CMC Networks future-proofs networking and connectivity against industry challenges
Once arbitrary terms such as “remote work”, “unmute”, and “Zooming” have become par for the course in the new normal landscape. With the rise of concepts such as these, it comes as no surprise the telecommunications industry fared better during the COVID-19 pandemic than many other sectors, even withstanding the global supply disturbances. Gone are the days when networking was merely a ticket logged with a specialist hidden away behind the doors of the IT department. It has become a critical part of everyday life in the family, social, and work domains.
Early in 2020, Marisa Trisolino, CEO at CMC Networks, was quoted as saying that the growth of the Internet of Things would lead to increasing demand for connectivity. Marisa asserted that this, coupled with the drive for 5G and the rapid evolution of the industry, would present connectivity providers with three critical challenges: data security and integrity; research and development investment; and skills development.
Looking to the year 2022, the 5G rollout remains a focal point in the industry, as do widespread changes in cybersecurity regulations and the relationship between technology and geopolitics. In this ever-changing environment, data security, skills, and research and development are more pertinent than ever, and global service providers need to jump through higher and higher hoops in order to stay relevant.
Keeping an eye on the future
CMC Networks is a global service provider affording customized data connectivity services for tomorrow’s business needs. The organization has become Africa and the Middle East’s premier data network, servicing 51 countries in the former region, and 12 in the latter. CMC’s global partner network includes over 180 suppliers and vendors, with a majority of the top global telecommunications companies utilizing the organization’s vast African and Middle Eastern footprint.
With Marisa’s forecasts for the industry’s challenges in mind, CMC Networks has taken steps to safeguard its future, as well as that of its suppliers and end-users, through the development of advanced security protocols, talent, skills, and innovative technologies. As an illustration, CMC became the first service provider to offer an Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled core in Africa, enriched with several software-defined options. A worthy example of an organization demonstrating adaptability and forward-thinking in the face of a fast-coming future.
Or, in Marisa’s words: “We need to demonstrate how relevant we are. We have a network that is by far the most superior and metrics that are better than other companies. I would love to see CMC earmarked as one of the tier one operators for Africa and the Middle East.”
Talent and skills development for organizational success
Marisa joined CMC Networks after a 21-year successful career at AT&T, across various roles in sales, supplier management, and strategic planning. Having touched many different parts of telecommunications and with talent and skills becoming a major point of contention in the industry, Marisa recognizes the importance of knowing her team, their capabilities, and creating a collaborative company culture.
“I like to work with cooperation and a common purpose. Everybody has to understand why we are taking this sort of decision. If we understand the why, then the how is a whole lot easier,” explained Marisa. “Bring the team common focus, common understanding, and make sure everyone is appreciated.”
Beyond this, Marisa also leads through example. As she shared with us: “Whatever you want in life, you have got to work hard. Whatever you need to do, you have to say yes to every opportunity that comes across your table. There should be no ego involved. You roll up your sleeves and you show your value.”
Walking the talk, CMC Networks recruited more than forty professionals over the pandemic period and created an open environment for skills sharing. The organization understood the power of a shared vision and promoted synergy by encouraging employees from top to entry-level positions to contribute to their company objectives and goals. In addition, CMC Networks received their ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and MEF 3.0 CE Certifications between 2020 and 2022, showcasing a commitment to skills and security development even in the most trying of times.
Real-world threats to security
With ongoing fears of an Internet war between Russia and Ukraine as well as the online exploits of hacktivist group Anonymous, cybersecurity is a huge concern worldwide. Add to this global governments’ tightening of cybersecurity regulations and it is plain to see that the online security landscape is not designed for easy navigation. In short, a rat’s nest might be preferable.
Although the idea of a cyberwar is more macro in nature, identity theft, fraud, and malware are major threats that occur on a day-to-day basis across persons and entities. CMC Networks actively guards against such occurrences through network and end-to-end security that encompasses the latest technologies while complying with international standards. Next-Gen Firewalls, web content filtering, real-time threat intelligence, and ZERO Trust access are a few appropriate examples of what this looks like on the ground.
CMC Networks’ emphasis on data security, research and development, and talent effectively secures the company’s relevance for 2022 and thereafter. With over thirty years of growth in telecommunications and connectivity within Africa and the Middle East and an exemplary grasp of the expectations of tomorrow’s hybrid business environment, CMC Networks is the global service provider to watch for the future and likely the soon-to-be top choice for connectivity within the African continent.