Artificial Intelligence (AI) is gradually establishing itself as a strategic lever for businesses, particularly in network infrastructure management. In France, 8 out of 10 network engineers report that their organization relies on AI features to manage their infrastructures. This figure indicates a progressive adoption of the technology.
Given the benefits offered, this growing interest is clearly understandable: by analyzing vast volumes of data, AI can identify trends, prevent failures, and proactively address anomalies. It promises multiple gains for businesses: increased reliability, better operational efficiency, and stronger network performance, allowing teams to focus on the strategic aspects of network management.
AI, a Defense Lever
AI's contribution is not limited to preventive network management. The technology also serves as a major asset in strengthening cybersecurity measures. Companies are increasingly exposed to cyber risks. To illustrate, ANSSI reported a 15% annual increase in security events in France for the year 20241. Faced with increasingly sophisticated and widespread threats, organizations' defense posture must be both proactive and reactive to facilitate a rapid response/action in case of an incident.
In this field, the integration of AI is promising but still fragmented. Only 20% of teams have fully integrated AI into their network infrastructure2. This gap highlights some persistent obstacles such as regulatory requirements, high deployment costs, and a lack of technical training.
The shift to AI-driven cybersecurity will eventually prevail. It will require strategic support and targeted investments. A shift that French digital companies seem to be following. This year, AI and cybersecurity are among their investment priorities3.
Enhancing Operational Resilience through Proper Integration
AI is generally perceived as a transformative force capable of enhancing teams' operational resilience and agility, under pressure from the volume of daily alerts to manage. This is provided it is supported by an adaptive infrastructure designed to withstand incidents and ensure operational continuity, even in the event of disruption to the main network.
By offering an independent and secure supervision channel, intelligent out-of-band management can play a key role here. It allows for the rapid isolation of segments affected by an attack – through quick lockdown of impacted segments, remote intervention, and restoration of operations without compromising the entire system.
Business continuity is a critical aspect. Every minute of downtime costs a French company an average of over €2,7004. By ensuring continuous access to critical equipment, even in the event of network failure, this approach enhances overall resilience and supports AI-driven security automation capabilities.
Today, companies must enhance their operational agility, overcome integration obstacles, and structure their investments around proven solutions. These technical and organizational foundations will allow them to fully exploit AI's potential to detect, contain, and neutralize threats. In the face of escalating threats and digital complexity, only those able to combine technological anticipation, risk governance, and operational agility will be able to sustainably secure their digital environments.
- AI-Driven Network Management – A global perspective on adoption and innovation
- Equivalent to 4,386 events reported to its services and processed by operational teams.
- Annual Numeum Barometer - 2024
- Enabling Network Resilience: during global uncertainty