Managed network services
are becoming a viable alternative to the traditional management of the
MPLS networks. Through these services, you out task several or all
network services to another company that takes over the agreed tasks.
Some common tasks that managed network service providers do are data
storage, disaster recovery and business continuity, internet and
intranet hosting, managed security, and managed business voice.
The Good about Managed Network Services
Through considering managed network services, you can minimize the
overall network cost rapidly. For instance, by moving to the network
services a frame relay, MPLS or DSL VPN, you might see cost reductions
of 17-65 percent according to the research by META Group.
The managed network services are perfect for small companies, which
lack sufficient IT resources and enterprise organizations. If you don’t
have a full time IT staff, staffing problems that affect the network
operations may disappear when you switch to the managed service
provider. If your business has an IT department, your team can
concentrate on crucial network issues rather than the routine tasks.
While the advantage of personnel costs can be enough, out-tasking to
the best managed network service provider may result in saving in some
areas such as training costs, equipment costs, and recruitment costs.
The Not So Good about Managed Network Services
Like some major changes, it is crucial to go in with your eyes wide
open to possible pitfalls of out-tasking network services to a
particular provider. But, you have to remember that one size fits all
approach does not work with managed network services.
Any provider you’re considering should take time to examine your
business requirements as well as propose a solution, which addresses all
of your concerns. See to it that you discuss some aspects including
maintenance, reliability, availability, security, and guaranteed uptime.
Majority of providers will draw up an SLA or Service Level Agreement
that defines QoS and several parameters. See to it that managed network
services proposed align with and should support all your business goals.
Other managers are concerned regarding losing control over their
business operations when outsourcing managed network services. Luckily,
these services aren’t an all or nothing choice. You may choose the
services that met your comfort level and needs. For instance, if you
like your in-house IT team to handle services and your managed network
service provider to handle some services, you can always arrange that.
Another thing that you should take note when considering managed
network services is network security. You might wonder how safe your
data in the third party’s hands. If you’re subject to consumer privacy
regulations including HIPAA, your concerns are not just nagging worries,
they are the law and you need each reason to expect outstanding
security from your chosen provider. Since network security is important
and mandated, a lot of organizations seek managed network service
providers with compliance and security expertise.
Switching to managed network services has its concerns and
advantages. Reputable and reliable service providers know your concerns
and work with you to make a solution that solves the business
challenges, ease your mind, and save your company investment.
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