An IT Network is a complicated but fundamental part of computing infrastructure that underpins an entire technology stack. The network is a collection of connected devices, typically including servers, routers, data circuits, and network switches. It can also include any networked peripheral, such as a printer, laptop, or personal computer.
Managed network services are when a provider looks after some or all of the network stack. This might include design and implementation or perhaps the day-to-day operations, performance, and always-on availability of the network.
Let’s discover how Managed Network Services can improve your cloud network management experience.
What Are Managed Network Services?
Managed Network Services are when you outsource the management of your existing network to a managed network services provider. There are several different ways this happens: The managed network services provider will either remotely manage the existing network infrastructure or, typically, as part of a wider migration plan, the client environment leverages the provider’s existing service delivery network (SDN).
Either way, the result is the same: the networking aspect of your digital framework is outsourced to the provider, which allows you to focus on running your business operations smoothly. Outsourcing introduces a huge amount of benefits that are felt throughout your business, especially when it comes to security, scalability, and compliance needs.
Each provider’s services vary; it’s important to research that your chosen provider offers exactly the network services you need. The types of services available usually include supporting wide area networks (WAN) for faster and more efficient data transfer and handling the day-to-day tasks of network administration and provisioning, such as upgrades or installing and maintaining cabling infrastructure where applicable.
Expect enhanced network monitoring to be included as standard, helping keep your network performing efficiently. Managed service providers will typically manage the security of perimeter firewalls and will implement secure virtual private networks (VPNs) to safeguard your data, we will dig into this in more detail later.
How MSPs Can Help with Managed Network Services
Outsourcing IT networking is very popular for businesses of all sizes because managed network service providers offer tangible benefits that can positively impact business performance.
#1: Plug the Skills Gap
Network engineering is technically demanding on your business, and if not handled diligently, day-to-day operations can introduce a lot of technical debt.
When you outsource to a managed network service provider, you immediately get access to a team of highly skilled network professionals. Network engineering professionals are well-paid, and the best professionals can identify and fix complex issues almost instantly.
Managed service providers pay good salaries to attract, hire, and keep top-rated talent. Small and medium-sized businesses can tap into this talent pool when opting for managed network services.
The types of experts available to you include:
Network Engineering
Network engineers play a pivotal role in network management. They oversee the entire network architecture and implement managed services to meet service-level agreements and support business operations. With specialized expertise, they handle network downtime, manage security events, and offer advice on future technology and expansion.
Network engineers provide technical support and regular maintenance and can advise on technology investments, such as disaster recovery solutions and ways to enhance your network security.
Security Engineering
Security engineers safeguard network management with security firewalls, intrusion protection systems, and DDoS protection capabilities. They manage the entire firewall architecture and design, configuration, and firmware/software updates to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with regulations such as PCI and SOX.
With expertise in firewall rule management and content filtering configuration, security engineers drive digital transformation initiatives, leveraging new technologies like SD-WAN for improved performance and customer satisfaction.
Field Support
Field support is vital for businesses that need on-site network assistance. From on-site installation to troubleshooting and repairs, field engineers are available to assist on demand. This service could be on-demand, visiting customer sites as needed, or perhaps a permanent arrangement can be organized with a constant support presence.
Helpdesk
Helpdesk professionals are available around the clock to provide essential support through incident response and troubleshooting. These teams work with SLAs and KPIs to offer fast response and fix rates to address technical issues and ensure business continuity.
#2: Understand the Complex Nature of Networks
Networks are complicated and come in all shapes and sizes. You need to be familiar with the hardware, the cabling requirements, software-defined networking, firewalls, Web Application Firewalls, virtual switches, and physical ASAs, not to mention cloud computing networking, route tables, VPCs, and security groups.
With managed network services, you don’t have to worry about any technical requirements; the provider’s engineers are responsible for the network stack. You can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that your network management is in good hands.
#3: Access to Network Management Partners
Managed Network providers have access to the biggest providers, which introduces lots of benefits. It opens the door to ultra-high-speed connectivity from various network circuit providers at rates that smaller businesses cannot compete with.
