TNP Account Director, George Knowles looks at how the role of the Wide Area Network is changing in public sector

It’s no secret that working in Local Government in today’s world can be a challenging environment! Micro factors, including the dual pressures of improving public services while managing tighter budgets, coupled with resource constraints, make an already difficult job even harder.

So, what’s this got to do with Wide Area Networks (WANs)?

Well, truth be told, this article is primarily aimed at those considering a review of their WAN—but I’m confident that the insights shared here will resonate with a much wider audience.

For those working in Local Government and navigating the myriad of complexities, it’s crucial to recognise that your Wide Area Network (WAN) is not just a service. It should be seen as a platform that, if deployed correctly, can drive service improvement and operational efficiencies across the public sector, positively impacting council finances and the communities you serve.

A well-designed WAN is more than just a backbone for connectivity; it’s the foundation upon which digital transformation can take place. By rethinking the role of WAN from a simple utility to a strategic enabler, I believe local governments can unlock new levels of efficiency and effectiveness. This shift in perspective allows for smarter resource allocation, enhanced collaboration across departments, and the agility to respond to the evolving needs of citizens.

So, when reviewing the future of your organisation’s WAN, consider changing your viewpoint. Seeing your WAN as a platform means embracing the potential for integrated service delivery, where data flows seamlessly across teams, and decision-making is informed by real-time insights. This can lead to significant cost savings and enhance the overall quality of services provided to the community.

Moreover, with the rise of cloud-based solutions, a hybrid mesh of applications, and the need for robust cybersecurity, a modern WAN can help local governments safeguard their digital assets while maintaining the flexibility to scale and adapt to future demands.

In essence, WAN should be seen as a key asset in the public sector’s toolkit—one that enables us to do more with less, ensuring that we continue to meet the expectations of our communities while staying within our means. By leveraging WAN as a platform, I would argue that local governments can achieve greater resilience, innovation, and service excellence, all while navigating the financial challenges that lie ahead.

So that’s the sizzle! I appreciate this is a conceptual piece, but I truly believe Wide Area Networks are one of the critical technology pillars that Local Government organisations can leverage to provide better outcomes, both internally and externally. Hopefully you have found it useful.

In the coming weeks (when time allows), I plan to write a supporting article where we can dive into how TNP constructs Wide Area Networks within the Public Sector—it’s safe to say we do things differently here!