In the ever-evolving landscape of digital connectivity, businesses face a relentless demand for faster, more reliable networks. Whether it’s the surge in remote work, the proliferation of devices that can connect to the internet, or the exponential growth of data-intensive applications, the strain on network infrastructure is ever-growing. In this era where every byte counts, network capacity planning emerges as a critical strategy for organizations seeking to stay ahead in the digital race.

“What is a subnet mask?” is among the most common questions for aspiring network engineers. Network veterans have all been through it at one stage or another and we all have our tips and tricks for figuring them out. But, that initial understanding is typically a grind involving some combination of cheat sheets, IP to binary converters, books, articles, and online resources.

The average 100-person company has 126 SaaS applications and 40% of the apps in an MSP client’s environment are likely shadow IT (Gartner). That creates an interesting challenge for MSPs and their clients. SaaS platforms are a key enabler for modern businesses, and frankly, we’re better off as a result. SaaS solutions enable businesses to focus less on infrastructure and more on outcomes. However, they also create new security, governance, and cost management challenges.

Your business could be spending tens of thousands on SaaS applications—but are you really using them to your full advantage? Research says probably not. Today, the average business uses 130 SaaS apps for day-to-day operations, a number that has steadily climbed over the past decade. Of those, 65% fall under the veil of shadow IT, meaning the IT team is unaware they were ever adopted.