Navigating the Skills Gap with Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)

Konfy

5 min read · Jul 22 2024

The rapid evolution of technology has left many enterprise organizations grappling with a significant challenge - a shortage of skilled IT personnel. As businesses strive to keep up with the latest advancements in networking and cybersecurity, they are increasingly turning to innovative solutions like Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) to bridge this gap. In this article, we delve into how NaaS is transforming the way companies manage their networks and address the pressing issue of talent scarcity.

Understanding Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)

Network-as-a-Service is an emerging model that offers a cloud consumption approach to network infrastructure. According to Shamus McGillicuddy from Enterprise Management Associates (EMA), NaaS encompasses comprehensive management of network engineering and operations by a service provider. This includes everything from design and build phases to monitoring and troubleshooting activities. The EMA's July 2024 report titled "Network as a Service: Understanding the Cloud Consumption Model in Networking" highlights that adopting NaaS allows enterprises to leverage pay-as-you-go models for their networking needs.

This shift not only reduces upfront capital investments but also provides access to leading-edge technologies without requiring in-house expertise. By outsourcing these responsibilities, internal IT teams can redirect their focus towards strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

Addressing the Talent Shortage with NaaS

The EMA survey involving 250 IT professionals revealed a stark reality - only 32% believe they have sufficient networking talent for any task or project at hand. The most significant skills gaps identified were in areas such as network security, cloud networks, network automation, and monitoring/troubleshooting.

By partnering with a NaaS provider, organizations can alleviate some of these challenges. Instead of reducing headcount within their networking teams, companies can repurpose existing staff towards high-priority projects like optimizing end-user experiences or supporting AI initiatives. This reallocation helps enterprises make better use of their human resources while ensuring routine operational tasks are expertly managed by external specialists.

The Benefits Beyond Bridging Skills Gaps

While mitigating skills shortages stands out as one of the primary advantages of embracing NaaS solutions according to EMA's findings, there are several other benefits worth noting:

Quick Access to New Technologies: With rapid technological changes being an industry norm, staying current is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage. NaaS providers offer immediate access to cutting-edge solutions without extensive lead times or complex integration processes.
Improved Performance and SLAs: Enterprises expect enhanced network performance when subscribing to NaaS offerings due largely in part because providers are held accountable through stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Flexibility and Scalability: As business demands fluctuate over time so too must networks adapt accordingly; scalability inherent within Naas models ensures that scaling up or down is seamless affair which aligns perfectly with changing organizational requirements.

4 .Enhanced Security: Nearly 40% anticipate integrated managed security services bundled into Naas offerings covering aspects like network access control firewalls threat protection among others thus bolstering overall cybersecurity posture organization-wide .

Despite these numerous advantages certain industries may still harbor concerns regarding data security third-party collaborations however expectations remain high regarding what Naas should deliver terms robust secure infrastructures .

Overcoming Roadblocks to NaaS Adoption

Despite the clear benefits, some organizations remain hesitant to fully embrace NaaS solutions. The EMA report indicates that specific industries have heightened concerns over security and data privacy when it comes to sharing information with third-party providers. This is particularly true for sectors that handle sensitive data or are subject to stringent regulatory compliance standards.

To overcome these roadblocks, NaaS providers must demonstrate a strong commitment to security and compliance. By offering transparent policies, robust encryption, and adhering to industry-specific regulations, they can alleviate client concerns. Additionally, educating potential customers about the integrated managed security services within NaaS offerings can further dispel fears by showcasing how these solutions can actually enhance an organization's security posture.

The Future of Network Management: Airspan Portal and Beyond

Innovation in network management is not limited to traditional enterprise environments. Airspan Networks' introduction of the Airspan Portal exemplifies the advancements being made in Private Cellular Networks (PCN) management. This solution offers a multi-tenant architecture that hosts multiple customers securely while providing an intuitive user interface for simplified network oversight.

The Single Pane of Glass Network Management approach embodied by the Airspan Portal represents a significant leap forward for enterprises requiring end-to-end 4G/5G management platforms. With automated provisioning and comprehensive monitoring capabilities, this solution addresses the need for minimal intervention while ensuring high levels of performance and reliability.

As we look towards future trends in network management, it's clear that automation will play an increasingly critical role. Solutions like Airspan Portal pave the way for more streamlined operations across various industries – from small mobile network operators (MNOs) to wireless internet service providers (WISPs). These advancements are crucial as businesses continue their digital transformation journeys in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Conclusion

Network-as-a-Service has emerged as a powerful tool for enterprise organizations facing IT skills shortages and seeking operational efficiency. By offloading certain networking tasks to specialized service providers, companies can focus on strategic initiatives while enjoying access to new technologies and enhanced performance backed by solid SLAs. Despite some initial hesitations around security concerns, with proper assurances from providers regarding data protection measures, NaaS stands poised as a transformative force in modern network infrastructure management.

Furthermore, innovations such as Airspan Networks' Airspan Portal indicate a broader shift towards automated and user-friendly network management solutions capable of supporting complex PCNs with ease. As we move forward into an increasingly connected world where agility is paramount, embracing such technologies will be key for businesses aiming to stay ahead of the curve in managing their networks effectively.