What are Managed Network Services?
Managed networks are managed by third-party managed network services providers (MNSPs). MNSPs are responsible for planning, deploying, monitoring and maintaining network infrastructure, resulting in high-quality transport, unburdened IT teams, and expert oversight.
What Are The Most Common Managed Network Services?
Businesses can leverage various managed data network services to enhance network performance. The most common network services include:
– Managed Internet
Managed internet is delivered by an MNSP charged with operating and maintaining business internet connectivity and related services. The MNSP is responsible for providing optimum bandwidth and ensuring reliable, secure, high-speed internet customized for the customer’s network needs.
– Managed SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) is an increasingly popular WAN option because it centralizes network control and allows businesses to use various transport services, including low-cost broadband Internet, to securely connect users to applications. Many companies outsource SD-WAN deployment, maintenance, and management to an expert MNSP to ensure optimal performance.
– Managed Cloud Services
As operations increasingly rely on cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) applications, businesses are turning to MNSPs to manage their cloud deployments. MNSPs can implement, monitor, and upgrade cloud environments while seamlessly integrating cloud services into network operations and business workflows.
– Managed Wireless
Businesses can deploy various managed wireless services to augment their networks to support anywhere work. The most common wireless connectivity options include Managed Wi-Fi for office or campus environments and Managed Wireless WAN for primary or backup network connectivity.
– Managed SASE
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) brings together disparate network security solutions, including SD-WAN, secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access service broker (CASB), next-generation firewall (NGFW), and zero-trust network access (ZTNA). When combined into a comprehensive solution managed around the clock by network experts, SASE strengthens network security for resilience against modern cybersecurity threats.
– Managed Disaster Recovery
Managed Disaster Recovery includes network backup and data recovery solutions implemented and maintained by an MNSP to prevent IT downtime and loss of critical data.
Benefits of Managed Network Services
There are several reasons businesses outsource their network management to MNSPs. Consider the following:
– Free Up IT Teams
MNSPs take on responsibility for planning, deploying, maintaining, and updating network solutions, freeing up IT teams to focus on critical day-to-day operations, improving overall strategy, and working on other high-value tasks.
– Advanced Technologies
MNSPs leverage cutting-edge technologies that maximize network performance. Businesses benefit from the MNSP’s investments and expertise without expending time and effort researching, sourcing, and deploying those technologies.
– Reduced Costs
MNSPs handle all costs of supplying and maintaining network hardware and software and sell them as a packaged service to the end customer, dramatically reducing overhead. Most managed network solutions are delivered through a monthly subscription with predictable, budget-friendly pricing.
– Easy Scalability and Flexibility
Since MNSPs deliver their network solutions as a service, businesses can upscale or downscale their services in response to changing business needs, market trends, or expansions to new locations.
– Increased Visibility and Monitoring
MNSPs offer 24/7 network monitoring to provide network visibility, resolve issues quickly, and improve uptime.
– Enhanced Security
MNSPs deploy enterprise-class cybersecurity to secure operations from cyberattacks or data breaches. Since MNSPs monitor their solutions around the clock, they can identify and respond to cybersecurity threats immediately, minimizing the risk of network compromise.
– Expert Support
MNSPs are staffed by network specialists who oversee network management operations and deliver effective, competent customer support.
How to Choose the Right Managed Network Services Provider
Not all managed network services are created equally, and not all MNSPs can deliver sufficient support to accommodate your network needs. When choosing an MNSP, ask the following questions:
- Can the MNSP deliver your desired Quality of Service (QoS)?
- Does the MNSP offer 24/7/365 network monitoring?
- Is the MNSP’s customer support attentive and efficient?
- Does the MNSP have positive customer testimonials?
- Does the MNSP have a strong security posture and cutting-edge network security solutions?
- Does the MNSP offer customized deployments that easily integrate with your existing network architecture?
- Is the MNSP transparent about its network operations?
- Does the MNSP offer competitive Service Level Agreements (SLAs)?
AireSpring Managed Network Services
AireSpring’s managed network services offer many benefits, including customized deployments, pre- and post-sales managed network support delivered by certified engineers and technicians, and 24/7/365 monitoring from our global Network Operations Center (NOC). AireSpring partners with several market-leading network security vendors to deliver comprehensive and effective managed connectivity and managed network security.
– Cisco Meraki
AireSpring offers the Cisco Meraki Secure SD-WAN with Firewall as an economical managed network security solution that combines SD-WAN with an integrated Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) to protect businesses from external threats. AireSpring delivers the Cisco Meraki Secure SD-WAN as a fully managed, easy-to-deploy solution, including complete design engineering, dedicated project management, white-glove implementation, and support from AireSpring’s technology experts..
– VMware
AireSpring also offers managed VMware SD-WAN and SASE technology, ensuring a reliable, resilient, and secure WAN using various connection options such as multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), LTE, Wi-Fi, satellite, and cost-effective broadband. AireSpring’s managed network services eliminate the complexity, time and resources required for enterprises to deploy and operate SD-WAN and SASE environments.
– Fortinet
AireSpring leverages Fortinet SD-Branch and SASE Solutions and other cybersecurity services, including Secure SD-WAN and Next-Generation Firewall to extend security across the WAN and access edge to benefit distributed enterprises, their offices, and employees regardless of location. AireSpring’s Fortinet-powered managed SD-WAN and security solutions are monitored and managed 24/7/365 by Fortinet-certified technicians and engineers from AireSpring’s global network operations center (NOC).
Managed Network Services FAQs
– What is a Managed Network Services Provider (MNSP)?
A managed network services provider (MNSP) is a managed service provider (MSP) specializing in delivering network connectivity services. An MNSP’s services include planning, installing, maintaining, optimizing, updating, and troubleshooting business network services.
– How do managed network services affect business continuity?
Network disruption can result in lost productivity, revenue, and reputation. Managed network services can enhance business connectivity and minimize network downtime by delivering a high-performance, high-availability network infrastructure, redundant connectivity options, robust cybersecurity, and 24/7/365 monitoring and support. Additionally, MNSPs can deploy managed backup services to assist businesses with data recovery in the case of severe network outages or systems failures.
– What’s the difference between managed IT services and managed network services?
Managed IT services offer a broader range of IT management solutions encompassing a business’ entire IT infrastructure, including servers and storage, while managed network services focus on maintaining the business’ LAN and/or WAN infrastructure. Managed IT and managed network services can complement one another, working interdependently to deliver managed IT networks that improve operational efficiency and performance.
