Mannassi Consulting Blog The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: 2017 in Review

As 2017 now fades into the history books, we're reflecting on the best and worst advances (or rollbacks) in technology.THE GOOD - Software Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN)2017 brought the explosion of SD-WAN, an amazing technology that provides high availability, failover, optimized traffic and in some cases a replacement for expensive MPLS. SD-WAN is an affordable tech option for small and medium sized companies providing benefits once only available on an enterprise class budget.THE BAD - Ransomware and Cyber HackingThe worldwide pervasiveness of hacking has continued to dominate the headlines. No one is safe, whether you are a person checking your email and getting 'spear phished' or the Pentagon or UK National Health Service disabled by state sponsored cyber terrorism. In 2017 there didn't seem to be anywhere safe from cyber criminals. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care, so in 2018 we're doubling down on our vigorous backup and security regimens. While you can never be 100% safe, you can put a plan in place to mitigate disaster.THE GOOD - Cloud Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity2017 was the year the cloud really took off! Many companies have invested in comprehensive backup programs, but have not addressed what to do when disaster strikes. The ability to spin up servers and production networks in minutes as opposed to days or weeks, is now a reality with cloud solutions, making disaster recovery a minor headache instead of a full blow migraine.THE BAD - Disrespecting The TechnologyComputer networks are an integral component of every business, and you need to make sure you've got the tech that can do the job properly. In 2017 we still found companies buying technology that is just not suitable for business needs. From trying to get by with residential routers, or computers bought off the shelf at Best Buy. You've got to have the right tech to keep your company running. In 2018 don't risk your business because you thought you were saving money. Remember the old adage: you get what you pay for.THE GOOD - Internet of Things (IoT)If you loved sci-fi as a kid you've probably been stoked by the advances in the IoT over the last several years. From vehicles with connected technology that allows manufactures and drivers to know when they need to be serviced or provide directions to the nearby gas station when the tank is running low to paying your mortgage by voice on your digital home assistant. This year was the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the IoT can bring to businesses. In 2018 watch these connected goodies for even more exciting innovations. THE UGLY - Dismantling Net NeutralityThe big fight for the web in 2017 was certainly a low point. The current administration's FCC has begun the process of removing the laws protecting Net Neutrality, paving the way for ISP's to preference their own content and throttle competitors. With Net Neutrality rules in place you the consumer can load every website, app, video, .gif, etc., equally, regardless of where the content is hosted, or what its message is. Accessing Netflix is the same as sending a tweet. Without Net Neutrality there's nothing to stop ISP's from demanding premium prices for "premium" services like video streaming, or social media, or blocking content they disagree with entirely. The open internet is vital to small businesses, and freedom of speech so this threat is very unsettling. Here's to hoping in 2018 congress can get behind a bipartisan effort to save the open internet.What were the trends you were most fascinated by in 2017? Tweet us with your top hits and misses, and what you're most anticipating in 2018.