How to choose the best enterprise network provider

Selecting an enterprise network provider is a decision that can have far-reaching implications for your business. The provider you choose directly affects your network's reliability, security, and capacity to grow alongside your business.

A well-maintained network reduces the likelihood of downtime and boosts overall performance, enabling your operations to maintain momentum without interruptions. So, how do you find the right partner for your enterprise?

What to expect in this article:

• What to look for in an enterprise network provider
• Challenges businesses face when choosing a provider
• Understanding the types of enterprise network providers
• Why you should contact Meter for your enterprise network needs

What to look for in an enterprise network provider

The decision to select an enterprise network provider shouldn't be taken lightly. The right provider will not only keep your operations running smoothly but will also position your business to adapt and grow.

Technical capabilities and offerings

When evaluating an enterprise network provider, focus on their technical capabilities and service offerings, which should include:

• High bandwidth: Essential for businesses with significant data transmission needs. Look for scalable bandwidth options to prevent performance bottlenecks as your business grows.
• Redundancy: A reliable provider will offer multiple data pathways to prevent service interruptions. The speed at which these backups activate during an outage can be crucial in maintaining network operations.
• Advanced network management tools: These tools offer visibility into network performance, allowing you to monitor traffic, detect potential issues, and optimize operations. Providers that offer real-time analytics and customizable dashboards provide an edge in keeping your network running efficiently. Choosing network vendors that excel in these areas can significantly enhance your network’s performance.
• Integrated offerings: Providers that bundle hardware, software, and management into a single package simplify network management and reduce the need to deal with multiple vendors.

Security measures and compliance

Start by evaluating the provider’s encryption methods and the presence of firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS). These tools protect data and monitor for potential threats.

Compliance with industry-specific regulations, such as HIPAA or PCI DSS, is critical for protecting sensitive information.

Assess how the provider manages ongoing security. Regular updates, patches, and 24/7 monitoring are necessary to address vulnerabilities and detect threats in real time. A proactive security approach helps maintain the integrity of your network over time.

Customer support and service level agreements (SLAs)

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) outline expectations for service quality, such as uptime and response times, offering a concrete measure of what the provider commits to deliver. Without precise SLAs, you risk unanticipated downtimes and delayed support, which can disrupt your business.

However, SLAs are only as good as the support behind them. In situations where network issues arise, prompt and effective customer support is what truly matters. Evaluate how quickly providers respond to issues, their track record in meeting SLAs, and whether they offer 24/7 support from knowledgeable professionals.

Scalability and flexibility options

Scalability refers to your network's ability to expand and adapt as your business grows. Whether you're increasing your workforce, opening new locations, or incorporating new technologies, your network needs to accommodate these changes without degrading performance.

Flexibility is also important—your provider should be able to adapt to technological advancements and changing business needs.

Cost-effectiveness and ROI

While keeping costs down is important, the real value lies in how well the provider's services support your business's long-term goals. A lower upfront cost may save money initially, but it often comes with compromises that could lead to higher expenses later, such as increased downtime or inadequate support.

Instead, focus on the overall value a provider brings—how their services can enhance productivity, reduce operational risks, and support future growth. Investing in a provider with a higher upfront cost might offer advanced features, better security, and more reliable support, all of which contribute to a stronger return on investment.

Ultimately, the right provider should offer a balanced approach, combining cost with quality and adaptability to ensure that your network investment pays off over time.

Challenges businesses face when choosing a provider

Businesses often encounter several challenges that can complicate the decision-making process when selecting an enterprise network provider. These challenges can have long-term impacts on network performance, security, and overall business operations.

Understanding these potential obstacles is key to making an informed choice that aligns with your organization's needs.

Complexity and integration issues

Compatibility issues often arise when new hardware, software, or protocols don’t align perfectly with current network components, leading to communication breakdowns and potential downtime.

These challenges extend beyond technical configurations. Different vendors have their own management tools and support systems, which may not sync with your existing processes. This can complicate the integration, requiring additional training and adjustments to workflows.

To avoid disruptions, it's important to choose a provider with experience in handling complex environments. Look for those who offer comprehensive support during the transition, including configuration assistance and testing, to streamline the integration process.

Security and data protection concerns

Security and data protection are top priorities in enterprise networking, especially as regulations continuously evolve. Staying compliant is not just about avoiding fines and reputational damage—it's about safeguarding the core data that powers your business.

A layered approach to security is necessary. Relying solely on basic measures like firewalls is inadequate. Instead, consider advanced options such as encryption, secure access controls, and real-time intrusion detection systems to defend against potential breaches.

Given the constant updates to standards like GDPR, it's important to work with a network provider who proactively adapts to these changes. Certifications like ISO/IEC 27001 are indicators of a provider committed to upholding stringent security practices.

Future-proofing

Committing to outdated or inflexible technology can hinder your company's growth and adaptability. Choosing a network provider that can evolve with your business is essential to avoid these pitfalls.

Future-proofing goes beyond just being able to scale. It’s about selecting a provider and technologies that will remain relevant as the tech landscape shifts. Your network should be built on open standards, support the latest protocols, and be designed to integrate with emerging technologies.

