How to Gain Control of Complex Applications in the Time of Digital Transformation

Among the goals of digital transformation (DX) are streamlining business processes, cutting costs, improving productivity and introducing new business models that redefine industries — or build new ones. These are ambitious goals, and they’re ultimately realized through new digital applications built on intricate microservices-based architectures.

For examples of successful DX applications look no further than ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, or home sharing apps like Airbnb. In the financial world, consider robo-advisors, peer-to-peer lending services, crowdfunding campaigns and cryptocurrencies — these are all DX innovations. Applications built around connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices can also fit into the DX category, as can industry-specific solutions, such as Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and medical systems protocols.

While these modern, multi-tiered DX applications bring agility and innovative capabilities, their complexity makes monitoring
and securing them difficult, if not impossible, with current network visibility tools. This puts the success of these applications in particular — and digital transformation projects in general — at risk.