A Comprehensive Handbook To Network as a Service (NaaS)

NaaS can be closely compared to cloud-based virtual data centres due to their similarities in delivering virtually-inclined resources. Instead of acquiring a physical building with the right servers, hardware, and storage, companies looking to improve their networking environment can directly choose NaaS to leverage its in-built solutions targeted towards advanced networking strategies. These solutions may include virtual networks, firewalls, and routers to create more flexible networking management. 

Fundamentally, Network as a Service is a cloud-based solution that allows businesses to expand their network infrastructure in terms of network services. Adopting a seamless NaaS model enables companies to reduce costs, improve existing cloud services, and enhance scalability. Looking at the current growth of NaaS and cloud popularity, reports suggest that its adoption rate will reach a pinnacle of 90% as more and more enterprises invest in it by 2030. 

Network as a Service (NaaS) In Detail 

Network as a Service works beyond the fundamental approach of developing network infrastructure from scratch. Instead of developing and managing their own network resources, businesses can subscribe to a NaaS model from a reliable provider, based on their company requirements. 

This eliminates the complex system of collecting, developing, testing, and maintaining network hardware, allowing businesses to focus on other goals. Depending on a company’s cloud networking plans, here are the major deployment models: 

• Managed NaaS: This model is comparatively simple with less technical knowledge requirement. Once subscribed, the providers handle the company’s hardware management and monitor its maintenance. 
• Rented Hardware NaaS: This model involves renting networking resources to the companies instead of letting them subscribe to them. Although this model allows more control over the installation and implementation operations, it requires technical knowledge and responsibility. 
• Outsourced NaaS: Unlike the other two models, this allows businesses to completely outsource their network operations to their selected provider. This is an ideal choice for businesses that do not have enough resources and are looking for an additional workforce. 

Since NaaS server can easily replace legacy networks involving MPLS connections, firewalls, and VPNs, it is highly scalable towards digital transformation. Additional NaaS features that align well with network scalability include rapid deployment expansion, cost-effectiveness, real-time visibility, and advanced security. 

Importance of NaaS for Businesses

NaaS cloud computing takes the central place among several other technologies that have been in the limelight since 2023. As businesses are leaning more towards scalable solutions, Network as a Service successfully matches their needs for on-demand operational requirements, technical scalability, and overall market expansion. This positive aspect can be seen in its significant growth projections for the next five years, as it has been speculated to reach $78.38 billion. 

In addition to that, the technology also benefits businesses by reducing costs as they need to pay only for the particular service they require. Businesses can easily reduce their expenditure with the shift from capital-intensive models to operational expenditure (OpEx) and align their future goals according to the growing market preferences with the NaaS model. 

Compared to traditional networking, NaaS providers have simplified a company’s effort to expand its operations to more flexible solutions. Its importance lies in the fact that it has adaptable technical features that can easily engineer future trends into its existing design. Utilising it at an early stage will place businesses at an advantage of improved network performance and reliability in a market that is significantly evolving and challenging. 

Impact of NaaS on SaaS, PaaS, and Cloud Strategy 

As more companies begin their investments in cloud-based services, the integration of NaaS and cloud technologies becomes critical. With the help of the table below, explore the impact of the collaboration and learn how each component benefits the other. 

Advantages of NaaS in a Business Network

Outlined below are some of the key advantages of implementing the NaaS model in a business network: 

Cost-efficient

As mentioned before, implementing a NaaS server can significantly bring down a company’s costs as the provider handles everything from hardware, infrastructure, operations, software, and maintenance. The subscription-based fees allow owners to receive a fixed amount that enables them to manage and optimise a transparent expense report. 

Regular monitoring 

Due to its ability to monitor all networking systems, Network as a Service can easily detect unwanted errors and predict potential future threats. Features including quick maintenance and early alerts enable businesses to have uninterrupted services and minimal downtime. 

Advanced security

Packed with advanced security measures, NaaS also offers customisable security features that comply with standard regulations for unique business requirements. Cyber security professionals monitor the business to mitigate risks and protect all sensitive data from potential breaches. 

Service level agreements (SLAs)

Network as a Service arrives with well-articulated SLAs that ensure all operations, network uptime, response rates, level of availability, and quality of services remain optimal. These SLAs are also customisable according to a company’s requirements and developing goals. 

Enhanced service

NaaS features like in-depth documentation and research deliver seamless service calls and transmission, ensuring high-quality services, at all times. The additional optimisation of network resources, management, and consistent monitoring allows business owners to focus on core responsibilities. 

Increased productivity

Regular monitoring and system reports enable businesses to detect harmful threats and provide prompt solutions. This speeds up product efficiency and reduces downtime, allowing IT teams to work efficiently. 

Optimised systems

Along with assessing the company’s existing networking services, NaaS also provides business insights about improved adjustments to companies. This allows them to address critical problems and make changes to optimise their systems. 

Expert advice

NaaS providers offer their best team of experienced professionals to look into a company’s implementations, operations, and maintenance. The team offers assistance to all transfer queries and allows businesses to manage their infrastructure successfully. 

Future of NaaS

With the growing use of 5G and new technologies surrounding AI, SDN, NFV, and edge computing, there are high chances of growth for NaaS in the upcoming tech market. As an example, a successful integration with 5G can not only deliver enhanced connectivity solutions, but also an added collaboration with edge computing can reduce latency rates to all-time lows. 

As global cloud spending is expected to grow by 20% in 2024, there is a high possibility for the growing demand for NaaS to be a strong security measure. Moreover, its ability to adapt to evolving technical requirements is a bonus that attracts a lot of businesses. Investing in it today would be equivalent to investing in future profits. 

Airtel Business provides some of the world’s leading NaaS cloud computing solutions, visit to learn more.

Airtel Business