Ordering managed network services and equipment, customizing them and getting them up and running quickly... isn't that every CIO's dream? With Network as a Service, it's right at your fingertips! The changes and advances transforming the digital landscape are creating new needs, including more flexible connectivity methods. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the democratization of remote working have shaken up codes and encouraged companies to move towards "as a service" models. According to an analysis by Data Bridge Market Research, the Network as a Service market is set to grow significantly, accounting for almost $80 billion by 2030, compared with $8.78 billion in 2022.
Like "Software as a Service" or "Infrastructure as a Service", NaaS offers a subscription-based connectivity solution. Here's a closer look at this new business model.
Network as a service (NaaS): what are we talking about?
As a rule, organizations are equipped with their own network infrastructure to ensure connectivity, communication and operations. However, this equipment represents a cost, including installation and maintenance fees, for example.
Today, the Network as a Service model is reshuffling the deck! Rather than purchasing network equipment, installing it and ensuring its operation, a company can call on an external "NaaS" provider, who owns, deploys and guarantees connectivity. Instead of committing to a direct purchase (CAPEX), the organization pays a subscription (OPEX ) to access this turnkey service. For its beneficiaries, NaaS enables them to operate their network without the constraint of maintaining their own infrastructure.
In other words, Network as a Service enables companies to outsource the deployment, connectivity management and maintenance of their network infrastructure. It's a new, flexible management mode that enables organizations to adapt quickly to innovations and new uses , and guarantee enterprise-wide network performance via a cloud-based subscription model.
NaaS is the result of the gradual shift in usage towards cloud solutions. The elements included in the Network as a Service model may vary depending on the supplier and the organization's specific needs, but they often integrate hardware, software, licenses and integrated support services such as network maintenance and monitoring.
With this innovative business model, it is now possible for companies to customize their network in response to their own specific challenges, without having to invest in equipment, resources and expertise, which can represent significant costs. By relying on an external service provider, this approach provides greater flexibility and better management of network resources.
See also: WiFi 6: opportunities and limits
Performance, security, cost management... The advantages of the NaaS model
The adoption of the Network as a Service (NaaS) model offers a number of advantages for businesses. Through a configurable infrastructure, it meets the need for network efficiency. Key benefits include
- Performance: NaaS solutions mitigate the risk of downtime, thanks to the administration, support and consulting capabilities of highly competent partners. Relying on expert teams, NaaS ensures operational efficiency. This method is designed to take advantage of the best technologies and correct any problems as early as possible. In this sense, NaaS models guarantee optimal user experience and high service levels (SLAs).
- Agility: Network as a Service frees you from hardware constraints and offers greater customization capabilities to adapt to technological developments and market needs. Since modifications are now made using software, networks can be easily reconfigured as needed.
- Scalability: At the same time, Network as a Service meets the scalability needs of the enterprise. They can scale their network capabilities, avoiding the constraints of in-house networks: the process of purchasing, installing and commissioning additional hardware.
- Increased security: In today's world of rapidly evolving technologies, vulnerabilities and security threats, it is vital to keep a close eye on security upgrades and patches. The NaaS provider maintains the network and ensures that equipment and software are up to date with the latest versions. At the same time, it monitors activities, implements robust security measures and protects data for enhanced security.
- Mobility: regardless of their device or location, employees can connect to the network, supported by a high level of access control (authorization and authentication). The NaaS model is therefore suitable for all types of use, whether on-site or telecommuting.
- Cost optimization: NaaS reduces up-front costs by switching to a subscription-based OPEX model, rather than CAPEX, which requires heavy up-front investment. What's more, by turning to a third party to mutualize activities, NaaS makes it possible to pay for and adapt services according to actual usage and changing business needs. Companies can thus take advantage of the correspondence between usage and cost: there's no need to pay more for additional capacity if it isn't consumed. NaaS offers the possibility of increasing or reducing capacity at any time! This is why pay-per-use, which also applies to hosting and applications, has become a highly relevant business model today. Nevertheless, it often requires careful monitoring of the resources actually used and to be decommissioned, in order to secure the invoice amount.
For all these reasons, NaaS is an agile solution that can be more effective than relying on in-house networks. The latter, because of their low scalability, require constant monitoring and maintenance, as well as regular equipment purchases to keep them running smoothly. Today's organizations need flexible, cost-effective and secure solutions to remain competitive. Especially when operating in mission-critical environments, where even the slightest downtime has serious consequences for profitability, quality of service and reputation.
See also : Private mobile networks: definition and benefits
With TDF, benefit from an innovative financing model
To improve productivity and optimize network management costs, Network as a Service is a business model that can be a major lever for transformation.
TDF has been in the business for over 50 years, and offers you this innovative financing model. We adapt to your company's specific needs to design, deploy and operate a private remote mobile network, capable of effectively meeting your security, scalability and performance challenges.
By relying on an outsourced private mobile network, you benefit from the reliability and flexibility of the service, with optimized cost management in the form of a subscription. Would you like to find out more? Contact our team!