What is a managed Network as a Service? + 7 reasons to use one

Managed Network as a Service (NaaS) covers everything from hardware and software to ongoing support—all under one roof. Businesses can tap into advanced tech without juggling the complexity of building and managing their own network.

Tailored services make life simpler, boosting reliability and cutting out the guesswork. Extra perks like advanced controls and detailed analytics keep network performance and security in check.

Keep reading to discover:

• Key features of managed NaaS
• 7 reasons to use managed Network as a Service
• Best practices for implementing managed NaaS
• Meter’s managed Network as a Service (NaaS)

Managed Network as a Service vs. traditional business networks

Managed Network as a Service changes how businesses manage their networks. Companies no longer need to worry about buying, setting up, and running equipment. Instead, they get everything handled—from installation to maintenance.

No more managing vendors or fixing network issues alone. The NaaS provider keeps the network updated and secure, so office managers can stick to their main tasks without tech worries.

Growing a network used to mean big spending on new hardware and experts. NaaS makes this easy and budget-friendly. Adding devices or new locations comes with predictable costs, making budgeting simple.

Key features of a managed NaaS

Managed NaaS brings a range of benefits that can make life easier for any business looking to simplify their network management. From saving time to improving security, these features help businesses stay agile and efficient. Here's what to look for in a managed NaaS provider.

Stay connected from anywhere

A provider offering a unified dashboard makes network management simple no matter where you are. Being able to watch, configure, and manage your network from anywhere adds flexibility. IT teams can handle tasks without being stuck in the office. With everything centralized, troubleshooting and updates become quicker, saving time and reducing stress.

Updates without the manual work

Automatic updates for network devices and software save your team time and cut out the stress of keeping up with every new patch. Routine updates help keep security strong. They also bring in new features that help lower risks and prevent performance issues.

It’s a good idea to confirm that your NaaS provider offers this service since it’s not always standard. Finding out what’s included upfront helps you avoid surprises down the road.

Growth that fits your pace

Scalability is a top feature for any network management service. It allows you to adjust network resources based on your needs, preventing overspending on unused equipment or running short during growth spurts. A scalable service helps your business expand without the headaches of major investments.

Fort-Knox-level security

Strong security features are a must-have for any NaaS. Look for providers to protect your network and data using:

• Firewalls
• Encryption
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS)

Not all services come with these extras, so confirm what’s included in your package to keep your network safe.

Eyes on the network at all times

Continuous network monitoring catches problems early. Not all providers offer 24/7 support, so double-check what’s included. Quick response times and reliable monitoring keep disruptions low and network availability high. Meter provides ongoing support after installation, so your network stays managed while you focus on other tasks.

Customizable service options

Managed NaaS should offer flexibility to cater to your business’s specific needs. Customization keeps your network running just how you need it, no matter if it's:

• Tailored bandwidth
• Priority traffic settings
• Specialized network configurations

Discuss your options with potential providers to get a service that works best for you.

Clear service level agreements (SLAs)

SLAs spell out what you can count on from your NaaS provider, from response times to service uptime and performance standards. Think of them as the fine print that actually matters—keeping your expectations and your provider’s promises on the same page.

Checking that the SLA matches your needs helps you dodge any unpleasant surprises later. It's always better to know what's covered before anything hits the fan.

Built-in backup and redundancy

Backup and redundancy are your safety net when things go sideways. A NaaS that includes automatic backups and failover systems helps you avoid the panic of lost data or unexpected outages. These features keep your network running even when technical issues pop up. A little planning now means less stress later and smoother operations when surprises happen.

Top-notch support and customer service

Support quality can make or break your experience with a managed NaaS. Some providers offer basic help desk services, while others provide dedicated technical teams for complex issues. Clarify the level of support included in your plan and ask about options for enhanced service if needed.

Plays nice with what you’ve got

Integration with your current systems and apps is a must for smooth operations. Nobody wants a network solution that acts like it’s too cool to mingle with your existing setup. A NaaS that blends in well saves time and spares you those compatibility problems. Double-check if your provider can slide their solution right into your network—making life easier and your IT team a little happier.

7 reasons to use a managed Network as a Service

Managed NaaS offers a thorough solution that aligns with the dynamic needs of modern enterprises. Here are seven key reasons to consider switching to Network as a Service:

1. Save big bucks easily

NaaS can cut down big expenses by bundling hardware and software into one neat package. This frees up your budget for other important things—like that coffee machine upgrade everyone keeps hinting at. While not every provider uses a subscription model, many do, which makes monthly costs easier to manage and predict.

2. Scale up or down without a sweat

NaaS makes scaling network resources as easy as turning a dial. Need more bandwidth for a busy season? Done. Want to cut back during a slow period? No problem. Pay only for what you need and avoid spending money on things that just collect dust. It’s the kind of flexibility that lets you keep up with business growth or sudden changes without wasting resources.

3. Fortified security without the stress

NaaS comes with solid security features to help keep threats out. Routine updates and patches from your provider mean vulnerabilities get fixed fast. Double-check what’s included, though—security features can vary, and you don’t want any surprises.

For example, Meter offers enterprise-grade security with strong encryption, intrusion detection, and regular audits to keep your network safe and sound.

4. Less tech issues, more simplicity

NaaS makes network management simpler with centralized control. Businesses no longer need in-house network experts just to keep things on track. Managing the network from a single dashboard cuts down on the time and effort spent navigating different systems and tools. Teams can spend more time on important projects and improvements instead of dealing with network problems.

