls, running backups, or deploying network devices. This is the power of network automation.

Network automation lets you automate routine, time-consuming tasks, allowing your business to operate more efficiently and scale effortlessly. It reduces operational costs and frees your IT team to focus on higher-value activities that drive growth and innovation.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of network automation and guide you toward the best solutions for your business.

What is network automation?

Network automation is the use of technology to manage, control, and maintain network devices—like routers, switches, and firewalls—in an automated and systematic way. It’s a critical component of modern IT infrastructure, enabling businesses to manage their networks more efficiently, enhance security, and minimize human error.

Automation is applicable across various environments, from enterprise networks to data centers, and works with different types of networks, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks. It can also be integrated with other automation processes, like IT and security automation, to boost the overall efficiency of your organization’s IT operations.

What are the benefits of network automation?

Implementing network automation is no longer optional; it’s essential for staying competitive, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. Here are five key benefits:

Increased Efficiency: Automation streamlines network operations, reducing the time and effort needed for routine tasks, which boosts productivity and cuts costs.

Improved Security: Automated systems can quickly respond to network changes, perform timely upgrades, and back up data, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and other security breaches. Automation can also help enterprises detect threats faster, allowing for faster responses and preventing potential damage.

Reduced Costs: By minimizing manual labor and reducing downtime, automation lowers operational costs, saving money on repairs and staffing.

Improved Scalability: Automation allows your network to grow effortlessly by quickly configuring and deploying new devices as your business expands.

Faster Troubleshooting: Automated systems can identify and resolve network issues in real-time, preventing minor problems from becoming major headaches.

Things to consider when automating your network

To fully reap the benefits of network automation, you need the right tools and strategies. Here are three critical factors to consider:

Patch Management: Keeping software and hardware updated is crucial for security and performance. Automated patch management ensures your network stays protected and runs smoothly.

Automated Network Monitoring: Real-time network monitoring helps detect and fix issues before they cause downtime, ensuring optimal network performance.

Automated Security Policies: Implementing automated security measures is essential for protecting your network from threats and ensuring compliance with security standards.

How Atera can boost your network automation

The more you automate, the more time you free up for innovation and growth. Atera, a leading remote monitoring and management tool, empowers you to automate complex network tasks like scheduled maintenance, patching, and troubleshooting with ease.

Atera’s automated network management system detects, diagnoses, and resolves network issues automatically, keeping your network running at peak performance and reducing downtime. Plus, Atera offers a range of automation scripts to handle routine tasks like backups and alerts, allowing your IT team to focus on more strategic initiatives.

At Atera, we help you automate your network, so you can concentrate on delivering outstanding experiences to your clients. Start using Atera today and discover the power of network automation—try our platform free for 30 days!