A CTO’s Perspective on Modern IT Infrastructure
As technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed, businesses are increasingly turning to Networking as a Service (NaaS) to modernize their IT infrastructures. What was once a trend is now becoming a necessity for organizations aiming to stay competitive, agile, and secure in an ever-changing digital landscape. But what exactly is NaaS, and why is it gaining such traction among IT leaders?
In a recent discussion hosted by Laketec, Ben Sterley (CTO of Laketec), Anne McClelland (President of AMM Services), and Kelley Monasterio (Director of Sales at Laketec) explored the myths, challenges, and benefits of adopting NaaS. This article takes a deep dive into that conversation, explaining how NaaS can transform IT infrastructure, address common misconceptions, and deliver measurable value to businesses across industries.
What is Networking as a Service (NaaS)?
Networking as a Service, often shortened to NaaS, offers businesses the ability to consume network infrastructure as a subscription service rather than purchasing hardware and software outright. It includes not only the hardware and software needed to run the network but also the managed services that keep everything running smoothly.
As Ben Sterley explains, “For us, [NaaS] is really comprised of two components. First, you have the hardware, the software, and typically some value-added services from the manufacturer. Then you have the managed service component.” This model provides businesses with the flexibility to scale their networks as needed, while also outsourcing some of the operational burdens, such as maintenance and troubleshooting, to a trusted provider.
This flexibility and scalability are key to the value proposition of NaaS. It allows businesses to tailor their networks to meet their specific needs without over-investing in technology they may outgrow in a few years.
Addressing Common Myths About NaaS
Like any evolving technology, NaaS comes with its fair share of myths and misconceptions. During the discussion, Anne McClelland identified four primary areas of concern: security, reliability, IT roles, and costs. Let’s break these down.
Security Concerns
Security is often the biggest worry when it comes to adopting NaaS, especially for businesses handling sensitive data. As Anne points out, “Data are like the crown jewels of the customer organization.” Companies often question whether their data will be safe when managed by a third-party provider.
However, both Anne and Ben were quick to dispel these concerns. “The managed service provider’s security protocols are really world-class,” Anne reassured, adding that trust in the service provider is paramount. The truth is, many NaaS providers offer security measures that rival, if not exceed, what internal IT teams can provide. Managed security services can also help businesses stay ahead of the latest cybersecurity threats, which is critical as cyber-attacks become more sophisticated.
Reliability
Reliability is another myth that deters businesses from adopting NaaS. Many worry about whether cloud-based network services can deliver the same level of uptime and performance as an on-premise solution.
Ben addressed this directly, explaining how the cloud infrastructure used in NaaS is more than capable of meeting these demands: “When you turn on the faucet, you don’t celebrate water coming out. That’s very much how network infrastructure is today.” This statement highlights how modern networks are expected to function seamlessly, and NaaS ensures that businesses can rely on their networks for stability and speed.
Shifting IT Roles
There’s also concern about how NaaS might affect internal IT roles. Some IT professionals fear that transitioning to a service-based network model might result in fewer jobs or a loss of control over network infrastructure. However, the reality is quite different.
As Anne emphasized, “The IT team is wondering how will our roles shift? What will that look like for those individuals? And will we still have control over the whole IT landscape?” She quickly clarified that IT teams retain full control over their networks. What’s more, NaaS allows IT staff to focus on strategic, high-value tasks rather than being bogged down by day-to-day troubleshooting.
Cost Concerns
Finally, cost is often seen as a barrier to adopting NaaS. Many organizations are used to large, upfront capital expenditures (CapEx) when purchasing hardware and worry that NaaS’s subscription-based model (OpEx) might end up costing more in the long run.
Ben offered a new perspective, explaining that NaaS can be more cost-effective over time. “Instead of in a CapEx model, where we have to over-spec the solution to products that may drastically exceed their needs today…we could design [a NaaS solution] with a five-year outlook, and that can really change the dynamics of the products and the costs.” In short, NaaS provides businesses with the flexibility to right-size their networks and adjust as technology changes, avoiding costly over-investment in hardware that may become obsolete.
Why NaaS is the Future of IT Infrastructure
As technology evolves, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the pace of change. In the past, companies could invest in network infrastructure with the expectation that it would last for a decade or more. But in today’s fast-paced world, that’s no longer a viable strategy.
“We’ve really been doing cloud computing and as a service for, gosh, what? 15 or 20 years as an industry,” said Anne. “So some of the concerns around reliability have really been solved.” She and Ben discussed how NaaS helps businesses remain agile by allowing them to upgrade and scale their networks in real-time, without the need for a full overhaul every few years.
Ben further emphasized this point with a compelling example: “It took 16 years for cell phones to reach 100 million users…it took two to three months for ChatGPT to hit 100 million people.” With technology evolving at such a rapid pace, NaaS gives businesses the ability to adapt without being weighed down by outdated hardware and inflexible network solutions.
The Role of Managed Services in NaaS
One of the biggest benefits of NaaS is the role that managed services play in helping businesses maintain their networks. As Ben explained, “Most IT teams…don’t have enough people. They’re struggling for team members. Budgets are consistently getting cut.” Managed services help bridge this gap, allowing businesses to offload the day-to-day operational tasks to a team of experts, freeing up internal resources for more strategic work.
Managed services also play a crucial role in cybersecurity. As Anne noted, staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats is a full-time job, and most businesses simply don’t have the resources to manage it on their own. By partnering with a NaaS provider, businesses can ensure that their networks are secure without having to invest in expensive, in-house cybersecurity teams.
Measuring Success in NaaS Adoption
One of the final key points discussed was how businesses can measure the success of their NaaS implementations. As Ben pointed out, “Most people will tell you it’s measured by uptime,” but in reality, businesses need to go beyond simple uptime metrics to understand the value NaaS brings.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) like improved user experience, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced security are critical in assessing whether NaaS is delivering the expected outcomes. By tracking these metrics, businesses can not only justify their investment but also continuously optimize their network performance.
Conclusion: The Future of Networking is Here
Networking as a Service is not just a trend—it’s the future of IT infrastructure. By adopting NaaS, businesses can ensure that their networks are secure, scalable, and ready to support future innovations. As Ben Sterley eloquently put it, “If anyone’s interested in understanding how the network can create more value for the organization, that’s what we’d love to participate in.”
Whether you’re looking to reduce costs, improve security, or simply stay ahead of the technological curve, NaaS offers a flexible, scalable solution to meet your needs. Reach out to Laketec today to learn more about how Networking as a Service can transform your IT infrastructure and drive your business forward.
Ready to streamline your IT operations with NaaS? Contact Laketec today to learn how our tailored NaaS solutions can support your business.