Managed service providers help businesses extend your businesses geographical reach without the need for significant investment in infrastructure or resources. This means faster deployment of services and applications to remote locations, ensuring consistent performance and reliability across the board.
With regulations like PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) becoming increasingly stringent, having dedicated network security experts with knowledge and skill sets in compliance is critical to success. Managed service providers specialize in implementing and maintaining robust security measures to ensure compliance with these regulations and protect sensitive data from cyber threats.
By consolidating network infrastructure, optimizing resource utilization, and leveraging economies of scale, managed services providers can offer more cost-effective solutions than maintaining an in-house network team. The managed service model introduces predictable pricing models, and reduced operational expenses further contribute to long-term cost savings.
Managed network services can fast-track business transformation initiatives. Whether implementing cloud technologies, adopting IoT solutions, or transitioning to a remote workforce model, a modern network will help accelerate your IT infrastructure programs. When combined with service level agreements (SLAs), businesses receive consistent performance, uptime, and responsiveness from their network infrastructure.
#4: Enhance Your Security Posture
Managed connectivity services will improve your security posture immediately as you onboard. A managed service provider will implement a network defined by managed security. Engineers will have spent years building, upgrading, and securing the service delivery network, using emerging technologies that enable enterprises to improve performance and embed secured access.
As your business grows, so do the threats it will face. A managed network safeguards your environment from evolving threats. Attacks are thwarted at the network perimeter, zero-day exploits are blocked by the WAF, and network segregation protects all your internal traffic.
Pros and Cons of Engaging Managed Network Services
Pros
Expertise
We have already touched upon the expertise available from managed network services, but it’s important to recap because it remains one of the biggest advantages of network services. Providers have a proven track record in managing virtual network services, secure access service edge, and other essential components of modern network infrastructures.
24/7 Monitoring and Support
Managed services providers offer round-the-clock monitoring and support, ensuring that businesses have secure access to their network services at all times. With this constant oversight, issues can be quickly identified and addressed, minimizing disruptions to business processes and enhancing overall performance and security. This proactive approach to service management helps businesses drive innovation and deliver an exceptional user journey.
Access to Advanced Tools
From machine learning algorithms to sophisticated analytics platforms, managed services providers offer a diverse set of tools to optimize network performance and enhance security. MSPs can afford the licensing required for the very best networking tools.
Scalability
Managed network services can help you scale your businesses on demand. The provider network will typically have much greater capacity, and you can be advised on upgrades and streamlining of your network layers. Whether you’re expanding into new markets or regions or adding new services, managed services providers can quickly adjust resources to accommodate these changes. This creates greater flexibility and enables enterprises to scale their network infrastructure seamlessly and cost-effectively.
Focus on Your Core Business Needs
When network services are outsourced, the burden of managing the network stack is diminished. Businesses can focus on their core business activities without having to worry about the complexities of managing their network infrastructure. Whether it’s local telephone services, remote application hosting services, or basic network access, managed service providers handle the day-to-day management of these services.
Cost Savings
By outsourcing network management to a single provider, businesses can achieve cost optimization and streamline their IT expenses. A provider running an SD-WAN with a built-in firewall and route tables will be more affordable than individual stacks. A better-performing network means more sales—how many times have you closed your browser if a retailer’s site can’t cope with Black Friday demand?
Managed services providers offer predictable pricing models and flexible billing options, such as on-demand and discounts for one-, two-, or three-year commitments, enabling businesses to better manage their budgets and allocate resources where they are needed most.
Cons
Handing Over the Network to Someone Else
One potential downside of engaging managed network services is the relinquishment of control over the network. While managed services providers offer enhanced security and reliability, some businesses may be hesitant to entrust their network infrastructure to a third party. However, by choosing a reputable managed services provider with a proven track record of performance and reliability, businesses can mitigate this risk and ensure that their network remains secure and reliable.
