Cutting-edge businesses are often utilizing “as a service” technology to increase efficiency, save money and reduce problems associated with maintaining their own assets. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) are integral parts of a sound cloud-based strategy, and companies are growing more comfortable utilizing subscription models and other forms of third-party access to create business solutions they used to do themselves.
With all of those advantages, is it time to consider Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)?
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)
NaaS disrupts the entire business infrastructure model, removing much of the costly hardware and maintenance expenditures from the equation. Instead, the entire network is accessed based on a subscription model, with a provider responsible for maintenance, upgrades, and reliability.
In some cases, companies will be hesitant to turn over their network to a third party. They’ve absorbed the expenses and frustrations of maintaining it for so long, there doesn’t seem to be any other way. But just as other service models have revealed the ease of use and savings involved in letting someone else do the work of maintaining cloud or data management assets, NaaS can do the same. But in this case, the savings and opportunities are even larger.
Here are just a few of the advantages of considering NaaS for your business.
Cost. Managers understand that a subscription model creates an ongoing new expense, but it often makes sense when they consider the savings in hardware outlays. By keeping control of the network, they’re also absorbing the cost of maintaining it and making any necessary adjustments. Companies can also stop budgeting regular upgrade and replacement costs, or emergency repairs to keep the network running smoothly. The financial impact of maintaining the technology (including the human resources responsible for it) is significant and only grows over time. NaaS keeps costs manageable while unburdening the organization from the obstacles of keeping the network in good working order.
Flexibility. Even if you’ve managed to build the perfect network, it’s only perfect for the company at that particular moment. Do things ever stay perfectly constant, or is change an expected part of normal operations? In most industries, the business climate can change radically in very little time, requiring more robust (or perhaps streamlined) network needs. Those changes could require meetings, approvals and new purchases when you manage the network yourself, plus the time it takes to get it up and running. Or it can be as simple as a discussion and a decision with NaaS. A network that fits your current business model is always available, scalable and flexible, which makes your business flexible as well.
Reliability. One concern about using NaaS is uptime reliability. A network doesn’t have value unless it’s there when you need it, and can accommodate your busiest times. Managers might wonder if reliability with NaaS will be similar to what they experience on their own.
And, in reality, it won’t be the same. It should be much better.
Your relationship with a provider includes a service level agreement (SLA) that guarantees upload percentages, reliability across the network, and timely resolutions should issues arise. The agreement often includes flexibility clauses, so as needs change (more high-traffic hours, expanding reliability requirements) the level of service changes as well.
When companies manage their own network, the only guarantee is that solutions must be found internally. Identifying the problem could take time, and resolving them could become a patchwork of unrelated fixes that don’t address the true needs of the business. Providers know that their reputation is reflected in their ability to honor their SLA, so making sure you’re getting everything you expect out of your network is a priority. You’ll have access to knowledgeable support, and they aren’t on your payroll or limited by your equipment expenditures. Reliability increases while related headaches decrease.
Security. Every advantage mentioned with regard to flexibility and reliability also applies to security as well. Your protection adapts to changes in your network needs, your workflow, and your future growth. And it’s not applied as an afterthought or one-size-fits-all solution. It’s an integral part of NaaS, and no adjustments are considered without factoring in the impact from a security standpoint. Your network needs to be flexible, reliable, and safe, and the NaaS format provides those benefits for both managers and employees.
Agility. When a company is unencumbered with obstacles related to its network, it becomes more efficient and focused on actual business. In many industries, where in-house solutions are the norm, that model becomes a competitive advantage. Upgrades and other changes happen faster, network infrastructure is never an obstacle to growth, and business resources can be applied to gains in innovation and productivity.
An agile company is better positioned to compete, and NaaS provides a larger degree of freedom and flexibility to a business without sacrificing — and actually enhancing — reliability and security.
Taking the Next Step
Imperium Data Services is focused on providing service solutions that enhance work opportunities while mitigating technology challenges. Every business situation is unique and changing, so we create service models that work for you today and grow with you tomorrow. Use our contact page to get started.
