Managed network services refer to a network that is implemented and managed by a third party provider on behalf of an organization. This has become a highly popular model for providing IT resources as the rapid uptake of cloud computing demonstrates. Cloud computing provides network hardware and applications on an on-demand basis where the user only pays a fee for the resources that they use.
Sometimes called virtualized network services, managed network solutions are a cost-effective response to the complexity of implementing and managing the a physical computing environment. Cloud based commercial solutions of this type transform ad organization’s dependence on discrete hardware components and their management toward functionality that is implemented in software and accessed through internet links and web interfaces. Such virtual networks can be hosted anywhere and implicitly provide links between a customer’s premises, branch offices, aggregation points and user access points.
The principal advantages of a managed solutions approach to network implementation is that they address the technical and management challenges that need to be met to effectively implement modern IT architectures and that they provide a robust security framework at every layer of functionality and corresponding user access. Cyber security has become an overarching concern for organizations and they must have a comprehensive strategy in place to protect corporate assets and data.
Managing security has always been a complex and expensive function but the move to digitally connected business models where cloud computing is at the center of IT architectures and user access through the internet means that there are significantly more points at which threats can occur has made the security function made even more difficult to control.
The main drivers of moving to managed network solutions are cost reduction, decrease the number of IT staff required and gaining access to the latest technologies. This new approach brings significant technical benefits such as the ability to implement agile software development environments and to be able to scale computing resources on demand.
Managed network providers offer considerable benefits to meet the challenges related to the adoption of new technology. An experienced and reputable managed network solutions provider offers important commercial and technical benefits that an in-house approach can lack. The cloud-based pricing model, uniform service levels, single point for managing and monitoring the network and extensive links with communications service providers are some of the key advantages these providers bring to delivering IT functions for the organization.