Proactive device lifecycle management is not a "nice-to-have"

Ensuring your device lifecycle management process is as efficient and proactive as possible for every single resource in a network is not easy. More often than not, networking teams manage these processes by manually cross-checking device information through a variety of device manufacturer portals.

This takes time away from other important networking tasks, and often results in devices being replaced reactively, rather than proactively. Devices that do slip through the cracks and reach End-of-Life (EoL) become a security risk and introduce vulnerabilities into the network.

From network discovery to streamlined lifecycle management

Automated Infrastructure Assurance provides easy access to five key elements required for a holistic network view. One of these is an end-to-end view of the network, which is created during the network discovery process. Another pillar is inventory.

During network discovery, IP Fabric collects state data for individual devices contained on end-to-end paths, whether hardware or software - instantly gathering everything an engineer would have to otherwise spend hours manually collecting. Easy access to this information benefits teams across the entire organization with regards to device lifecycle management.

Benefits felt across the enterprise

Network engineers - Presentation and consistency across devices

Software and hardware data collected by IP Fabric is automatically presented in tabular format and includes make, model and serial numbers. This information also includes vendor-suggested replacements to simplify replacing outdated components, further stripping away at the need for tedious and repetitive visits to manufacturer portals to obtain information.

Additionally, manufacturers are not obliged to provide assistance in the case that a software OS is not upgraded to the latest version. IP Fabric's intent check functions lets engineers see whether software is running with the optimal or intended OS. (More on this below)

Security teams

Automatic access to device lifecycle information means security teams can proactively identify potential vulnerabilities and replace components before they become true risks.

Intent checks on OS versions also bolster security by highlighting unvalidated versions in the network that could compromise security.

From engineer to C-Suite - Planning

Access to EoL data and vendor-suggested replacements lets networking teams streamline the process of planning device replacements and seamlessly include these considerations in their planning process.

Data from IP Fabric can be exported in reports that can be democratized for other departments - providing concrete, actionable network insights in a digestible format for non-networking departments to empower them when making decisions around forecasting, budgeting and business continuity plans.

Organization-wide - Audits

Using IP Fabric to streamline device lifecycle management also benefits future audits.

By rigorously and regularly managing device lifecycles with automated state data, teams develop a proactive approach to maintaining compliance - transforming it from a tick-in-the-box to be completed during an audit, into a continuous practice. It also answers the question that creeps in the back of the head during an audit - are there any 'unknown unknowns' that could have slipped through the cracks which would lead you to fail?

Find out more

If you would like to find out more about IP Fabric and how it can benefit your entire organization, try our free, self-guided demo. Follow our blog and our LinkedIn for regular updates and content from the world of Automated Infrastructure Assurance.