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Implemented correctly, managed services can mean the simplicity of having one provider, one network, one point of contact and one level of expected quality.
While outsourcing network managed services is considered a smart choice today, the outsourcing decision was not always such a well-defined and warmly embraced IT strategy. IT professionals, from network managers to programmers, were protective of their network infrastructure and reluctant to hand any responsibility to an outside telecom provider. However, with the growing complexity of some enterprise networks, industry attitudes and approaches have changed dramatically.
Today, enterprises of all sizes rely on managed services and even outsource entire networks to leverage the reach, expertise and cost efficiencies of managed service providers (see Figure 1). The world's leading service providers are tailoring managed network transport and equipment services to meet enterprise-specific needs, ranging from complete network outsourcing to out-tasking of specific functions, such as vendor management, legacy network Integration, customer premIses equipment (CPE) management and engineering resources.
Managed networking has become the smart, proactive strategy for many enterprises, including small and midsize companies, as fast-changing, sophisticated technologies require Increasing time and capital Investment. Embracing this once unpopular strategy now helps the enterprise stay ahead by being nimble and competitive in this fiercely aggressive business environment.
By outsourcing all or part of their corporate networks, businesses in every corner of the world are able to concentrate on their core business needs, rather than dedicating critical resources to meet IT demands. According to a recent IDC report, outsourcing services spending topped $99 billion in 1998 and will be more than $151 billion by 2003, As requirements, technology and markets develop, enterprises are looking for flexible, long-term service providers that can continually meet increasing network demands and changing technologies.
Evaluating Managed Network Providers
implemented correctly, managed services can mean the simplicity of havIng one provider, one network,...