CMC Networks
Connecting the Dots
PROJECT DIRECTED BY
Jamie Waite
CMC Networks
WRITTEN BY
Frew Murdoch
Connecting the Dots
Marisa Trisonlino, CEO, CMC Networks
CMC Networks future-proofs networking and connectivity against industry challenges.
O
nce arbitrary terms such as “remote work”, “unmute”, and “Zooming” have become par for the course in the new normal landscape. With the rise of concepts such as these, it comes as no surprise the telecommunications industry fared better during the COVID-19 pandemic than many other sectors, even withstanding the global supply disturbances. Gone are the days when networking was merely a ticket logged with a specialist hidden away behind the doors of the IT department. It has become a critical part of everyday life in the family, social, and work domains. Early in 2020, Marisa Trisolino, CEO at CMC Networks, was quoted as saying that the growth of the Internet of Things would lead to increasing demand for connectivity. Marisa asserted that this, coupled with the drive for 5G and the rapid evolution of the industry, would present connectivity providers with three critical challenges: data security and integrity; research and development investment; and skills development. Looking to the year 2022, the 5G rollout remains a focal point in the industry, as do widespread changes in cybersecurity regulations and the relationship between technology and geopolitics. In this ever-changing environment, data security, skills, and research and development are more pertinent than ever, and global service providers need to jump through higher and higher hoops in order to stay relevant.
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Keeping an eye on the future CMC Networks is a global service provider affording customized data connectivity services for tomorrow’s business needs. The organization has become Africa and the Middle East’s premier data network, servicing 51 countries in the former region, and 12 in the latter. CMC’s global partner network includes over 180 suppliers and vendors, with a majority of the top global telecommunications companies utilizing the organization’s vast African and Middle Eastern footprint. With Marisa’s forecasts for the industry’s challenges in mind, CMC Networks has taken steps to safeguard its future, as well as that of its suppliers and end-users, through the development of advanced security protocols, talent, skills, and innovative technologies. As an illustration, CMC became the first service provider to offer an
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Telecomms Feature
Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled core in Africa, enriched with several software-defined options. A worthy example of an organization demonstrating adaptability and forward-thinking in the face of a fast-coming future.
of telecommunications and with talent and skills becoming a major point of contention in the industry, Marisa recognizes the importance of knowing her team, their capabilities, and creating a collaborative company culture.
Or, in Marisa’s words: “We need to demonstrate how relevant we are. We have a network that is by far the most superior and metrics that are better than other companies. I would love to see CMC earmarked as one of the tier one operators for Africa and the Middle East.”
“I like to work with cooperation and a common purpose. Everybody has to understand why we are taking this sort of decision. If we understand the why, then the how is a whole lot easier,” explained Marisa. “Bring the team common focus, common understanding, and make sure everyone is appreciated.”
Talent and skills for organizational success
Beyond this, Marisa also leads through example. As she shared with us: “Whatever you want in life, you have got to work hard. Whatever you need to do, you have to say yes to every opportunity that comes across your table. There should be no ego involved. You roll up your sleeves and you show your value.”
Marisa joined CMC Networks after a 21-year successful career at AT&T, across various roles in sales, supplier management, and strategic planning. Having touched many different parts
Micro-D is an independent distributor and stockist of branded IT goods. We source and supply products from the worlds leading IT brands. With competent, dedicated and enthusiastic people working at all levels, we are confident that a business partnership with Micro-D is and will be of mutual benefit.
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Whatever you want in live, you’ve got to work hard ... you have to say yes to every opportunity that comes across your table.
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CMC Networks
Some of the brands we carry
For more information go to Scanners & label printers www.microd.co.uk | info@microd.co.uk
Certified Optics offer an extensive range of compatible optical and copper transceivers to fit your requirements. The transceivers range from 100BASE-FX to 100Gb and cover optical and copper transceivers such as GBIC, SFP, Xenpak, X2, XFP, SFP+, QSFP+, CFP and QSFP28.
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Telecomms Feature
CMC Networks Walking the talk, CMC Networks recruited more than forty professionals over the pandemic period and created an open environment for skills sharing. The organization understood the power of a shared vision and promoted synergy by encouraging employees from top to entry-level positions to contribute to their company objectives and goals. In addition, CMC Networks received their ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and MEF 3.0 CE Certifications between 2020 and 2022, showcasing a commitment to skills and security development even in the most trying of times. Marisa Trisolino with her CMC Networks team
Micro-D Micro-D Ltd is a leading provider of IT hardware and sourcing services. Our warehouse and our strategic partners’ facilities in the UK hold over £35M in networking products, IT systems and components, ranging from individual spares and upgrades through to fully configurable server units, storage arrays and networking equipment. If you or your customers are in need of specific parts, it’s likely we’ll already have them in stock. If we happen not to, our international sourcing team (operating from multiple locations across the world) will work hard to find exact or compatible parts to suit your requirements. We have well established satellite sales offices in South Africa, Botswana and Australia, with our HQ being in the UK.
Real-world threats to security With ongoing fears of an Internet war between Russia and Ukraine as well as the online exploits of hacktivist group Anonymous, cybersecurity is a huge concern worldwide. Add to this global governments’ tightening of cybersecurity regulations and it is plain to see that the online security landscape is not designed for easy navigation. In short, a rat’s nest might be preferable. Although the idea of a cyberwar is more macro in nature, identity theft, fraud, and malware are major threats that occur on a day-to-day basis across persons and entities. CMC Networks actively guards against such occurrences through network and end-to-end security that encompasses the latest technologies while complying with international standards. Next-Gen Firewalls, web content filtering, real-time threat intelligence, and ZERO Trust access are a few
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With over 15 years of relationships and experience in the sourcing and supply of new, recertified and refurbished IT hardware, Micro-D Ltd is uniquely equipped to locate and supply exactly what you need to stay up and running. Micro-D Ltd has been working with CMC Networks for well over 8 years, this is testament to our ability to deliver product at the right price when they need it, wherever in the world. Micro-D Ltd is also an Official Distributor for KEMP & Progress, as well as the Global Distribution partner for Certified Optics. Certified Optics offer an extensive range of compatible SFP’s / GBIC’s for almost all vendors. CMC have now standardised on using Certified Optics within their global operation. If you require any networking products, systems or components, send details of your requirements to the Micro-D Ltd sales team and they’ll be only too glad to assist. They can be reached at: sales@microd.co.uk www.microd.co.uk
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CMC Networks
Telecomms Feature
appropriate examples of what this looks like on the ground. CMC Networks’ emphasis on data security, research and development, and talent effectively secures the company’s relevance for 2022 and thereafter. With over thirty years of growth in telecommunications and connectivity within Africa and the Middle East and an exemplary grasp of the expectations of tomorrow’s hybrid business environment, CMC Networks is the global service provider to watch for the future and likely the soon-to-be top choice for connectivity within the African continent. www.cmcnetworks.net
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CMC Networks www.cmcnetworks.net
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