Posted by: Michael Disabato
I had a conversation with John Curran from ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers) today. You know those folks. They hand out blocks of IP addresses so you can get on to the Internet. Short form: An IP address is the “phone number” of the host (server, laptop, smartphone, cable box, etc.) that sits on the public Internet. These “phone numbers” need to be unique, and we are running out of them. John told me that as of today, we have 560 days worth left. Frankly, I think that’s a tad optimistic, but we all have our opinions. What does this mean to you? Simple.
It’s time to get beyond denial that this is not a problem and start taking actions to connect your organization to the Internet. The ENTIRE Internet, not just those that have IPv4 addresses. Yeah yeah yeah… the IPv6 world is about 1-2% of the aggregate Internet. Today. By the time you figure out what to do, it will be more like 10-20%. Do you want to be the one to explain to your CIO why 20% of your customers can’t reach your web site? Do you think he/she wants to be the one to explain it to your CEO?
Didn’t think so. (Think: Career limiting move)
I’ve given presentations on this before. Eric Siegel is writing another paper on it as I type this. John Curran and Eric will be speaking at Catalyst North America and describing what you need to do to avoid the next Y2K problem.
It’s really not that hard: IPv6 enable your web site, email and other services in that order. If you need help with developing a strategy for that, contact Burton Group. We can help.
Michael
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