Beyond the parking lot: bridging IT and OT networks for modern business success

The IT/OT divide: a growing challenge

Once upon a time, managing an office network was as simple as ensuring everyone could print and access shared drives. But today, business networks are more complex than ever. They don’t just support employees at headquarters; they extend to factory floors, remote sites, partner networks, and IoT devices spread across the globe.

As businesses evolve, so do the demands on their networks. IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) have traditionally operated in separate silos, each with its own priorities and constraints. However, the push for digital transformation has made greater connectivity between these domains essential. Organizations are now looking for ways to securely connect their IT infrastructure with operational systems to improve efficiency, gain real-time insights, and enhance decision-making.

Yet, full integration remains a challenge. Traditional networks weren’t designed to seamlessly merge industrial systems with cloud computing, mobile users, or data analytics. Security concerns, legacy equipment, and operational reliability all pose significant hurdles. Instead of complete convergence, businesses must focus on building secure and scalable bridges between IT and OT—improving connectivity without compromising stability or security.

So, how can organizations create a more cohesive, resilient network that brings IT and OT closer together? Let’s break it down.

the key challenges and solutions

1. maintaining speed without sacrificing security

Operational systems demand real-time responses, but security measures often introduce latency. To overcome this:

• Edge computing: Deploying processing nodes at production sites enables instant data analysis while maintaining secure links to the broader network.

• Micro-cegmentation: Granular security controls ensure that sensitive systems are protected without slowing down critical operations.

• Intelligent routing: Optimized data flow minimizes delays and prevents bottlenecks.

2. scaling without complexity

Expanding a network to accommodate new facilities, devices, and users shouldn’t mean a complete overhaul. The solution:

• Software-Defined networking (SDN): SDN allows networks to scale dynamically, adapting to new demands without increasing complexity.

• Automated policy management: Centralized control ensures security policies remain consistent across all locations and devices.

3. bridging the IT/OT gap

IT and OT operate on different protocols, security needs, and response times. Bridging the gap requires:

• Protocol gateways: These translate between industrial control systems and corporate networks, ensuring smooth data flow.

• Zero-Trust access: By authenticating users and devices before granting access, security risks are reduced.

Industry standards compliance: Frameworks like IEC 62443 provide best practices for securing OT environments while enabling IT connectivity.

4. aligning IT and OT teams

Even with the right technology in place, collaboration between IT and OT teams remains one of the biggest hurdles. These teams have different priorities—IT focuses on security, data integrity, and scalability, while OT prioritizes system uptime, real-time responses, and reliability. Without alignment, misunderstandings and resistance to change can stall progress. To bridge this gap:

• Cross-Disciplinary Training: IT and OT teams should develop a shared understanding of each other’s challenges, constraints, and best practices.

• Collaborative Governance Models: Creating cross-functional teams or committees ensures that both sides have a voice in decision-making and security policies.

• Culture of Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging open dialogue and knowledge exchange helps IT learn from OT’s operational expertise and OT benefit from IT’s cybersecurity and networking advancements.

a smarter path forward

To bring IT and OT closer together, businesses need a strategic approach without forgetting that technology alone won’t solve the IT/OT divide. People must work together to create a truly connected and secure infrastructure:

1. Start with understanding. Each department has unique needs. IT teams focus on cybersecurity and scalability, while OT teams prioritize reliability and uptime. A successful integration starts with understanding these priorities and building a strategy that meets both.
2. ‍Build for Flexibility. Your network should be robust enough to secure sensitive operations but flexible enough to adapt to business changes. A well-designed infrastructure can seamlessly support cloud applications, remote work, and real-time industrial control systems without creating performance bottlenecks.
3. Think Beyond Traditional Boundaries. Modern networks extend far beyond office walls. Whether your team is at headquarters, in a factory, or in the field, they need seamless access to critical data. This means integrating cloud services, edge computing, and industrial control systems into a cohesive, secure environment.

Ready to future-proof your network?

The future isn’t about choosing between IT and OT—it’s about making them work together seamlessly. Whether you’re modernizing your partner portal or deploying edge computing at remote sites, you need a network that supports your business wherever it operates. At Exellyn, we specialize in bridging these gaps, creating networks that are secure, scalable, and reliable—whether in the server room or on the shop floor. Let’s talk about building a network that works as hard as you do.

‍