Definition
A Managed Network refers to a communication infrastructure that is proactively maintained and administered by a third-party service provider. These providers, known as Managed Service Providers (MSPs), handle the daily management, support, and monitoring of the network, ensuring its smooth operation. The purpose of a Managed Network is to offload the responsibilities and challenges related to network management, allowing organizations to focus on their core business activities.
Key Takeaways
- Managed Network refers to a comprehensive process of administering, monitoring, and maintaining an organization’s computer network infrastructure, ensuring that the network operates efficiently and securely.
- It often involves a third-party service provider, known as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), that remotely manages a company’s IT infrastructure, offering services like network design, security, and performance optimization.
- Some key advantages of using a Managed Network include reduced IT costs, expert support, minimal downtime, increased security, and the ability for in-house IT staff to focus on other priorities.
Importance
The term “Managed Network” is important as it refers to the administration and monitoring of an organization’s computer network by a dedicated team of experts, often a third-party service provider.
This management approach significantly enhances the efficiency, security, and performance of the network, taking the burden off in-house staff and allowing them to focus on core business operations.
With the ever-growing importance of our reliance on technology and internet connectivity, a well-maintained and optimized network becomes crucial for meeting customer demands, ensuring seamless communication, and ultimately fostering overall business success.
Managed networks provide businesses with the assurance that their network infrastructure is constantly updated, protected, and monitored for potential issues, reducing the risk of costly downtime and securing their digital assets.
Explanation
Managed Network services serve as a valuable tool for organizations seeking to enhance their overall IT infrastructure and maintain efficiency in their daily operations. The purpose of Managed Network is to allow businesses to outsource the complex processes of network management, maintenance, and optimization to a team of skilled professionals. This team, which comprises trained technicians and administrators, vigilantly monitors, maintains, and supports the company’s entire network framework 24/7.
By delegating these tasks, organizations can increase their focus on their core business operations, reduce IT expenses, and ensure that their network infrastructure remains robust and secure. Utilizing managed network services allows companies to benefit from enhanced efficiency, greater security, and improved scalability. Service providers can deliver tailor-made solutions to meet each organization’s unique needs, proactively identifying and resolving network issues before they escalate into critical problems.
This enables uninterrupted business operations and minimizes downtime, which ultimately contributes to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Additionally, managed network providers help businesses to keep up with the rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring that their IT infrastructure is always up-to-date and secure from potential cyber threats. This level of expertise and adaptability ensures that companies always have the necessary resources and support they need to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
Examples of Managed Network
Managed Network Services for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): A small business that lacks in-house IT expertise may opt for managed network services from a Managed Service Provider (MSP). The MSP takes care of tasks such as network monitoring, security, infrastructure management, and troubleshooting, allowing the business to focus on its core operations. An example is Comcast Business Managed Solutions, providing end-to-end network management, pro-active monitoring, and rapid issue resolution for small and medium-sized businesses.
Managed Network for Healthcare Institutions: Hospitals and healthcare providers depend on secure, reliable, and compliant networks for their daily operations and the well-being of their patients. A managed network solution for healthcare might include network monitoring, security management, and ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA. One such example is AT&T Healthcare, which offers a comprehensive suite of managed network services specifically designed for the healthcare industry.
Managed Network for Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities have unique requirements for their networks, such as supporting large numbers of users, devices, and applications. A managed network in this context might involve services like bandwidth management, Wi-Fi installation and support, and content filtering to ensure a safe online environment for students. An example of this is the Cisco Meraki cloud-managed networking solution, which provides education institutions with features like location analytics, mobile device management, and secure access control.
Frequently Asked Questions on Managed Network
What is a Managed Network?
A Managed Network is a type of network infrastructure where the administration, management, and maintenance of the network devices and resources are performed by a third-party service provider. This allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while outsourcing the management of their network infrastructure to experts in the field.
What are the benefits of using a Managed Network?
Some benefits of using a Managed Network include cost savings, increased efficiency, enhanced security, access to expert knowledge, and improved performance. By outsourcing the management of your network infrastructure, you can reduce in-house IT expenses and better allocate resources for core business tasks. Additionally, you will gain access to the expertise and advanced tools of the managed service provider, helping you maintain a robust, secure, and optimized network.
What services are typically included in a Managed Network?
Managed Network services generally include monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and support of network devices such as switches, routers, firewalls, and access points. Additional services might include data backups, network security management, network optimization, configuration management, and network planning and design.
How does a Managed Network improve security?
A Managed Network improves security by providing continuous monitoring and management of network devices, ensuring proper configurations, and promptly addressing any vulnerabilities or issues that arise. The managed service provider also keeps the network up-to-date with the latest security patches and industry best practices, helping to protect your business against potential threats.
How do I select the right Managed Network service provider?
To select the right Managed Network service provider, consider factors such as their expertise, reputation, scalability, and support options. Look for providers that have experience in your specific industry, as they will be better equipped to address your unique needs. Additionally, ensure they offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business, as well as a variety of support options to suit your needs, such as remote and on-site support.
Related Technology Terms
- Network Infrastructure
- Network Monitoring
- Managed Security Services
- Remote Network Management
- Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Sources for More Information
- Cisco Systems – A global leader in networking technology, offering a range of managed network solutions and services.
- IBM – An international technology and consulting corporation with expertise in managed network services.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) – A major IT company providing products and services, including managed network solutions.
- CompuCom Systems – A IT managed services provider specializing in digital workplace services, including managed network services.
