Automation has transformed from a nice-to-have to a must-have. No longer restricted to the field of IT, networks are now increasingly complex and diverse. Between a physical, virtual and cloud-based network, managing across environments and optimising performance are arduous tasks for network engineers. Network automation, which facilitates managing, deploying, operating, resolving issues, optimising and orchestrating today’s networks using software, has arrived. It is all set to help improve network consistency across geographies, reduce operational costs and minimise errors. In this two-part series, leading CIOs/CTOs discuss how new-age network automation is revolutionising network operations and the benefits it brings to the table.