Network intelligence (NI) is a type of technological process that makes it possible to identify, organize and analyze data. As part of this process, network intelligence is able to evaluate the most minute details of the data, find ways to extract whatever is needed in order to manage a command, and return data that is an ideal fit for the purpose at hand. Thanks to the technology advancements that have occurred since the beginning of the 21st century, the ability to collect, organize, and utilize network intelligence is more efficient than at any previous time.
The need to be able to make use of network intelligence in a real-time environment is very pronounced in a number of settings. Businesses of all types increasingly rely on the use of computers and computer networks to manage essential tasks in the most efficient manner. This means that being able to access data within a given context and extract information that is relevant to the request or command will often make a huge difference in how well the business competes in the marketplace, manages customer concerns, or even handles the day-to-day tasks associated with the business itself. Even small businesses such as those owned and operated by a single user out of the home, will find that network intelligence innovations available today make handling a number of different tasks much easier.
While there are some similarities between network intelligence and what is known as deep packet inspection (DPI), NI tends to provide a broader range of service when it comes to managing data efficiently. While deep packet inspection was developed as a means of maximizing the efficiency of a network, it is sometimes limited in terms of the resources associated with a specific application. By contrast, network intelligence is somewhat more flexible in terms of how data is processed and presented in context, and is often considered ideal for increasing overall network efficiency in ways that are not possible with a DPI approach.
It is important to note that network intelligence is not some type of product that is a stand alone application residing on a network. Rather, it is an approach that is able to integrate and work with data housed in a number of different applications. This particular characteristic of NI is helpful in just about any network situation, but can be especially important to companies that require the ability to easily extract and make use of data from more than one application source.