The coming together of cloud computing, wireless networking and device evolution have created a “perfect storm” in IT which is redefining the very nature of mobility. Prior to the intersection of these forces, the term mobility was used interchangeably with wireless. I would argue that we’ve never really had the building blocks of true mobility; instead we had devices that allowed us to be portable.

What would happen if the user were to lose the device? All of the data stored on the device would be lost. What if the user wants to carry a second device such as a tablet or notebook? Then the onus would be on the user to continually find a way to synchronise the information between the devices.

This isn’t ideal but is manageable when the user has just a couple of devices, but today workers carry anywhere from 3 to as many as 7 devices. Managing the manual movement of data be-tween many devices will be unreliable at best.

The redefinition of mobility involves mobilising not only the device and the user but the content as well. For example, shifting from a premise based e-mail system to a cloud based solution means that a worker could have the same experience on a mobile phone, tablet, notebook or desktop. Any change made on one device would instantly show up on the other devices. Any content over any network on the device of the users choice. This is made possible by the fusion of device evolution, cloud computing and pervasive wireless. Mobility redefined.

To achieve this level of true mobility, the network needs evolve, adapt and change in order to provide a high quality, secure experience.

To enable this ‘redefined mobility’ the network must provide the following:

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The deployment of solutions with 40GbE ports are emerging as the switch inter-connect of choice for the private data center and the hosted cloud.

The Dell’Oro Group announced earlier this year that Extreme Networks was a market leader in market share in modular 40GbE switches and second in overall 40GbE. In its latest reoprt the Group reported that the 40GbE BlackDiamond® modular switches from Extreme ranked #1 worldwide in product revenue and the combined BlackDiamond and Summit® switching products ranked #2 last quarter.

The Dell’Oro Report market reports following the recent Lippis Test Report results that showed the BlackDiamond X8 switch tested 3-10 faster than other network vendors. The Extreme Networks core fabric switch also had the lowest latency (of 2.3 microseconds for 64 bit frames) and lowest energy use (5.6 watts per port) of any core products in the test. The BlackDiamond X8 is expected to begin shipping in the first half of 2012.

Imerja is an Extreme Networks Gold Partner.

For more information on how Imerja can assit you in the design, deployment and support of leading switch technology from Extreme Networks please contact us at [email protected].

Imerja, working in partnership with lead supplier Virgin Media Business and infrastructure vendor Extreme Networks, has completed a major overhaul of the IT network at Fareham Borough Council.

The Hampshire council commissioned the work as part of its proactive strategy to redistribute savings made from areas such as IT to other community services, while reducing carbon emissions in line with its environmental strategy.

The new IP-based network is a more reliable and resilient system and provides an energy-efficient, scalable solution for the council. To ensure the new infrastructure remains effective, Imerja will provide full maintenance and support under its m|four services suite, delivered from its ISO27001 certified operations centres.

Ian Jackson, managing director at Imerja, said: “Local authorities are under increasing pressure to make substantial savings across all areas of public spending, while at the same time maintaining excellent levels of service to residents.

“It is not an easy task, but an improvement in IT is one measure that can help councils of all sizes meet the tough budgetary targets imposed by central government, without having to compromise on provision for the local community. More councils should follow Fareham’s lead and look towards their IT as a way of driving down costs and improving efficiencies.”

Fareham Borough Council’s Network Manager, Andrew Scribbans said: “The installation of the new network has helped us to dramatically improve services and reduce our operational costs, while the monitoring service means our in-house staff can focus on other areas of the organisation.

“Throughout the project, Imerja, Extreme Networks and Virgin Media Business demonstrated a clear understanding of our requirements, and provided us with the necessary expertise in implementing public sector infrastructures.”

Extreme Networks’ Regional Director for UK and Ireland, Gary Newbold said: “Many public sector organisations including schools, colleges and councils rely on Extreme Networks’ technology. Working with Imerja and Fareham Borough Council, we have once again demonstrated how it is possible to make dramatic improvements in service, whilst responding to the needs to reduce spending.”