Maximizing efficiency is one of the most effective ways to increase profits and save valuable time, whether you run a small business or a major company. You probably already have a system in place that is designed to streamline business operations—but what you might not have considered is how your network could be optimized to improve performance.
After all, your network is the backbone of the day-to-day running of your business. It makes sense to ensure that it is working as effectively as possible. Here’s how network management can change your performance for the better.
What Is Network Management?
Network management is a term for a broad range of procedures and tools used to ensure that computer networks are functional and well-maintained. It generally focuses on data transfer capabilities (i.e. network cables, servers, switches, and wireless modems) rather than terminal devices like computers and printers.
It can entail WLAN networking and support, 24/7 network health monitoring, and data center monitoring, as well as direct infrastructure management and configuration.
Some of the areas covered under the term network management include: network operation, which promotes uninterrupted network function; network administration, which involves tracking performance and updating software as necessary; network provisioning, or modifying a network to support specialized requirements; and network maintenance, which repairs or upgrades network components to promote better functioning.
Ways Network Management Can Help Your Business
Network management might seem like a nebulous concept at first, but it can have immediate, tangible results for your bottom line.
Here are a few ways it can help increase efficiency in both the short and long term:
Network provisioning has major potential to facilitate increased efficiency by configuring the network to suit your immediate and future needs. For example, if you are planning an expansion, you can increase broadband capabilities to accommodate more users.
Network provisioning can also increase voice capabilities for companies that rely heavily on them.
A network management service can also provide routine monitoring, allowing you to proactively tackle any connectivity problems before they become major issues. Network monitoring has the potential to reduce expensive downtime while improving overall performance in the long term.
Access to highly experienced experts is another benefit of partnering with a network management service, especially if your I.T. department is busy with projects aimed at assisting with business development—or if your business has no I.T. professionals on permanent staff.
Companies without the budgetary resources to hire a full-time I.T. department can still reap the benefits of highly skilled technological expertise by working with a managed service provider (MSP) that performs network monitoring services.
Improving network security is another major benefit of working with an MSP. Your network management provider will consistently monitor for external threats while preventing viruses and malware from coming into contact with your network. In addition to lost data, a security breach usually means lost time that could have been spent working on core competencies.
With 24-hour network monitoring, businesses stand to increase efficiency by reducing the threat of cyberattacks.
Network management can also aid businesses in need of optimized operations, even if they aren’t sure where to start. Because they gather large amounts of relevant data about usage, performance, attached devices, etc., network management professionals are well-equipped to make recommendations about how to optimize.
Network specialists can let you know exactly how well your current network is supporting daily traffic, and how it can be improved.
How to Decide if Outsourcing Network Management Is Right for You
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to partner with a network management service. First, consider how well your current network is meeting your business’s needs.
Do you experience frequent outages? Is there enough bandwidth to handle the standard amount of traffic?
Have you experienced a security breach? Are you meeting compliance standards? The answers to these questions will determine what you should look for in a network management partner.
Small businesses planning for growth and medium-sized operations dealing with aging network infrastructure can both stand to benefit from network management.
In addition, MSPs provide necessary network maintenance services such as software updates and network device replacement that will increase productivity over time.
If you have concerns about network speed and security, it might be beneficial to consult with a network management provider to learn more about how their services can help your business run more efficiently.
What Is the Future of Network Management?
According to a recent report by Network World, the field of network management is currently facing a number of rising challenges and positive changes.
What does this mean for business owners thinking of adopting network management solutions? Well, for one thing, they should be aware of trends in the field that could impact their network capabilities.
One significant change is cloud adoption, with 60% of survey participants responding that cloud traffic is the most prevalent on their networks. Cloud services present network monitoring challenges, often requiring specialized software to implement the desired visibility.
As the cloud becomes increasingly utilized, new tools must be adopted to monitor and troubleshoot network environments. Successful network managers will have to find solutions to these challenges in coming years.
Another major development is outsourcing, with EMA reporting that 58% of enterprises are now getting outside help with network management. This represents a 20% increase since 2014, a rapid shift that reflects the growing adoption of managed services more generally.
As these developments continue apace, network management services will adapt to a changing set of conditions to deliver effective network solutions to their clients.
Your company is only as healthy as the network you use to run it. With the help of a network management partner, it can operate efficiently for years to come, saving you valuable time and reducing I.T. spending. To learn more about improving efficiency through network management, call 844-44-JMARK You can also get in touch at jmarkit@JMARK.com or visit the Contact Us page of our website.
