Managed Network Services: An Introduction

Managed network services (MNS) are IT services a third party provides for managing the infrastructure, software, and technical support required to operate an organization’s network.

With the rise of remote work, multi-cloud computing, and data-driven decision-making, organizations increasingly rely on efficient and secure network infrastructures to operate business seamlessly. Because of this, the importance of effective network management is growing.

These days, many companies find they need help managing their network operations. There are several compelling reasons businesses are increasingly turning to managed network services:

Efficiency: Streamlined network operations through automation and best practices implemented by the Managed Service Provider.

Security: Proactively monitoring and managing network security to mitigate cyber threats and ensure compliance with regulations.

Scalability: Ability to quickly scale network capacity up or down as business needs change without significant infrastructure investment.

Managed network services are the outsourced management and monitoring of a company’s network infrastructure.

This can include procuring and managing hardware such as routers, firewalls, and switches, installing and managing software such as applications and operating systems, and providing security for network infrastructure and the data that resides on it.

These services are typically part of a more significant combined managed IT offering that covers end-user devices, servers, infrastructure, cloud-managed data center services, etc. That said, some organizations may only need the network services portion. A good provider should be flexible and ready to adapt to your needs and your existing IT team.

Top-performing organizations are turning to a more strategic set of managed services to access talent and technology and go beyond labor and cost efficiency to achieve innovation and higher performance. Here are some examples of managed network services you can utilize:

Network monitoring: Network monitoring is a critical IT process for discovering, mapping, and monitoring computer networks and network components, including routers, switches, servers, firewalls, and more. It helps network administrators determine performance and optimize efficiency in real time.

Security management: Network security management involves managing firewalls and policies to prevent and monitor network access. A centralized network security management solution can manage configuration and security across a handful to thousands of firewalls, offering visibility into the entire network from a single console.

Bandwidth optimization: Network admins struggle with the pressure of “never enough” when managing their bandwidth for business-critical applications. With enough visibility and control over IT infrastructures, they can avoid several daunting questions: What bandwidth is used for? What is my network’s actual capacity for optimal performance? Bandwidth optimization solutions monitor and manage these resources by ensuring network availability.

Considering the comprehensive services, expertise, scalability, and business continuity managed service providers offer, it’s evident that working with an experienced services provider is likely to play a crucial role in the future of networking.

Managed service providers (MSPs) manage a client’s network using software tools, automation, and human expertise to ensure its security, reliability, and optimal performance.

MSPs typically perform the following tasks:

Monitoring: MSPs monitor the network’s performance, security, and infrastructure. They provide clients with regular reports and analytics, including critical metrics such as uptime, response time, and bandwidth usage.

Remote management: Managed service providers (MSPs) use remote monitoring and management (RMM) software to remotely manage their clients’ networks and IT infrastructure.

Proactive troubleshooting: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) can use proactive network troubleshooting to help clients avoid unexpected outages, slow fixes, and other issues. 

Your Managed Services Provider should be considered an “extension of your team” whether they work alongside your existing IT team or teams or as a fully outsourced solution. Outsourcing is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so some organizations will view their MSP as an extended team that allows you to integrate top engineers into your in-house team. In contrast, others will view their partner as a fully outsourced solution, so internal teams do not need to be hands-on.

When you sign up with a managed services provider, you’ll get access to several critical network management and maintenance features.

24/7 Network Monitoring: Around-the-clock monitoring to ensure uptime and identify issues before they escalate.

Proactive Maintenance: MSPs apply preventative measures, regular updates, and patches.

Security Management: Continuous threat detection, firewall management, and vulnerability scanning.

Performance Optimization: Ensuring that bandwidth is used efficiently and network traffic is optimized.

Scalability: Ability to grow network resources as your business expands.

We’ve seen how managed network services allow businesses to save time and money. Now, let’s take a look at how the services provided enable companies to thrive.

Cost Efficiency: Reducing the need for in-house IT resources and ensuring predictable expenses with a subscription-based model.

Focus on Core Business: Allowing businesses to focus on their main initiatives while network professionals handle technical tasks.

Expertise and Knowledge: Access to a team of networking experts without the need to hire internally.

Increased Security: Managed service providers implement robust security measures and compliance standards.

Enhanced Uptime: Proactive monitoring reduces downtime and improves business continuity.

Understanding the different types of managed services can help you determine what you need.

Managed LAN/WAN Services: Management of local area and wide area networks.

Managed Security Services: Implementation and management of firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.

Managed Wi-Fi Services: Handling wireless network setup, monitoring, and security.

Managed Cloud Networks: Management of cloud-based networking resources and infrastructure.

Not all managed network service providers are created equal. Even among top-tier providers, you want to find one that fits your needs and goals well. Finding the right provider comes down to knowing what to look for and what questions to ask.

Assess Business Needs: Understanding the scale and complexity of your network requirements.

Service-level agreements (SLAs): It’s important to have clear SLAs that outline performance guarantees and response times.

Security Capabilities: Ensure the provider follows industry-standard security protocols.

Customization and Flexibility: Look for providers that offer tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all packages.

Reputation and Experience: Evaluate the provider’s track record and expertise in managed services.

Managed Network Services (MNS) have emerged as a pivotal strategy for organizations looking to streamline their network management without the fuss of micro-management.

With businesses becoming more digital-centric and networks more intricate, a robust and efficient network is paramount. Managed Network Services allow organizations to maintain network performance without overstretching in-house resources.

For intricate, ever-evolving networks, MNS allows businesses to remain efficient, secure, and grow without overburdening in-house resources. Through a strategic partnership with a Managed Service Provider, companies can tap into a reservoir of expertise, enabling them to remain at the forefront of innovation while focusing on core business objectives. Beyond “outsourcing,” – choosing a partner for networking solutions signifies a forward-thinking approach, ensuring businesses are equipped with the tools to navigate challenges and harness opportunities in the digital age.

Whether you’re contemplating a move into managed services or simply seeking to understand their value proposition better, your strategy is more than just an operational decision; it’s a transformative business move.