Navigating the Future of Network Management with WWT & F5's BIG-IP Next

Network leaders in enterprise organizations recognize the need for solutions that not only enhance network performance, security, and scalability but also simplify the complexities involved. Transitioning to an automated network solution might initially seem overwhelming but with WWT and BIG-IP Next, it's actually a hassle-free process. The key to success is automation. 

BIG-IP Next is a streamlined, automated solution made up of two integral components—BIG-IP Next instances and BIG-IP Next Central Manager. It is a comprehensive application security and traffic management solutions for apps spanning on-premises and multi-cloud architectures. 

WWT adds to the success equation by leveraging our vast resources and expertise to manage every aspect of the transition, giving enterprise organizations confidence and peace of mind. For both global enterprises and mid-sized organizations, WWT provides a proven pathway to enhanced efficiency and security with automation driving efficiency, and tailored use cases ensuring your organization is supported at every step.

BIG-IP Next: The Evolution of Network Management

BIG-IP has been a cornerstone of F5's offerings for over two decades and is trusted by global enterprises for its reliability and robust features. As the demands of digital transformation have increase, so too have the capabilities of the systems that support it. This is where BIG-IP Next comes into play—not as a replacement for the tried-and-true BIG-IP system, but as an enhancement that offers new layers of automation, ease of use, and scalability. 

Overcoming Migration Hesitancy: Why the Transition is Essential

One of the primary concerns among enterprise organizations is the hesitation to migrate from a system that works. The BIG-IP platform has proven itself time and time again, so why change? 

This hesitation often comes from concern around disruptions and the perception that there's a steep learning curve associated with a new system. However, the enhancements in BIG-IP Next will alleviate these concerns. BIG-IP Next retains everything clients love while adding automation and improved user experiences.

The transition to BIG-IP Next offers an array of benefits, such as:

• Enhanced User Experience: BIG-IP Next offers a redesigned user interface, making it easier to manage applications, streamline workflows, and automate processes.
• Automation for Efficiency: Tasks that previously required manual input are now automated, reducing human error and accelerating operational efficiency.
• Scalability: The platform is designed to grow alongside your enterprise, with features that enable seamless scaling to handle increasing network traffic and complexity.

WWT's Pivotal Role to Ensure a Seamless Transition

WWT plays an important role in helping enterprise organizations migrate to BIG-IP Next. 

Through our Advanced Technology Center (ATC), we provide clients with access to a state-of-the-art sandbox environment where they can test and experiment with BIG-IP Next before making a full transition. We understand our clients can't afford to have downtime or disruptions. That's why we offer a phased migration strategy, starting with a pilot migration. This allows IT teams to understand the nuances of the new system in a controlled environment.

WWT's transition support include services such as:

• Facilities Workshops: Educational sessions that explain the power and cooling technologies necessary for AI and high-density server environments.
• AI Assessments: Evaluations of existing facilities to identify optimization opportunities.
• Customized Integration Services: Assistance with integrating new technologies into existing IT landscapes, simplifying physical deployments through WWT's North American Integration Center (NAIC).

Real-World Applications: Use Cases of BIG-IP Next

Today, the demand for robust and adaptable IT infrastructures is more important than ever. 

BIG-IP Next by F5 is a pivotal solution, offering remarkable flexibility and performance. Here are some real-world applications of BIG-IP Next across different sectors, demonstrating its efficacy and transformative potential. 

• Automotive Industry: A global automaker, managing tens of thousands of applications leverages WWT's automation expertise, transitioning to BIG-IP Next. With automation driving the migration, the automaker reduced its technical debt by retiring an impressive amount of outdated applications and streamlining its IT infrastructure.
• Financial Services: One major bank, managing over 60,000 applications, partnered with WWT to begin their migration of infrastructure to support BIG-IP Next. The bank required zero downtime due to strict regulatory requirements. WWT's phased approach allowed for seamless migration without disrupting operations.
• Transportation and Logistics: A leading railroad company constrained by government regulations prevented downtime by working with WWT to test BIG-IP Next in a lab environment. This provided the reassurances the client needed to make the transition with zero interruptions.

The Benefits of Automation in BIG-IP Next

Automation is the backbone of BIG-IP Next. It allows businesses to eliminate manual processes and reduce the risk of human error. This is especially important in industries where even a small mistake can lead to significant financial loss or regulatory penalties. To these points, automation is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. BIG-IP Next brings automation to the forefront, enabling clients to scale faster, reduce errors, and streamline operations.

The platform's Migration Assistant is an example of how automation simplifies the transition. 

It provides step-by-step guidance through the migration process, identifying which applications are ready for migration and which require adjustments. 

The Benefits and Results

The transition to BIG-IP Next offers a myriad of benefits, revolutionizing the way enterprise organizations manage their IT infrastructures. The significant advantages of BIG-IP Next, range from enhancing cost efficiency to boosting compliance and agility. Each benefit is not only a testament to the solution's effectiveness but also a building block toward creating more resilient and adaptable enterprise environments. Here's a short list of the top benefits: 

• Cost Efficiency: By automating manual processes, enterprise organizations save both time and money. Fewer resources are required to manage the network, and the risk of costly errors is minimized.
• Increased Agility: With automation driving operational efficiency, enterprise organizations can respond to changes in the market faster, giving them a competitive edge.
• Improved Compliance: BIG-IP Next's enhanced security features help companies stay compliant with government regulations, especially in heavily regulated industries such as financial services, automotive, and healthcare, to name just a few.
• Seamless Scalability: As an enterprise organization grows, their networks need to scale accordingly. BIG-IP Next is designed to handle increased traffic and complexity without compromising performance.

Begin Your Journey with WWT and F5

WWT and F5 are committed to helping clients future-proof their networks with BIG-IP Next. 

Visit WWT's Labs and Learning paths to experience firsthand the benefits of the platform. Engage with WWT's experts through workshops, assessments, and customized integration services to ensure your infrastructure is ready for today's demands. 

Together, WWT and F5 will ensure that your network not only keeps pace with technological evolution but drives it.

About the Authors

Ted Byerly, SecDevOps Engineer at WWT

Forest Crenshaw, Sr. Manager, Product Management - BIG-IP at F5