Network as a service(NaaS) is an emerging model for organizations to consume network infrastructure through flexible operating expense (OpEx) subscriptions, inclusive of hardware, software, management tools, licenses, and lifecycle services.1
The traditional network model requires capital expenses (CapEx) for physical networks with switches, routers, and licensing. The do-it-yourself IT model requires time for planning and deployment as well as expertise to install and configure infrastructure and to ensure security access policies are in place. This model involves the following:
- Diligent monitoring for updates and security patches is essential due to rapid changes in technology and security threats.
- Provisioning a new service is a manual process that requires a technician to deploy and configure equipment at various locations.
- Service provisioning and issue resolution have historically been lengthy processes.
As networks have grown in complexity—with more mobile users connecting from everywhere and with the expansion to cloud—IT teams have been challenged to keep pace.
1 IDC: Enterprise Network as a Service Emerges as a Model for Flexible Consumption of Network Infrastructure, #US47093920
