George Segrest
June 20, 2025
Enterprise networks are under more pressure than ever, expected to support everything from hybrid work and AI workloads to real-time security enforcement. But too often, the underlying architecture doesn’t match the pace of innovation. These five common missteps can stall performance, increase costs, and introduce risk across the business.
1. Over-Reliance on a Single Vendor or Technology
Vendor lock-in remains a silent risk. Whether it’s a sole OEM for networking hardware or deep dependency on a single cloud platform, over-centralization restricts your ability to scale or pivot. In an era of rapid change, from supply chain disruptions to security compliance shifts, that rigidity becomes expensive.
What to do instead: Build a modular, vendor-diverse architecture from the outset. An MSP like Acuative can help you evaluate multi-vendor ecosystems, ensure interoperability, and reduce exposure to proprietary constraints, all while future-proofing your infrastructure.
2. Insufficient Scalability and Future-Proofing
Many enterprise networks were designed for traffic patterns and business demands that no longer exist. As AI, edge computing, and multi-cloud strategies take hold, brittle or overprovisioned infrastructures drag down agility and ROI. The cost of not adapting is steep. According to the Uptime Institute, 97% of enterprises with over 1,000 employees say a single hour of downtime costs more than $100,000—with 41% reporting losses between $1–5 million per hour.
What to do instead: Architect for elasticity. Cloud-managed SD-WAN, scalable edge infrastructure, and flexible service models from an MSP allow you to expand on demand without capital-intensive overhauls.
3. Lack of Visibility and Monitoring
Fragmented monitoring systems and siloed teams leave too many enterprises flying blind. Without unified observability across hybrid environments, issues become harder to detect—and harder to fix. LogicMonitor’s IT Outage Impact Study found that 91% of global businesses experience at least one network outage per quarter, and the average cost of downtime is over $4,300 per minute.
What to do instead: Implement full-stack observability that connects infrastructure, applications, and users into one view. Acuative’s managed monitoring services offer real-time insights and proactive remediation—so you can prevent incidents before they impact business.
4. Neglecting a Security-First Architecture
When security is bolted on after the fact, the result is inconsistent policy enforcement, gaps at the edge, and vulnerable remote access. These weaknesses are costly—IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report found that 38% of U.S. enterprises suffer over $1 million in downtime-related losses annually.
What to do instead: Design with security at the core. Acuative helps enterprises implement Zero Trust principles, unify access controls, and deploy security tools that protect users, devices, and data wherever they operate.
5. Inadequate Automation and Manual Management
Manual operations aren’t just inefficient—they’re unsustainable. Legacy architecture requires much more manual intervention than NextGen. Network engineers spending time on routine tasks like patching and troubleshooting are pulled away from higher-value initiatives. According to CompTIA, organizations that outsource IT operations see 25–45% cost savings and improve operational efficiency by up to 65%.
What to do instead: Upgrade legacy infrastructure with automation in mind. Embrace automation for provisioning, policy enforcement, and event response. With Acuative, you gain automation expertise that minimizes human error and scales seamlessly across distributed environments.
Partnering with an MSP like Acuative
At Acuative, we specialize in helping enterprises modernize their network architecture without the overhead of building and maintaining a large in-house team. From edge infrastructure and unified security to full-stack observability and vendor consolidation, we deliver enterprise-grade performance with cost efficiency, speed, and scale.
Our managed network services combine:
• Expertise across design, implementation, and 24/7 NOC support
• Operational cost savings through predictable OpEx models
• Accelerated deployments with nationwide field services and remote provisioning
• End-to-end visibility across all your sites, systems, and endpoints
Ready to rethink your network? Let’s uncover the gaps and map a smarter way forward.
Contact us for an assessment of your network architecture or to explore how Acuative can help transform your infrastructure into a competitive advantage.
About George Segrest
With over 20 years in the technology sector, I have dedicated my career to helping enterprise clients navigate the complexities of digital transformation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. I have a proven track record of exceeding business objectives, structuring multi-million-dollar partnerships, and consistently delivering value to my clients and partners. My approach is centered on building strong, advisory relationships and truly understanding the critical needs of a business.
Throughout my career at companies like Acuative, Stratascale, DXC Technology, and Rackspace, I've had the privilege of leading high-stakes growth initiatives, developing new regional markets, and fostering strategic alliances with industry leaders. I am driven by the challenge of creating growth and delivering exceptional outcomes. I am passionate about leveraging technology to solve problems and am always eager to connect with others who share that vision.