Tom Nolle
Tom Nolle is founder and principal analyst at Andover Intel, a unique consulting and analysis firm that looks at evolving technologies and applications first from the perspective of the buyer and the buyers’ needs. Tom is a programmer, software architect, and manager of large software and network products by background, and he has been providing consulting services and technology analysis for decades. He’s a regular author of articles on networking, software development, and cloud computing, as well as emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and the metaverse.
Networking for remote work puts the emphasis on people, not sites
Remote work and the cloud have taught us to focus on connecting people to the applications and information resources they need rather than focus on pure site-connectivity goals.
How SASE might improve worker productivity and make CFOs happy
SASE can deliver needed information for more workers and for less cost than MPLS VPNs providing comparable connectivity.
Network availability: Are you your own worst enemy?
As network complexity grows, so does the complexity of dealing with it effectively.
What are virtual routers and how can they lead to virtual data centers?
With routing software deployed on off-the-shelf hardware, enterprises can reap the benefits of virtual routing that can extend to data centers and promote savings.
Network security depends on two foundations you probably don’t have
Before adding more layers to network security, consider the benefits of explicit network permission, backed by AI-driven traffic analysis.
Why it makes sense for Broadcom to buy VMware
Broadcom’s chips plus VMware software could be the bridge that connects applications in data centers with the cloud.
Redefining NaaS: It’s the internet
Network-as-a-service is popularly defined as expensing network technology and management rather than doing it yourself, but there’s a better way to look at it.
Look to Google to solve looming data-center speed challenges
Google’s Aquila project is establishing a model for high-performance meshing that can handle the most demanding data-center workloads.
Surprise! The internet of things doesn’t necessarily include the internet
Connected devices need a safe, reliable network of things (NoT) that ties them together, but that glue is likely IoT-specific protocols, not the internet.
Private 5G: 4 things that determine if you need it
Private 5G is a major step, so consider what devices need it, whether they move around and require privacy, and whether Wi-Fi you already have meets the need.
MPLS, SDN, even SD-WAN can give you the network observability you need
The ‘best’ traffic paths chosen by routers in a network won’t necessarily be the fastest ones.
Basing network security on IP addressing: Would it be worth it?
Rather than layering security onto networks, the networks and carefully managed authorization policies can hinder attacks, but at an administrative cost.
How to build a high-speed network for the metaverse of things
Today’s technology could build a low-latency, meshed optical network supporting real-time metaverse applications.
Surprise! The metaverse could be great news for the enterprise edge
High-bandwidth, low-latency services needed to support the metaverse could also mean a better, cheaper way to provide access for edge applications like IoT.
Virtual networks need a rethink to meet hybrid-, multi-cloud demands
Switch virtual-network providers if yours lacks a good plan to support ever more dynamic workloads.
5 best practices for making smart-building LANs more secure
Smart-building controllers can reduce risk of smart devices being used as entry points to the LAN, but they should be chosen and managed carefully.
How and why to adopt SDN despite its dark side
Software-defined networking gives tighter control over network topology and management, and those not using it might find SDN is already supported in their networking gear.
Zero Trust is hard but worth it
Work-at-home has revealed inadequacies in perimeter firewalls and VPNs that Zero Trust can remedy if you’re willing to put in the time.
Don’t let bad press about Open RAN sink your private 5G plans
Use RFIs and RFPs to get good information about private 5G gear and to avoid being duped by stories possibly generated by 'unnamed vendors' looking to lock you into their products.