A New Roadmap for Network Configuration Management

This solution brief outlines the evolution and current challenges of Network Configuration Management (NCM) tools, which have become essential for managing network and security infrastructure. It highlights the disconnect between traditional NCM tools and the modern demands of network management, particularly in cloud environments. The document discusses the significant impact of configuration management failures, citing that they are the leading cause of major network outages, as reported by Uptime Institute. It emphasizes the need for a shift from traditional monitoring to observability, advocating for an API-driven, NetDevOps-style approach to NCM. This new methodology aims to automate mundane tasks, allowing network engineers to focus on more critical work. The brief also presents common use cases for automation, including configuration backups, compliance audits, and OS updates, which help enhance network cyber resilience and operational efficiency. By adopting these practices, organizations can optimize their NCM processes across hybrid environments.