No matter what size your business is, applications to support your objectives have never been more important and the network that they run on has to be there to support them. As technologies such as 5G internet and use cases for edge computing become more widely available to small and medium businesses (SMBs), understanding what cloud networking is, the benefits of cloud infrastructure and how to harness the cloud can help SMBs to centralize and simplify network management and unlock new business opportunities.
What is cloud networking?
Cloud networking relies on using resources that are hosted in a public or private cloud platform that are managed centrally in-house or by a service provider, and are available on demand. Network as a Service (NaaS) is one form of cloud networking, where the service provider creates a solution that is a combination of network services that can be easily purchased and used by a business, be it large or small.
Making the right investment in technology
Whether it's monitoring the worksite, enhancing the customer experience or improving workplace productivity, 5G is helping to create all sorts of new business opportunities. Research suggests that SMB leaders are already aware of the transformative potential that comes from investing in the right networking technology:
- Roughly half (49%) of small business leaders surveyed recently declared 5G a top or important priority.
- Nearly three-quarters (77%) of SMBs have added or upgraded communications networking hardware, according to Verizon's 2022 SMB Outlook.
How do you modernize your network and ensure you're ready to capitalize on the revolutionary opportunities these next-generation technologies will create?
The advantages of the Network as a Service model for SMBs
Most SMB leaders are laser-focused on their core businesses—their customers, their employees, their local and national markets. There are not enough hours in the day to be thinking about your network or other core IT services, even though you know it's important. Moreover, typically, there is not a huge IT team to help—if any at all.
This is where Network as a Service can help. It continues to enable access to modern software and infrastructure in a cost-effective manner, while not requiring an enterprise-sized IT staff to support it. Cloud application and platform technologies and the concept of delivering these as a service have already delivered many business improvements, including email, business software and productivity apps. Now, the benefits of Network as a Service have arrived.
The Network-as-a-Service model delivers network infrastructure and services using a subscription model, similar to cloud-based software, known as Software-as-a Service (SaaS), you likely already use. Among other benefits, the NaaS approach gives SMBs access to a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and services in a far more cost-effective manner than would be possible if you built and managed your own network from the ground up.
Five reasons for SMBs to adopt the Network as a Service model
There are numerous advantages to adopting a NaaS solution for your network. Here are five fundamental benefits for SMBs.
1. Cost efficiencies
One of the primary benefits of cloud infrastructure in general is that it can deliver incredible computing power in a pay-for-what-you-use model, making it financially feasible for businesses of all sizes. Cloud essentially has an equalizing impact on enterprise technology, and this is also true for the network. You can deploy a cutting-edge network on a subscription or operating expenditures (OPEX) model that is right-sized for your business—instead of having to buy, implement and maintain all that infrastructure yourself, which almost invariably requires a much more expensive investment up front that is often prohibitive for smaller companies.
2. Time savings
This also means you can deploy and maintain a network much faster. You'll be leveraging cutting-edge network infrastructure and services that the underlying network provider has already built instead of setting everything up yourself.
3. Maximum expertise
Similarly, the NaaS model gives you access to world-leading knowledge and experience from experts that live and breathe networking. You can stay focused on your business and leverage the industry know-how of trusted experts to guide your network transformation.
4. Scalability and flexibility
NaaS is far more future-proof for growing, evolving SMBs. A NaaS can scale up (or down) as your business grows and its unique needs change over time.
5. Innovation catalyst
One of the most impactful long-term benefits of cloud infrastructure is that it is a means rather than an end. By helping you to efficiently modernize your network, the NaaS approach facilitates further innovations in customer experience, employee engagement, new applications and more. Your ROI compounds as your network continues to power new opportunities for your business.
Network transformation is critical to success in the digital future. Partnering with a recognized leader in networking solutions can give you access to the benefits of cloud infrastructure with assured service quality, reliability and security.
Learn more about how Verizon's network management options can align with your IT strategy.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.