HP: Cloud wakes IT up to the importance of networking

Networking may not be the most glamorous side of infrastructure but the prominence of cloud computing and the desire for mobility has raised its profile.

This was the belief of Barry Bonnett, the head of networking in the UK for HP, who spoke to IT PRO this morning about the increased attention networking has been getting in recent months.

"Networking has really come up the hit parade in the eyes of CIOs rather than [being seen as] a necessary evil," he said.

Bonnett claimed the main reasons for its rise came down to the growing popularity of cloud technologies and the need for mobile connectivity.

"Cloud computing is making IT orientated people realise networking is important," he said.

"Mobility is also driving this as people now want to be connected everywhere."

Broader approach for broadband

To have good mobile connectivity though, we need to have a good network in the UK and Bonnett thinks we need to look at a multi-faceted approach.

He mentioned the big guns such as Virgin Media and BT rolling out superfast broadband across the UK but there were more technologies enabling our businesses.

"If you add in what mobile carriers are doing, not just with 3G or in the future LTE, but Wi-Fi as well, there are so many options," said Bonnett.

"Broadband and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) yes, but a broader approach than just fixed broadband needs to be taken."

He concluded: "There is a trend in the industry towards mobility and a blended approach would solve [any issues] with connectivity."