What Are Network Services and Why Are They Important?

Introduction

Network services are critical functions that keep your business connected. Whether you’re working in an office or remote environment, a strong network allows you to communicate with coworkers and share data efficiently. Networks require ongoing maintenance to continue performing effectively. They must be regularly monitored to detect and eliminate threats to your environment.

Businesses rely on network services for communication, security, and operational efficiency. Without a stable, reliable connection, employees may lose access to sensitive information that impacts their performance.

What Are Network Services?

Network services are functions that enable communication, resource sharing, and data transfers over a network. They support local and cloud-based operations, keeping your business connected from anywhere. Network services encompass a variety of solutions.  

Connectivity Services: These are the services that people typically think of when discussing network solutions. Connectivity addresses needs like internet access, installing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and managing your Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN).  

Security Services: To protect the data stored in your network, you should establish a strong security strategy that includes firewalls, intrusion detection, and endpoint security management.  

Communication Services: Strong network services are important for keeping your employees connected. Connectivity issues impact email, video conferencing, and VoIP communication.    

Storage and Data Management: With network services, your business can store information in the cloud, allowing more efficient data sharing. Network is also critical for backing up your devices, which minimizes the chances of data loss in the event of a breach.  

Application Services: Application services improve functionality and optimize performance for applications in your network. Some features of application management include load balancing, Domain Name System (DNS), and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).  

How Network Services Work 

Network services require a combination of hardware and software to function properly. Network hardware is the physical equipment that allows information to travel through your network and connect to other networks. Important network hardware includes routers, switches, and modems.  

Network software comprises programs and applications that protect and optimize your environment. These programs help manage data storage and limit access to authorized users. Software is also critical for implementing cloud-based solutions.  

When designing your network infrastructure, you can choose between an on-prem system or implement cloud-based network services. On-prem means that network equipment and software is stored on-site, whereas a cloud environment does not require physical infrastructure and can be accessed anywhere. If your business prioritizes security and control, you may prefer an on-prem solution. If you prioritize cost optimization and efficiency, a cloud solution may be more effective. 

Managing a network environment can be expensive and time-consuming. Some businesses prefer to outsource these services to a managed provider. Partnering with an Microsoft Cloud Solutions provider ( MSP ) helps businesses streamline their IT management and focus their resources on key business activities.

Why Are Network Services Important? 

With an effective network strategy, organizations can transform their operations. These are some key benefits of network services: 

Enhanced Business Efficiency: Network solutions enable fast and secure communication. They support companies of all needs, including remote work environments and global collaboration efforts.  

Security and Data Protection: A well-established network protects your environment against cyber threats with firewalls, encryption, and access controls. Keeping your network updated with the latest security features also ensures compliance with industry regulations, such as GDPR for European entities and HIPAA for healthcare. 

Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud-based network services are designed to adapt to business growth, allowing your company to easily scale resources like bandwidth, security, and storage based on demand.    

Cost Savings: Managed services can significantly reduce IT infrastructure costs. Providers ensure your network functions properly and remains protected from threats. With less downtime, your team will experience enhanced productivity and employee satisfaction.  

Common Use Cases of Network Services

Network services are important for small businesses and major corporations alike. How should you implement solutions to meet your business’s needs based on size and resources?  

Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs): For many SMBs, the cost of monitoring and managing network services in-house is unsustainable. Managed network services can help reduce costs while optimizing network performance with a team of qualified professionals. An outsourced team is knowledgeable about new features and industry standards, meaning your systems are always updated for efficiency and compliance.  

Enterprises: Large enterprises with a global reach should concentrate on establishing secure and scalable cloud networking. Because these organizations tend to experience consistent growth, their network solutions must be adaptable. With a wide employee base and multiple headquarter locations also comes increased risk. To combat a breach to the network environment, enterprises must enforce security protocols and build a strong defense system.  

Remote Workforces: After the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have transitioned to partially or fully remote work environments. Securing business data becomes more difficult when employees are working from public, unprotected networks. VPNs are an effective way to protect data in remote environments because they encrypt data between your device and the network. Cloud communication tools are also important in storing and transferring data between devices safely.  

E-Commerce and SaaS Companies: Companies with exclusively digital operations often benefit from CDNs. CDNs distribute servers in different geographic locations to optimize performance for end users. This is an effective way to improve network speed and lower costs. Digital-based companies should also focus significant resources on security solutions to protect business operations and sensitive data.

Choosing the Right Network Services for Your Business 

Every business has a unique set of needs they must identify and evaluate to discover the best solution for them. Start by assessing your current infrastructure, such as organization size, security features, and remote access needs. Understanding these metrics helps your business implement solutions that more accurately fulfill your needs.  

You should also contemplate the benefits and drawbacks for on-prem versus cloud-based solutions for your business. While on-prem gives your business more control, it is typically more expensive to maintain. Cloud solutions, in contrast, are more cost effective and flexible but are often more difficult to secure.  

Your business may prefer to partner with an MSP instead of hiring an in-house network team. Outsourcing your network services is a great way to reduce your IT spend and boost security measures with a trusted team of professionals.

Conclusion

Reliable network services are critical for your organization’s success. They keep your team connected to ensure optimized business operations and long-term success.

By leveraging the right network services, your business can improve security, efficiency, and scalability, which increases employee satisfaction.

Looking for a managed provider to help address your network needs? Check out Plow Networks’ solutions, customized for your business operations.