Elisabeth Nebster
- Sep 8, 2022
- 3 min read

Network as a Service: General Guide for Business Leaders

Network as a Service (NaaS) is a new model for companies to ensure robust network infrastructure through flexible operating expense (OpEx) plans, including software, hardware, management tools, permissions and lifecycle management. According to Mordor Intelligence research, the NaaS market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 34.5% over the period of 2021-2026 because of its flexibility, security and scalability. Looks impressive? Thus, you probably don't want to miss out on the rest of our article, where we describe the peculiarities of NaaS work, its benefits and predictions for its business usage. Scroll down to discover more.

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What is Network as a Service

NaaS is a cloud-based model that allows users to operate the network and achieve desirable outcomes without owning, building or maintaining their platform. Like other cloud services, NaaS providers manage networking functions, allowing businesses to set it up just with Internet connectivity. NaaS replaces virtual private networks (VPNs), multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) connections and other legacy network features. Aryaka SmartServices is one of the most popular NaaS providers that offers a managed networking and security service based on SD-WAN and SASE architectures for global and local companies. Perimeter 81 NaaS also includes a series of tools for Wi-Fi security, authentication and breach prevention. In addition, it helps lower network latency by placing network resources closer to where they are needed.

How NaaS works

NaaS providers take care of DDoS mitigation, firewalls, load balancing, and other important networking functions, eliminating the need for an internal IT team to manage these services. Thus, the company can directly connect to its cloud services through a virtual network secured by an external team. The web traffic does not travel via all the internal network structure. Instead, all the cloud services are available through a browser. NaaS is the logical outcome of businesses trying to outsource network mechanisms for a few decades.

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Key Benefits of NaaS

IT Automation

Businesses that manage their networks have to implement bug fixes, upgrades and security guidelines on their own. NaaS supports timely delivery of the newest features and capabilities and provides full-cycle management, optimizing staffing and resources.

Convenient Access

Using NaaS, employees can access the network from any part of the world on any device without connecting to VPN. The provider takes care of global coverage, low-latency connectivity and resourceful packet loss, connecting with platform-as-a-service (PaaS) or infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) platforms.

Improved User Experience

NaaS provides AI-driven opportunities to help manage SLAs and SLOs for high capacity. Moreover, it assists in routing application traffic to ensure an outstanding user experience and to address issues that occur efficiently.

Flexibility

Cloud-based NaaS services are delivered through a cloud model, enabling greater flexibility. As changes are driven through software, not hardware, IT departments can reestablish the business networks on demand and add new branch positions quickly. In addition, NaaS provides need-based subscription plans with various payment options to support the company's requirements.

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What to expect from Network as a Service

Since NaaS is easily accessible from any part of the world and any device, it is expected to become widespread in hybrid and remote businesses in the next few years. The employees can easily access any platform as long as they have a stable Internet connection and log-in credentials. Thus, the best way to integrate NaaS into your business strategy is to define the business objectives, the scope of service needs and the preferred financial model, meaning CAPEX versus OPEX.

Wrap Up

NaaS allows organizations to outsource the network's management, deployment, and operational tasks, including software upgrades, monitoring and bug fixing, and end-to-end support. Companies use this approach to access the latest and greatest technology while easing the burden on their IT staff. Among the key benefits of NaaS are IT automation, flexible access and improved user experience. Thus, the company should evaluate its service needs and financial model to choose a suitable NaaS provider.

If you’re looking for a way to implement NaaS smoothly - let us know. Our experts will advise you how to glue all the services inside your company with the XME.fast code platform.

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