Networks form the backbone of many businesses, but even more so for tech enterprises like telecommunication companies or data centers.
In some cases, the networks are the main service. In other cases, they help run the business operations. Either way, networks play a pivotal role in any modern business growth.
To build and grow the network, you need reliable hardware. And with technology more diversified than ever, there are plenty of choices regarding vendors or OEMs.
For ages, IT enterprises have stuck to the single-vendor approach wherein they source all their equipment from one manufacturer. While this approach has unique benefits, there are more advantages to having a multi-vendor network. Gartner even recommended a multi-vendor approach a decade ago, slamming Cisco’s single-vendor offering.
In this article, we will provide the following:
- An examination of why having a multi-vendor network can be a good thing for your business.
- An outline of challenges you might face.
- An explanation of how you can support such a network.
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What Is a Multi-Vendor Network Environment?
A multi-vendor network environment consists of hardware and software from more than one manufacturer or vendor. In other words, a network made of devices from different OEMs or tools from various providers is considered a multi-vendor network.
Multi-vendor networks typically follow business needs to solve different problems. Different vendors may provide the equipment to solve a particular issue or add specific functionality to the network. However, it may also be a choice on the part of the network owner.
For example, a data center may use servers from Dell and other equipment like switches, routers, or access points from OEMs like Cisco or Juniper. Similarly, they may use SolarWinds for network management and OneTrust for data privacy compliance monitoring.
Four Reasons Why You Should Have Multi-Vendor Networks
The decision to use multiple network equipment vendors may depend on various factors.
In some cases, sticking with a single provider may be more feasible. However, generally speaking, a multi-vendor network environment, when managed efficiently, can give enterprises an edge over their competitors. Here’s how:
Improved Network Agility and Functionality
When a single OEM does not restrict you, you can add more functionalities to your network using equipment and tools from different manufacturers. There’s much more flexibility in finding the best solution for problems.
As the nature of networks and their requirements vary by organization, some functionalities may be hard to achieve with just one provider. This also adds more agility to the network as network engineers can opt for solutions that best fit the problem, or when crunched for time, they can go with what is available.
Single-vendor environments are lacking in meeting diverse business requirements. As modern enterprises shift to a more product-centric strategy, they will need more flexible network infrastructure with fast delivery, easy deployment, and better cross-platform compatibility.
Best of Breed Products
A best-of-breed product or service is one that’s the best of its type. The reality is that not every manufacturer is the best at everything. While an OEM may produce the best networking equipment, it may not be so great at producing storage hardware.
If you’re locked in with a single vendor (by choice or contract), you cannot use the best-of-breed products — you have to stick with what the vendor provides. If, along the way, another vendor produces a better model, getting that equipment may not be as simple.
Having a single vendor may seem more appealing from maintenance and compatibility points. However, if you want your network to be made of the best components, you’ll need to be more flexible with the OEMs you choose.
Ease of Procurement
The recent supply chain crisis has unraveled the intricate co-dependencies between vendors and their clients. With lead times becoming unbearably long, it’s clear that hardware procurement has become quite a challenge.
But things become even worse when you’re not open to hardware from a different provider, be it another OEM or supplier. Many enterprises have had to improvise and use what is available to bridge the gap. A multi-vendor network environment would readily accept equipment from different OEMs, so if one has long lead times, you can go with another.
Working directly with a single OEM for hardware also gives negotiation power to the manufacturer’s hand. By contrast, not restricting yourself to one manufacturer and using a third party like PivIT to procure network hardware from different OEMs can allow for better pricing and faster delivery. This way, you may even find devices that are technically out of production.
Cost Savings Potential
This is tricky as your costs with a multi-vendor environment could go up or down. With a single vendor, you may get discounts. In contrast, buying and maintaining equipment and tools from different vendors may prove more costly.
That’s not always the case, though. A multi-vendor network can reduce both capital and operations spending. You can shop for better pricing from third-party resellers or manufacturers as you're not restricted to a sole manufacturer.
Similarly, you can save on operating expenses and avoid costly issues by having a more reliable network with the best equipment.
Multi-Vendor Complexities You Should Be Aware Of
Even though most organizations use multiple vendors for their networks today, this approach isn’t without its challenges. Here are some of the complexities encountered within multi-vendor environments and how best to mitigate them.
Configurations
It can be challenging and time-consuming to configure devices from different vendors in a single network. There may be compatibility issues that you must resolve. The best solution is to use open-source technologies that you can build upon according to your needs and APIs to leverage different devices.
Maintenance
Similar to configurations, maintaining equipment from different vendors can quickly become a nightmare. Network administrators have to keep track of end-of-service life (EOSL) for various vendors and their provided equipment. However, businesses can manage this better with a third-party maintenance provider or by taking a hybrid approach, both of which options are available with OneCall by PivIT.
Training
You may need to train your teams to use equipment from different vendors frequently. However, it’s well worth the effort and cost, as when trained to optimally leverage hardware and tools from other providers, team members can optimize operations and proactively resolve problems.
Free Your Network From Single Vendor Locks
Sticking with a single network vendor in this day and age may be restrictive for your business. Of course, there are exceptions, as in some situations single-vendor environment may work better.
However, for most organizations, especially with more complex infrastructure needs, going with different vendors offers much more flexibility, reliability, and, most importantly, performance optimization.
PivIT provides support for organizations with multi-vendor network environments. Whether procuring hardware from major OEMs or providing maintenance for existing infrastructure, PivIT can handle it all, allowing you to maximize the optimization of your network.
You may have preferences for certain OEMs for specific hardware, and PivIT can procure the exact equipment you need from the OEM for your choice. Similarly, its OneCall maintenance solution covers maintenance for hardware from major providers, including legacy and new equipment.
If you’re still on the fence about diversifying your network infrastructure suppliers, consider the business benefits of having a multi-vendor network — and consider PivIT as the best option to get you there.