5. Performance that’s built to last

NaaS solutions are built for high availability and redundancy. It keeps your network steady even when issues arise. Proactive monitoring helps catch and fix potential problems before they escalate.

While not all providers offer immediate fixes, many have teams ready to step in when needed. Strong performance and reliability mean fewer disruptions. As such, your network won’t decide to take a break at the worst moment. Confirm what level of support and monitoring your provider includes, so you’re prepared when it matters most.

6. Let your team focus on the big stuff

With a NaaS provider handling the network, your IT team can focus on strategic projects instead of day-to-day maintenance. Think of all the time saved when they’re not stuck troubleshooting or doing endless updates. The shift lets your team work on big-picture plans that drive growth and keep your company ahead of the curve.

7. The newest tech, minus the worry

NaaS providers make sure their services have the newest tech and features. Your business skips the headache of outdated hardware and avoids buying pricey new equipment every few years. Updates happen behind the scenes, so you don’t have to lose sleep over missing out on the latest gadgets.

Keep your network running and give your team better tools to work with by staying up-to-date. Check how often updates roll out and if they’re included in your plan or come with surprise costs.

Best practices for implementing managed NaaS

Making the most of a managed NaaS solution takes more than just signing up. Use these best practices to get your network ready for success. From picking the right provider to making sure everything fits with your current systems, these tips will help you set up NaaS like a pro and keep your business running well.

Know your network like the back of your hand

Start by digging into your current network setup. Understanding what you’re working with helps match the new NaaS solution to your needs. Look for strengths, weaknesses, and specific requirements so you’re not caught off guard.

Set goals that actually make sense

Be clear about what you want from your NaaS. Set goals that guide your choices, no matter if it’s:

• Boosting performance
• Beefing up security
• Making sure you can scale

Knowing what you need helps you pick the right service and settings.

Take it one step at a time

Rolling out NaaS all at once? Not the best idea. Start with non-critical areas or smaller locations first. This lets you catch any issues early and smooth out bumps before going all-in with the transition.

Teach your team the ropes

Even the best NaaS setup won’t help if your team doesn’t know how to use it. Partner with your provider for training sessions and easy-to-follow guides. The quicker everyone learns, the sooner your business reaps the benefits.

Keep an eye and an ear out

Set up regular checks using performance metrics and feedback from users. This helps you spot areas that need improvement and keeps the NaaS working as planned. Staying on top of this makes it easier to tweak things when needed.

Get everyone on board

Bring IT staff, managers, and end-users into the planning phase early. Gaining input and explaining the perks builds support and clears up concerns. Plus, it’s easier to get everyone excited about the change when they feel involved.

Make someone the go-to person

Assign someone (or a team) to stay in touch with the NaaS provider and handle updates. Doing so keeps the solution in sync with business changes. Regular updates to stakeholders help keep everything transparent and running well.

Review, adjust, repeat

Schedule reviews every so often to check how the NaaS is doing. Gather feedback and look at key metrics to find out what’s working and what isn’t. Small tweaks can lead to big improvements over time, so keep adjusting for the best results.

Meter’s managed Network as a Service

With Meter, you get an all-in-one solution that includes site surveys, installation, testing, hardware, software, a central dashboard, and ongoing maintenance—all in one integrated package.

Additional features include:

• The all-inclusive monthly fee covers hardware, software, installation, ongoing maintenance and support, network management, and security.
• We provide complimentary hardware upgrades and extra hardware as your business grows. Looking for a new space? We’ll move your network if you need to relocate.
• Meter’s Dashboard allows access to DNS security, VLANs, and VPNs for easy monitoring.
• We’ve got all of the setup plans covered—from ISP procurement and network design to installation, configuration, and management.

‍Latest technologies

Meter switches offer enhanced flexibility, visibility, and configurability with new digital twin capability—with free upgrades as they’re released. Meter’s 1G and 10G Security Appliances provide better network monitoring across your entire office. Meter also provides Wi-Fi network access point devices that create a larger Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) to expand your Wi-Fi network safely.

What our customers are saying

When First Round Capital was setting up a new office, Director of IT Ryan Donnon wanted a solution that aligned with the firm's cloud-first strategy, and Meter came through. 

“I call Meter an ‘End-to-End Networking as a Service’ company. If you need your internet infrastructure up and running quickly and easily, just call Meter. They’ll get you from 0 to 100 with little to no pain,” said Donnon. 

Similarly, when Loom needed to expand its network with new offices, Meter’s NaaS was the right choice. 

“Networking as a service is much more viable, and that’s exactly what Meter provides,” explained Prema Nagarajan, Director of IT at Loom.

Meanwhile, technology company Thumbtack experienced significant cost savings with Meter. They achieved a 3x cost reduction over the duration of their new lease. Their on-call support requests also decreased by 80%, allowing the team to concentrate on more critical projects.

Next steps: Transform your network with Meter’s NaaS

Meter simplifies network management with our managed Network as a Service and cloud-managed infrastructure, easing the burden on your IT team. We provide an end-to-end solution encompassing design, installation, maintenance, and support. Here's what we offer:

• Strong security features: Our platform helps keep threats at bay with DNS security, malware protection, VPN capabilities, and real-time monitoring.
• ‍Full network visibility: Our easy-to-use dashboard lets you monitor and control your network from anywhere.
• Boosted speed and reliability: Integrated security appliances, routing, and switching work together for better network performance.
• Consistent monitoring and alerts: While 24/7 oversight isn't part of the package, we provide automated network health checks and alerts if anything goes offline.

Try a demo of Meter to see what sets us apart.