Twenty years ago, there would have been very little need for outsourcing your network infrastructure management. Back then, you needed an excellent cabling contractor and someone who understood the type of network operating system you were running. Options were limited, and few device types existed, so the infrastructure was a whole lot simpler.
Fun fact: The first network operating system was Novell NetWare, released in 1983 – the same year that 123mds started trading.
Fast forward to 2022 where cabling may still be an option, but there are a host of new options. Connectivity is a whole new ball game, the diverse array of devices that may be connected on the network has grown exponentially, and security – well, that is a topic for another blog.
Most organizations these days, regardless of size or industry, will be entirely cloud-based or at least rely on cloud services for some of their needs.
With the line between personal and company devices blurring, and staff carrying their devices to and from work, various steps need to be taken to ensure that:
- the network can support the variety of devices that may need to connect,
- networks are not abused for personal use,
- systems are protected from viruses and ransomware
- the integrity of company IP remains intact.
Then to top it all off, the pandemic opened up an entirely new trend of employees working between home and the office. This brought new challenges to IT departments, some of which took months to get up to speed with remote working.
So, what is a network infrastructure?
Network infrastructure refers to the hardware, software, and services that allow your organization to communicate internally and with other organizations and the Internet.
Network infrastructure can include software applications, hardware devices, and network services.
Hardware infrastructure typically includes switches, routers, repeaters, hubs, bridges, gateways, and modems.
Software infrastructure includes operating systems and monitoring and management tools.
Network services include networking protocols such as TCP/IP.
Some organizations extend their network by integrating third-party services from managed service providers (MSPs) or, as mentioned above, by building a hybrid network infrastructure (integrating on-premises infrastructure with cloud services).
What is infrastructure monitoring?
IT infrastructure monitoring provides insights to drive smart decisions for an optimized solution. Monitoring can give data on the past and the future.
Monitoring involves data collection, processing & visualising the data into a meaningful, easy-to-understand blueprint of the network. The idea behind infrastructure monitoring is to enable a proactive approach to maintenance to prevent costly and unproductive downtime.
In addition, it can help you to identify and prevent possible security threats (but remember, security is not within the scope of this blog ☺)
The raging debate: insourcing vs. outsourcing your IT Infrastructure management
We’re certainly not going to solve this ongoing debate in this blog, but we will take a deeper peek into some of the benefits of outsourcing.
If you’re interested, a great explanation of the differences between in and outsourcing can be found here.
When it comes to IT, there are numerous sound reasons to outsource, either entirely or to complement your existing IT team.
Outsourced Network Infrastructure Management
What are the benefits of outsourcing network infrastructure management in an organization?
Organizations that provide managed network services have the infrastructure and expertise to support quicker implementations and upgrades. This means enterprises can focus on their primary business goals rather than on maintaining a complicated, inflexible network.
High-performance network availability is a must for any enterprise today, and managed service providers can deliver it at affordable prices.
Why Outsource?
Outsourcing allows companies to focus on their product or service while outsourcing companies handle all of the day-to-day tasks such as:
- Providing technical support
- Managing servers and networks
- Maintaining security systems
What are some benefits of outsourcing network infrastructure management?
1. Reduced (or at least controlled) operating costs – Outsourcing helps lower the cost of IT services by reducing hardware and software costs and reducing labour expenses from hiring new employees. In addition, proactive maintenance means preventing major issues before they happen.
2. Increased efficiency – Outsourcing companies are experts at what they do, so they can provide more efficient services than internal teams could ever hope for. They also have access to more tools and resources than internal teams, which means they can be more effective at what they do!
3. Improved productivity – You’ll be able to spend less time worrying about your network and more time on other important tasks.
4. Better support – When you outsource your network infrastructure management needs, you get access to a team of experts who know how to handle any problem with your computers or other devices in real-time. They’ll also be able to help you find ways to improve efficiency and productivity within your company!
5. Proactive Maintenance – By continuously monitoring your network, you’ll be able to foresee potential issues and can perform maintenance before costly issues occur.
6. Stress-free load-shedding – When the power is unavailable, it helps to have alternate solutions in place. IT experts will be able to advise on and provide backup power solutions to suit your location, industry, and budget.
Softer benefits not often mentioned
- Confidentiality – Having an internal IT team means that certain individuals within your organization may be privy to confidential information that they should not be privy to. Often staff members feel intimidated by the fact that their peers may have access to emails, surveys, etc.
- Scalability – You may have shorter-term projects that require bursts of additional resources. Using an outsourced team, you can pay the additional fees for the project’s duration and not worry when you need to scale back.
- Shared costs of premium tools – Paying outright for premium software can add up over time. Paying a part of a bigger (shared) user license will work out cheaper in the long run, and you’ll usually have better support options through an outsourced company.
With so many benefits to outsourcing your network infrastructure management, why not call today to see how you can save costs, increase productivity and get peace of mind? We’ll start by offering you a free assessment of your existing infrastructure.
