Revisting the platform vs. level options debate
The dilemma of whether or not to deploy an assortment of best-of-breed merchandise from a number of distributors or go along with a unified platform of “adequate” instruments from a single vendor has vexed IT execs perpetually.
As we speak, the pendulum is swinging towards the platform strategy for 3 key causes. First, complexity, pushed by the more and more distributed nature of enterprise networks, has emerged as a prime problem dealing with IT execs. Second, the traces between networking and safety are blurring, notably as organizations deploy zero belief community entry (ZTNA). And third, to reap the advantages of AIOps, generative AI and agentic AI, organizations want a unified knowledge retailer.
“The period of enterprise connectivity platforms is upon us,” says IDC analyst Brandon Butler. “Organizations are more and more adopting platform-based approaches to their enterprise connectivity infrastructure to beat complexity and unlock new enterprise worth. When enhanced by AI, enterprise platforms can improve productiveness, enrich end-user experiences, improve safety, and finally drive new alternatives for innovation.”
In IDC’s Worldwide AI in Networking Particular Report, 78% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the assertion: “I’m shifting to an AI-powered platform strategy for networking.”
Gartner predicts that 70% of enterprises will choose a broad platform for brand spanking new multi-cloud networking software program deployments by 2027, a rise from 10% in early 2024. The breakdown of silos between community and safety operations can be pushed by organizations implementing zero-trust ideas in addition to the adoption of AI and AIOps. “Sooner or later, enterprise networks can be more and more automated, AI-assisted and extra tightly built-in with safety throughout LAN, knowledge heart and WAN domains,” in response to Gartner’s 2025 Strategic Roadmap for Enterprise Networking.
Whereas the entire main networking distributors have introduced cloud-based platforms, it’s nonetheless comparatively early days. For instance, Cisco introduced a basic framework for Cisco Networking Cloud in mid-2023, Palo Alto Networks introduced its platformization technique in early 2024, and Excessive launched Platform One in December 2024. (See sidebar for a snapshot of vendor platforms.)