What is NaaS and How Does It Help Your Organization?

​Traditionally, businesses and institutions would implement a network in-house that provided everything they needed. Schools would have a messy closet full of cables and switchboards while businesses would have server rooms taking up swathes of space in the office. Network infrastructure was all over the place and relied on an on-site expert. If an issue came up, they're hopefully in the office today or know how to fix the issue quickly, otherwise, the institution suffers. Reliable networks were the exception, not the rule. That is until NaaS entered the scene.

What is NaaS?

Network as a service (NaaS) is a custom service model in which clients rent networking services from a vendor. You're able to operate your own network without the hassle of maintaining it. While larger businesses and organizations may have the budget for a dedicated networking team, smaller businesses now have a way to handle their networking needs while having the option to scale up as needed.

NaaS was the response to years of network security concerns and enterprise networking testing. Companies needed a network they could trust with the added reliability of cloud computing. Since most networks in the past were fully on-site and managed by the business, it was on the business to determine the best way to set up the network structure and expand as needed. While this is something that most enterprises can afford, SMBs (small-medium businesses) don't always have that luxury.
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NaaS can replace legacy network services like virtual private networks (VPNs) and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) connections as it is both completely secure and efficient. It is also able to replace certain on-premises hardware such as firewall appliances and load balancers, giving you simplified security services without needing the added space to house it.

What Are The Benefits of NaaS?

• Anywhere Access: Depending on how a network is configured, users can access it from anywhere without the need for a VPN, especially if your network is secured through solutions like any network that is supported by IntegriTel. Ideally, all the user needs is an Internet connection and login information.
• Cost Savings: While this advantage depends on the vendor, purchasing network services instead of building your own will often result in cost savings. Since network customers don't need to purchase and maintain hardware because the vendors own and install all the solutions necessary.
• Flexibility: The inherent benefits of the cloud include flexibility and customization. Any changes made to the network are not through software but hardware. IT teams can easily reconfigure their corporate networks on demand through the cloud.
• Security and Scalability: NaaS is more scalable than traditional, hardware-based services. You can purchase more capacity and upgrade your services on the fly. Along with increased scale comes improved security since NaaS typically comes bundled with security solutions. You'll have tighter integration between your network and network security as a result.

Where Does NaaS Fit Into Your Business?

Network as a service is a solution that any business can benefit from, but SMBs stand to gain the most from it. Similar to other cloud services, the hardware isn't tied to your location. As long as your service provider has you on the network, you have a secure, personal network. You don't need to spend money setting up your own network infrastructure or finding local talent to maintain it. You don't have to buy new hardware and services every time you need to scale the services up. You don't need to worry about security concerns aside from user error.
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You may be thinking that it sounds too good to be true, but NaaS is rapidly rising in popularity as an SMB and enterprise networking solution that takes the stress of management off of your shoulders at a fraction of the price you would be paying for in-house solutions. No more VPNs or downtime, just network services you can trust.

Your Local Network Service Provider
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​NaaS is something that every SMB and educational organization should take advantage of and if you've been looking for network infrastructure you can trust, IntegriTel powered by Nile has you covered. You'll have access to corporate networking infrastructure without the hassle of management or worrying about overhead costs.

We understand that small businesses and schools have network needs that fluctuate. If you're interested in starting up your new NaaS solutions soon, contact IntegriTel today to learn more and get started on your journey to self-sufficient networking.