Response Times
Another potential drawback of engaging managed network services is the variability in response times. While managed services providers offer 24/7 monitoring and support, response times may vary depending on the provider and the level of service agreed upon. Delays in addressing issues could impact business operations and customer experience, so it’s important for businesses to carefully review and negotiate service-level agreements to ensure they meet the specific needs and expectations of the business.
Managed Network Services Providers’ Pricing and Contract Structures
Leveraging managed network services requires a well-thought-out business decision. You must ensure that the best application service providers are chosen and that the managed network supports the cloud services your customers demand.
Contracts typically range from 1 to 5 years, with significant cost savings being made available for longer investments. Managed networking for cloud services is typically on-demand.
The costs will vary and are dependent on numerous factors, such as:
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Different SLAs may come with varying levels of support and response times, impacting the cost of managed network services.
- Scalability Requirements: The network’s scalability needs, including potential growth or fluctuations in usage.
- Security Measures: The complexity and depth of security protocols and measures implemented within the managed network can affect costs and managed security services.
- Redundancy and Failover Solutions: Implementing redundant systems and failover solutions to ensure network reliability may increase the cost of managed connectivity services.
- Integration and Compatibility: Compatibility with existing systems and the need for integration with other services or platforms can impact pricing for virtual network services.
- Customization and Configuration: The degree of customization and configuration required to meet specific business goals can affect pricing for managed network solutions.
- Management Tools and Software: Costs associated with management tools, software licenses, and monitoring solutions can contribute to overall service management expenses.
- Support and Maintenance: The level of ongoing support and maintenance services provided by the managed service provider can influence costs for operational efficiency.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or industry-specific regulations may necessitate additional measures, impacting costs and business outcomes.
- Quality of Service (QoS) Requirements: Meeting specific QoS requirements, such as prioritizing certain types of traffic, can affect pricing for basic network access.
- Service Provider Reputation and Expertise: The reputation, experience, and expertise of the managed service provider may be reflected in the pricing of their services and solution providers.
- New Technologies: Integration of new technologies and services provided by managed network service providers may influence costs and digital transformation.
- Geographical Location: Location-related factors, such as local telephone services and remote application hosting services, can impact pricing for managed network services.
- Data Centers: Hosting in data centers, whether in-house or remotely, can affect costs associated with managed network services.
- Latest Technologies: Keeping up with the latest technology and industry advancements may impact pricing for managed network solutions.
How Do I Know if I Need Network-Managed Services?
It’s important to conduct due diligence to understand if and when your business needs managed network services. If done at the right time, your business can gain a competitive advantage. Is your business ready for Managed Network Services? Ask yourself these questions:
Experiencing Downtime and Performance Degradation?
Are frequent downtimes and performance issues hindering your productivity? Consistent interruptions in network services may indicate a need for professional management to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Any Security Concerns?
Is your system vulnerable to cyber threats? Heightened security risks, such as data breaches or malware attacks, demand robust protection mechanisms provided by managed services to safeguard your valuable assets.
Suffering from Limited Network Resources?
Are you struggling with inadequate network capacity or outdated infrastructure? Managed network services can optimize resource allocation and scalability, ensuring that your network keeps pace with evolving demands
Facing Unpredictable Costs?
Are you experiencing budget uncertainty due to unpredictable network expenses? Managed services offer predictable pricing models, eliminating unexpected costs associated with network maintenance and upgrades.
Concerns Over Compliance Issues?
Are you navigating complex regulatory requirements in your industry? Managed network services adhere to compliance standards and provide comprehensive solutions to address regulatory obligations.
Looking for a Reliable and Secure Managed Network Services Provider? Look No Further than Atlantic.Net!
With our cutting-edge web infrastructure, experienced team of professionals, and top-notch customer service, we are committed to providing you with the best-managed network services possible.
Whether your organization needs help with network design, implementation, monitoring, or management, we’ve got you covered. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring that your network runs smoothly and efficiently at all times.
So why wait? Take the first step towards a better network today, and contact us to learn more about our managed network services. Our expert team is standing by to answer any questions you may have and help you get started!