What Is Managed Network Services?

Some businesses prefer to keep all aspects of their IT operations in-house while others outsource pieces to a managed services provider. This article will answer the question “What is managed network services?”

Overview

Maintaining connectivity, managing your network infrastructure, and instituting solid cybersecurity for your business operations are all essential elements of long-term success. However, these network management tasks can be challenging for businesses without adequate in-house IT infrastructure.

Outsourcing network security and network operations to a company that specializes in managed IT services often allows enterprises to focus on core business concerns rather than IT staffing and services. A managed services provider (MSP) can reduce downtime, enhance the customer experience and provide network monitoring for companies in a wide range of industries. Finding the right MSP can put the expertise you need within easy reach.

Gartner defines managed network services as the delivery of operational services and support for in-house hardware and network infrastructure. MSPs can provide customized and tailored network solutions that suit the way businesses operate in the modern B2B and B2C marketplaces. This can allow your company to improve cybersecurity measures while maintaining productivity and connectivity throughout your organization.

Why Your Business Needs Managed Network Services

Working with companies that offer managed network services can address some of the most serious pain points for modern companies, including the following:

  • Lack of time for your IT staff to focus on core business priorities
  • Inadequate cybersecurity measures to protect data and information
  • Overworked IT staff and aging IT network infrastructure
  • Lower overhead for IT staffing
  • Scalable solutions that can be upgraded and adjusted as your needs change
  • Lack of bandwidth to manage ongoing demands on company resources

If your business needs IT expertise, managed network service providers could be the ideal solution for you.

What Managed Network Service Providers Do

The managed network services marketplace is expected to increase to $112.44 billion by 2028. Some of the most popular solutions available from managed network service providers are listed here:

WAN Optimization

WAN Optimization is a set of techniques used to improve the performance and efficiency of data transmission across wide-area networks (WANs), with most companies opting to move to a newer and more sophisticated software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) solution. It involves the use of various technologies such as compression, caching, and traffic shaping to reduce the amount of data that needs to be transmitted over the WAN in real-time, thereby minimizing latency and bandwidth usage. WAN optimization can help organizations improve their application performance and reduce their network costs by making better use of their existing network infrastructure. It is particularly useful for businesses that need to transfer large amounts of data between geographically dispersed locations.

Network Management

Network management is the process of managing and maintaining a computer network to ensure its optimal performance and security. It involves a range of tasks, such as configuring network devices, monitoring network traffic, troubleshooting network issues, and implementing security measures. In addition, network administrators are responsible for ensuring that the network infrastructure is up-to-date and operating efficiently and that all users have access to the resources they need to perform their tasks. Effective network administration can help organizations improve their productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance the security of their network environment.

Network Monitoring

Network monitoring is the process of observing and analyzing the performance and activity of a computer network to identify and diagnose issues, optimize performance, and ensure availability and security. This involves the use of specialized software tools that collect data from various network devices and systems, such as routers, switches, servers, and applications. Network monitoring enables service providers to proactively detect and address issues before they escalate, monitor network traffic and usage patterns, and ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) and security policies.

Network Provisioning

Network provisioning is the process of configuring and setting up a computer network to ensure that it can support the required services and applications. It involves a range of tasks, such as allocating IP addresses, configuring network devices, and setting up security protocols. Network provisioning is a critical step in the network implementation process, as it ensures that the network is set up correctly and is able to operate at its full capacity. Effective network provisioning can help organizations improve their network performance and reduce the risk of security breaches and other network issues.

Network Security

Network security services refer to the suite of solutions and strategies used by network services providers to protect their clients’ computer networks from unauthorized access, data theft, and cyber-attacks. These services include deploying and managing technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, virtual private networks (VPNs), and anti-malware software, as well as ongoing monitoring and threat intelligence to detect and respond to security events. Network security services providers also offer risk assessments, compliance audits, and security consulting to help clients identify vulnerabilities and develop comprehensive security strategies. By leveraging network security services, organizations can improve their security posture, reduce risk, and protect critical business assets.

Endpoint Management

Endpoint management is the practice of administering and securing the devices that connect to a network, such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets. Network services providers offer endpoint management services to ensure that all devices connecting to the network are properly configured, updated, and patched and are running the latest security software. This includes endpoint protection solutions such as anti-virus, anti-malware, and firewall software, as well as endpoint monitoring and management tools that enable providers to remotely manage and troubleshoot devices. Endpoint management services also provide visibility into device usage and security posture, enabling organizations to enforce security policies and compliance requirements. By outsourcing endpoint management to a network services provider, organizations can improve their security posture, reduce risk, and improve device performance and reliability.

Upgrades & Updates

Network services providers keep businesses current with upgrades and updates by offering proactive maintenance and patch management services. This includes regularly reviewing and testing software updates and upgrades and determining which updates are necessary and relevant for their clients. Providers will then schedule and implement these updates outside of business hours to minimize disruptions to operations. Additionally, providers may offer training and educational resources to help businesses understand the benefits and risks associated with software updates and upgrades and how to properly manage them. By keeping businesses up-to-date with the latest software and security patches, network services providers can improve their clients’ security posture, optimize performance, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Virtual Private Networks

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enable organizations to securely connect remote users, branch offices, and partners to their corporate networks over the public Internet. Managed VPNs provide end-to-end encryption and access control to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of network traffic. They also offer centralized management, monitoring, and troubleshooting of VPN connections, as well as 24/7 support and security incident response. As a result, managed VPNs allow organizations to extend their network securely, improve productivity and collaboration, and reduce the costs and complexities associated with managing VPN infrastructure in-house.

Unified Messaging

Unified messaging is a communication system that integrates multiple messaging services, such as email, voicemail, and instant messaging, into a single platform, making it easier for users to manage their communications. With unified messaging, users can access all their messages from a single inbox, regardless of the medium in which they were sent. This provides greater flexibility and convenience, as users can access and respond to their messages from any device or location. As a result, unified messaging can help businesses improve their productivity and efficiency by streamlining their communication workflows and reducing the time and effort required to manage multiple messaging services.

Cabling Installation

Cabling installation refers to the process of laying and connecting the physical cables that form the backbone of a network infrastructure. It involves the installation of the necessary cabling components, such as cable trays, conduits, and wiring, as well as the termination and testing of the cables to ensure proper connectivity and performance. A well-planned and properly executed cabling installation is critical for ensuring reliable and efficient communication between devices and applications on the network.

A relatively small investment in managed services can pay off in increased productivity, improved public reputation, and the ability to get things done more easily throughout your organization.

Primary Benefits of Managed Network Services

Why should you consider managed networking for your company? Some of the most important advantages of these arrangements are listed here:

  • These services are scalable and flexible. This can allow you and your company to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow with equal ease.
  • Taking some of the stress off your IT team can boost productivity and allow these valued staff members to focus on your core business operations. Your MSP can act as your partner in managing all aspects of connectivity and networking locally and globally.
  • Adding in-house IT staff can be financially difficult for many smaller firms. Outsourcing to a company that specializes in these services is often a cost-effective method of accessing the expertise you need without taking on additional staffing costs.
  • By speeding up your network connections, you can serve your clients more effectively and provide the best customer experience for your e-commerce activities.
  • Cybersecurity expertise is another important benefit of working with experienced IT professionals. Your network management team can provide you with solutions tailored to your current and future security needs.

At Meriplex, we are always taking on new challenges to stay on the cutting edge of technological advances. If you would like to know more about the array of network management services we offer our clients, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team. We are here to help you optimize your network and to achieve improved connectivity and cybersecurity now and for a more successful future.

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