The healthcare sector is currently grappling with various challenges, including workforce shortages and cybersecurity risks. In response, healthcare leaders are turning to innovative digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and improve patient engagement. However, as noted by Bob Friday, Chief AI Officer at Juniper Networks, hospitals and health systems must have a robust network capable of supporting these data-intensive solutions.
Importance of a Strong Network
According to Friday, “Everything is moving to some sort of cloud application these days.” This includes:
- AI note-taking for healthcare professionals
- Monitoring Internet of Things (IoT) devices
To maintain secure connections while utilizing these critical applications, it is essential to ensure that data flows efficiently across the network.
Challenges in Data Management
Technologies such as AI and predictive analytics hold significant potential for improving operational and clinical workflows. However, many healthcare organizations struggle to fully utilize these technologies due to outdated network infrastructure. Friday emphasizes the need for:
- Ensuring the right data reaches the cloud in a usable format.
- Automating daily tasks for network professionals to enhance efficiency.
AI-Native Networking as a Solution
AI-native networking technology, designed specifically for AI applications, can provide the necessary automation and efficiency. Friday states, “AI can’t be an afterthought when you want to keep business-critical applications securely connected to the internet.” Key benefits of adopting AI-native networking include:
- Automation of essential tasks
- Scalability of technologies
- Proactive management of security threats
This technology serves as a vital foundation for healthcare organizations to streamline care delivery, meet patient expectations, and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Without AI-native networking, healthcare organizations may struggle to ensure that information flows effectively, which is crucial for the utility of new applications. As Friday points out, “It’s what will allow you to manage network operations so you can optimize where you need to.”
Reference
- Siegel, S. January 29, 2025. 2025 global health care outlook. Deloitte Insights. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/health-care/life-sciences-and-health-care-industry-outlooks/2025-global-health-care-executive-outlook.html.