In its annual Network Barometer Report, Dimension Data found that as a result of technology trends such as BYOD, video and virtualization and their rapid consumption of bandwidth, 45% of enterprise networks will be obsolete within just five years. This is a 38% increase over the number found to be in such a state in 2010, and reveals a growing velocity of these trends and the need to transform networks to accommodate the new environment.

The report included results of nearly 300 Dimension Data Technology Lifecycle (TLM) Assessments of enterprise networks worldwide. They consider enterprises’ adherence to network best practices, potential security vulnerabilities and end-of-life status of network devices.

Additional findings include:

Technology trends are driving architectural upgrades. Only 18% of all access switches discovered during the assessments would be able to properly support desktop virtualization and pervasive video.

Two-thirds of all devices assessed had at least one known security vulnerability and four of the 10 most-prevalent were new. Three of these have a high severity rating and one has a critical rating. Enterprises must not underestimate the importance of comprehensive IOS patch management processes and regular screening.

Stretching hardware past end-of-life. The total number of these devices increased from 38% to 45%. Organizations must not forget the network as they consider deploying new communications services since older hardware may not be able to support new models.

For the complete findings visit bit.ly/OfMpAb