Name Resolution needs resolution for a Cloudy Enterprise

I think I deployed my first name resolution solution in an enterprise all the way back in the 1993-94.  Over the years the solutions have evolved going from broadcast based LAN solutions to service based WAN solutions like WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) and DNS (Domain Naming System).  When Microsoft integrated TCP/IP in Windows first with Windows 95 and then deeply with Windows 2000 and beyond DNS became the standard.   What evolved in the enterprise during this time was a patch work of name resolution systems to support the applications being maintained in the environment.  I continue to be amazed that I find WINS servers alive and well in environments dubiously supporting applications with IT reluctant to touch them as they do not know what could happen.   DNS is the modern enterprise is not much better off.  Dynamic registration of host and low priority management of DNS domains has lead to questions about who really is behind that host name...  This leads to significant challenges when attempting to make changes as IT has to sort out the inconsistencies.  This has lead to the ongoing need for static addressing and client TCP/IP stack settings being made to address these issues.   One example of this is the need to add domain suffixes to the client to help a client system find another system.  All this means increased operational costs and potential security issues to content with.

IT has to take the initiative and clean this up by undertaking a program to look at all the systems performing name resolution and driving out legacy systems (hello WINS) and simplifying DNS environments.  The future will require a solid dynamic TCP/IP environment if the enterprise wants to get cloud ready.  Most enterprises do not requires large numbers of DNS servers to serve the business and fewer will mean simplified management, reduced risk and improved security.  The steps to undertake this include:

• Getting an inventory of the name resolution systems
• Getting an inventory of applications
• Designing the end state that support dynamic TCP/IP
• Remediation of Applications and Systems
• Shutting down the old systems
• Celebration!

This is just one more enterprise IT space that has been left untended for too long and the cloud requires getting it sorted out if the Enterprise wants to be agile and secure.  Feel free to contact me to discuss further.