Network convergence or media convergence simply refers to a process whereby numerous modes of communication are integrated into a single network or medium, to offer convenience and flexibility of communication between various infrastructures.
In other words, this refers to the integration of various media components into common interfaces within single components or devices, for efficient exchange of content. The main role of network convergence is to combine multiple communication services into a single unit to enable flexible communication between various units of an organization (Das et al., 2010). The benefits of network convergence are evident in my department, where technology and computer systems applications are highly applied.
There is enough evidence that, the Internet, LAN, and extranets fully converge in my department, and this can be confirmed through various characteristics of a basic network convergence that can be observed in all the operational structures within THE department. For instance, there is a fast constant exchange of rich IP data and information among workers from different units through multiple end-user platforms in the organization.
The other possible evidence of a network convergence can be observed in other various ways, such as the manner by which data from a single website can be interchanged between different key management units in the department, using the concept of internet working. All these operations of data networking can only take place through the integration of network convergence.
Network convergence has been a common trend in the modern era of technology, and its application in business has greatly contributed in the evolution of improved industry structures and technology services (Melody, 2009). As it would be observed, the trend comes with immense benefits to organizations.
For instance, it serves as the basis of all forms of business communication in units in my department, thus opening avenues for enhanced productivity and profitability. There is also increased mobility in the department, since there is only a single network to manage. Another advantage of this practice is that, it guarantees that numerous applications operate together, thus increasing credibility and efficiency in work (Laudon and Laudon, 2009).
Apart from improving communication processes in my department through integration of various applications and databases, the idea of network convergence has also brought many benefits to the entire business environment. Some of these benefits would include things such as; increase in network reliability, fast deployment of applications, easy integration of technologies, and reduced costs for resources and other basic requirements that would be required in the department.
The trend of network convergence also helps in encouraging and facilitating grounds that would encourage better and flexible working conditions for employees and other participants within the organization. The practice also promotes much simplicity of process administration in various areas of the department, and this helps in eliminating unnecessary complexities in the organization.
Through the concept of network convergence in my department, work had been made easier to remote workers, who can be able to interact with other units of the department directly, in a business manner. This ensures that work does not stop even when key players are away from the department, due to certain unavoidable circumstances.
Other outstanding benefits of network convergence in my department would include the reduction of the space required for equipment and maximization of organizational investment in more operational units. As the idea of network convergence keeps evolving, it brings forth much freedom to the internet users allover the world (Daniel, 2011).
References
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Das, S., Parulkar, G., McKeown, N.,Singh, P.,Getachew, D. & Ong, L. (2010). Packet and circuit network convergence with openflow: Optical Fiber Communication (OFC), New York: IEEE.
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