Synergy Equals Success
Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The OSI model is a perfect example of how disparate layers work together to create synergy.
In this post I’d like to focus on the element of trust that is paramount between all layers of the OSI model. Trust helps to achieve synergy, which is essential for a winning network. As discussed in my previous posts, a winning network is foundational to the success of your business.
I talked about the physical layer of the OSI model in my previous post Skeletons in Your Closet and now we’re going to address the ‘hidden layer’ of the OSI model...
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Layer 8 of the OSI model, better known as the ‘management layer’ or more affectionately as the ‘above my pay grade layer’...
Trust is established when everyone, regardless of where you operate in the OSI model (illustrated above), knows the rules of engagement. Knowing the rules of engagement creates a level playing field. More often than not, these rules filter from the top down, so if you’re an IT Manager or CEO, listen up...
Layer 8 is unique because of these attributes:
- It is the one layer that rules all others
- When something goes wrong in any other layer, Layer 8 is affected
- It is extremely susceptible to the ‘latest’ technology trend
We can all agree that cash is king in business and that is why Layer 8 rules them all. Cash enables layers 1 through 7 and even if the cash revenue is coming in from the first 7 layers, Layer 8 controls the flow of the cash in and out of the other layers.
Layer 8 is happy as Larry until something goes wrong in layers 1 - 7, and I’d like to ask - who has heard of the old adage ‘S*&T slides downhill’? Anytime something goes wrong in any layer between 1 - 7, the neighbouring layers will experience some sort of pain. Layer 8 is special because it feels the pain when something goes wrong in ANY of the other layers. So it’s true what they say here that in the networking world, ‘S#*T flows both ways’.
Layer 8’s susceptibility to the latest trend can be amazing. Some of the latest trends to surface include virtualisation and automation of the datacenter and on the WAN. For service providers, these trends are definitely a good fit, but for some enterprises why are multiple overlays needed when a single underlay can perform the same job? A Software-Defined WAN may not be appropriate when most of your sites only have 1 WAN connection. It’s food for thought and important for Managers and CEO’s to remember that any type of new technology will add complexity, hide information and create load-sharing.
Layer 8’s responsibility to support a winning network focuses on addressing the business’ needs by making good decisions, minimising costs and trusting layers 1 - 7.
Layers 1 - 7’s responsibility to support a winning network focuses on designing and implementing technologies that support the business whilst managing the network with proper network knowledge (NK) and trusting Layer 8.
Proper NK (as described in my post Knowledge Is Power) levels the playing field by keeping all contributors across all layers informed. Achieving a winning network is only possible if all layers seamlessly synergise and trust each other.
NETDAIS’ holistic approach ensures all layers are accounted for and working in harmony when auditing, designing and implementing winning networks. We know that Layer 8 needs to steer the ship, but all layers need to be considered equally to ensure a company thrives, because synergy equals success!