A managed network is a implemented, operated and managed by a third-party service provider. Managed network solutions offer some or all the network functions required by an organization. It can be delivered cloud infrastructure or installed and managed in-house by the service provider.
A managed network solution enables an organization to outsource their IT infrastructure, software and technical support services to a third party provider that operates and manages an IP-based network. Managed networks can include hardware infrastructure resources such as servers, routers and switches as well as the operating system and application software that runs it. The network is managed by the service provider who also provides security functions for this IT infrastructure and the data stored on it. Managed network solutions can include managed LAN, managed WAN, managed wireless networks and other network support services.
When choosing a managed network solutions provider, an organization should consider the following:
• Expertise – an organization needs to know whether the provider have expertise in the particular products and systems the organization is using and whether they support multiple vendors. They should also have accreditation and certifications in the specific technology that is being used.
• Vendor Relationships – ideally the provider should have relationships with the vendor that sells the hardware and software an organization is using. It is a good idea to ask the vendor what their experience has been working with the provider and whether they have the necessary experience installing and managing the hardware or software that is used by the organization.
• References – an organization should ask previous and current clients about their experience with the provider. This is often the best way to find out how the provider has performed over the longer term and whether they are delivering value for money in the service they provide.
• Availability of Support – an organization must ensure that the provider is available to support the network whether this is during business hours or 7/24/365. Establishing service level agreements as part of the deal with a provider is critical since an organization’s business can be severely affected by an outage at the wrong time.
• Customized Solution – a provider should be prepared to perform a deep analysis of an organization’s network needs. The best network service provider is one that can create a customized solution, extend the life of existing equipment where possible while also taking advantage of the cost-savings, flexibility and functionality available with a fully-managed network solution.
