Futurenet World MENA 2023: Embracing Automation and the Future of Digital Networks

I attended the Futurenet World MENA conference in Dubai, where industry leaders and innovators from the region and beyond gathered to discuss the future of networks. The event was insightful, with several key takeaways shaping how we approach future network operations. In this blog post, I will share my thoughts on the critical role automation will play in the future of digital networks, the importance of data and its speed, the need for operational transformation, and the continued importance of independent network monitoring.

Automation: The Future of Digital Networks

As technology evolves and with an eye to the upcoming 5G SA launches worldwide, it’s becoming increasingly clear that automation is the key to the future of digital networks. The discussions at Futurenet World MENA reinforced the idea that automation will be the driving force behind the scalability, efficiency, and flexibility required to meet the growing demands of businesses and consumers alike. What is clear is that some processes are easier to automate than others, and all Operators should be at least at the beginning of this journey now tackling this low-hanging fruit of automation.

Data: The Fuel for Automation

Data, its quality, and the speed at which it’s accessed are crucial to the success of automation. With the exponential growth of data generated by devices, applications, and users, the need for efficient processing and real-time actions enhanced by AI is increasingly vital. At the event, industry experts emphasized that having accurate, timely data is essential for making informed decisions, optimizing network performance, and ultimately unlocking the full potential of automation. After beginning with automation, operators must understand which data to use and what data will be used next to enhance their automation workflows.

Transforming Operations: Embracing New Skillsets

Adopting automation within digital networks requires a transformation in operations. Operators must shift their focus and invest in new skill sets to utilize automation effectively. The discussions at Futurenet World MENA highlighted that this transformation involves embracing skills such as process automation and data science, which will be instrumental in driving automation efforts and ensuring a smooth transition into a more automated, efficient future. This is not the end of operations as we know it but rather the beginning of a more interesting operations.

Independent Network Monitoring: Trust Through Verification

Despite the many benefits automation brings, it’s important to remember that networks will still require independent monitoring to ensure their reliability and security. As the experts at the conference emphasized, trusting your network is crucial, and independent monitoring provides the necessary checks and balances to maintain insights and trust. By implementing robust, unbiased network monitoring solutions, companies can verify their networks’ performance, security, and integrity, even as they increasingly rely on automated systems.

The Futurenet World MENA conference in Dubai offered invaluable insights into the future of digital networks, highlighting the importance of automation, data, operational transformation, and independent network monitoring. As we embrace these new technologies and paradigms, companies must invest in the right skills and tools to adapt, evolve, and ultimately thrive in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Exciting times lie ahead for us all on this journey.