Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 39 | Page 40

CIO opinion CIO OPINION Combining SD-WAN and Edge Computing helps overcome these issues. Firstly, SD- WAN enables you to set network rules that segment IoT assets away from other apps, devices and systems, such as payment, with just a couple of clicks. This makes it easier to control access, limiting the scope of attacks. It also decreases the chance of a security event happening as a result of an operator error. will give companies more recovery points if the IoT service faces an outage. Secondly, Edge architecture limits the active data outside of the secure data store by only holding active data at the IoT edge. This means the smallest possible percentage of data is vulnerable for the smallest possible amount of time. Meanwhile, complete copies are constantly updated to a secure location. This has the additional benefit that frequent backups If they don’t emphasise upon the other stakeholders the importance of investing in the intelligent, modernised infrastructure required to support their initiatives, such as SD-WAN, their company’s efforts to embrace IoT and reap the associated benefits will not be as successful. As such, it’s clear that it’s time IT was put back in the IoT conversation. n 40 INTELLIGENTCIO Given the disruption IoT initiatives can cause when first introduced – from increased complexity and latency to security challenges – it’s vital that CIOs, who have a greater understanding of the potential pitfalls, push for involvement in their business’ IoT strategies from the start. “ THE CLOUD IS A KEY FACILITATOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGIES. PARTICULARLY WHEN IT COMES TO BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE, ARCHIVING AND CENTRALISING ACCESS. www.intelligentcio.com