Global networking is a carnival of mismatches. Mismatches between what you wish for and what reality gives you. 4 mismatches that challenge global networking when building it yourself.

Mismatch #1: no internet coverage

You want to leverage local internet for your enterprise network. Surprise: high-speed, broad band access is not available at many of the locations that your network must support. E.g. in large parts of Brazil, Eastern Europe or the US, internet access is subpar or non-existing.

Mismatch #2: ‘I don’t understand what you’re saying’

For business continuity reasons, you only want to deal with the highest-quality access providers. How do you find your way in far away markets that present you with languages you don’t speak and scripts you can’t read. The access provider that matches your local requirements the best may be non-English speaking.

Mismatch #3: currency issues

You want to keep your business as simple as can be, and therefore consolidate your costs and expenses in a few major currencies to keep your CFO happy. Dealing with many currencies, local or regional invoicing and tax regimes that your local networking partners bring about proves to be a real pain in the neck.

Mismatch #4: ‘I want that connection now, not sometimes in three months’

You need to move quickly to keep your customers happy and your competitors behind you. Your network must be able to follow your business needs. In many countries, carriers and incumbent access providers are still quite bureaucratic and slow to respond. Your pace is not theirs. What do you do?

Enterprises have just 2 choices: creating the network themselves, with all challenges and mismatches that are associated with this adventure. Or outsource it to a carrier or an MSP with a global reach and a one-size-fits-all offering. And then experience that what you get, is not primarily what you actually need. You get what they want to sell.

Modern times require a demand driven approach. Therefore, don’t be supplier driven. Don’t be tented by the solution that benefits them most as your  needs and interests come in second.

Fortunately, there is a third, more clever and flexible way: benefit from an approach that takes the granular needs and requirements of your business as the starting point and have then built your network from there. Don’t get stuck between a rock and a hard place. GNX will help you to navigate the muddy waters of global networking.