Managed Network Services (MNS) are a suite of IT services and solutions provided by third-party Managed Service Providers (MSPs) or network service providers to manage and maintain an organization’s network infrastructure. These services are designed to optimize network performance, improve security, ensure reliability, and reduce the burden on an organization’s IT staff.
Managed Network Services encompass a wide range of network-related functions and components, including:
- Network Monitoring and Management: Continuous monitoring of network devices, servers, and applications to identify and resolve issues proactively. Network management includes configuration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Security Services: Implementation and management of network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, antivirus software, and encryption to protect against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
- WAN and LAN Services: Management of Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs), including design, configuration, optimization, and maintenance of network hardware and software.
- SD-WAN Services: Deployment and management of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solutions to optimize network traffic, improve performance, and enhance network agility.
- Wireless Network Management: Design, deployment, and management of wireless LANs (Wi-Fi) to ensure coverage, capacity, and security for wireless users and devices.
- Network Optimization: Fine-tuning network settings, protocols, and configurations to maximize network efficiency and performance, including Quality of Service (QoS) implementation.
- Cloud Connectivity: Integration of cloud services and hybrid cloud environments into the network architecture, ensuring secure and efficient connectivity to cloud resources.
- Backup and Disaster Recovery: Implementation of network backup and disaster recovery solutions to safeguard data and ensure business continuity in case of network failures or disasters.
- Network Upgrades and Scalability: Planning and execution of network upgrades, capacity planning, and scalability assessments to accommodate organizational growth and evolving technology requirements.
- Vendor Management: Managing relationships with network equipment vendors, negotiating contracts, and ensuring adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs).
- 24/7 Technical Support: Round-the-clock technical support to address network-related issues and provide assistance to IT teams or end-users.
- Performance Reporting: Regular reporting and analytics on network performance, utilization, and security posture to support data-driven decision-making.
- Compliance and Security Audits: Conducting compliance assessments and security audits to ensure that network configurations align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Network Documentation: Maintaining comprehensive documentation of network configurations, topology, and device inventory.
- Cost Optimization: Identifying cost-saving opportunities related to network services, such as optimizing bandwidth utilization and selecting cost-effective network solutions.
Managed Network Services help organizations focus on their core business activities while ensuring that their network infrastructure operates efficiently, securely, and reliably. These services are particularly valuable for organizations that lack the in-house expertise, resources, or time to manage complex network environments effectively.