To achieve this, look for a provider that:

• Embraces modern, adaptable infrastructure: Solutions supporting virtualization, software-defined networking (SDN), and other advanced technologies allow your network to grow and evolve alongside your business.
• Prioritizes innovation: Providers with a proven track record of keeping pace with industry advancements can help you stay competitive, offering regular updates and new features that align with emerging trends.
• Supports integration with new technologies: As innovations like cloud services and IoT devices become more common, your network should be able to integrate these seamlessly, helping your business stay on the cutting edge.

Prioritizing scalability and future-proofing in your network strategy positions your business to thrive in a constantly changing environment, protecting your investment and ensuring long-term success.

Understanding the types of enterprise network providers

Choosing the right enterprise network provider requires a clear understanding of the different types of providers available in the market. Each type comes with its own set of advantages and limitations, and the best fit depends on your specific business needs.

Traditional telecommunications providers

Traditional telecommunications companies are long-standing players in the realm of enterprise networking, offering voice, data, and Internet services. These providers have extensive networks and infrastructure, making them reliable for businesses that need widespread connectivity.

Telecom providers often boast well-established networks that have been developed over decades. They have significant reach, particularly in areas where newer providers might not yet have a presence.

Working with traditional telecom providers often means dealing with certain limitations. These companies tend to be slower to adapt to new technologies and market demands. Their infrastructure is frequently built on older technologies, which can make it more challenging to implement the latest innovations or to scale services quickly.

Customization can also be a sticking point; many telecom providers offer standardized service packages with limited flexibility, which might not align well with the unique needs of your business.

If your operations are spread across a wide geographic area or you require services in regions where newer providers are less established, a telecom company could be a strong contender.

On the other hand, if your business is rapidly evolving or depends heavily on cutting-edge technology, you might find that the slower pace of innovation and lack of flexibility with traditional providers becomes a bottleneck.

Understanding the trade-offs involved in choosing a traditional telecommunications provider will help you make a more informed decision that aligns with your organization’s long-term networking goals.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs)

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) function as an extension of your IT team, handling network management, monitoring, and maintenance. By partnering with an MSP, your internal resources can concentrate on strategic priorities rather than getting bogged down by routine network tasks.

One major advantage of MSPs is their deep expertise across various areas of networking, security, and cloud services. Their teams often include specialists who can identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate, allowing you to maintain a reliable and secure network environment.

MSPs can handle a wide range of tasks, from routine monitoring to implementing advanced security protocols, often providing around-the-clock support. When comparing MSPs to other enterprise networking companies, consider the level of control and customization offered.

Opting for an MSP comes with certain considerations. Outsourcing network management means ceding some level of control over how your infrastructure is configured and maintained.

Customization options may be limited, as MSPs typically operate using standardized procedures and tools designed to serve multiple clients efficiently. This could be a drawback if your network requires specific configurations or if you prefer a more hands-on approach to IT management.

Scalability is another aspect to weigh. While MSPs offer the flexibility to scale services according to your business needs, this can also introduce variability in costs. Some pricing models may be complex, making it challenging to predict long-term expenses.

Cloud-based network providers

Cloud-based network providers focus on delivering solutions that are both scalable and adaptable to various business needs.

These providers are particularly suitable for organizations looking to leverage cloud technology to enhance their networking infrastructure. However, their performance is closely tied to the quality of the Internet connection used.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Scalability: Cloud-based providers are designed to accommodate growth. As your business expands, these solutions can adjust to handle increased traffic, additional users, and larger volumes of data.
• Flexibility: One of the key benefits of cloud-based networks is their adaptability. These solutions offer a variety of options that can be tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it's deploying virtual private networks (VPNs), managing a dispersed workforce, or implementing sophisticated security protocols, cloud-based networks can be customized without the need for significant on-premise hardware investments.
• Cost-effectiveness: With cloud-based solutions, there's often no need for substantial upfront investments in physical infrastructure. Instead, businesses typically pay based on usage, which can lead to lower overall costs, especially for those that do not require maximum capacity year-round.
• Internet dependence: The effectiveness of cloud-based solutions is heavily influenced by the quality and reliability of the Internet connection. Poor or unstable connections can result in latency issues, slower performance, or even service interruptions, all of which can significantly disrupt business operations. It's crucial to evaluate the strength and consistency of your Internet service when considering a cloud-based network provider.
• Security measures: Cloud providers generally offer a range of security features, including data encryption, firewall services, and intrusion detection systems. However, the shared environment inherent to cloud services can introduce unique security challenges. It's important to thoroughly assess the security protocols and compliance standards that the provider follows to safeguard sensitive data and meet industry regulations.
• Integration with existing infrastructure: Transitioning to a cloud-based network often requires careful integration with your existing IT systems. Depending on the compatibility of your current infrastructure and the cloud services offered, this process can be complex. It's important to assess how well the cloud-based network solution will align with your existing tools, software, and workflows to facilitate a smooth transition.

Network as a Service (NaaS) providers

Network as a Service (NaaS) is an approach that combines network hardware, software, and ongoing management into a single service. Such a model simplifies operations and reduces the need for significant upfront investments with:

• Integrated services: NaaS providers like Meter deliver an all-in-one solution, including both the physical infrastructure and management tools needed to keep a network running efficiently.
• Cost efficiency: Instead of purchasing expensive hardware outright, businesses can opt for a NaaS plan that covers both the equipment and its upkeep, providing predictable costs and easier budgeting.

Next steps: Contact Meter for your enterprise network needs

Meter’s all-in-one Network as a Service (NaaS) solution redefines what you should expect from an enterprise network provider.

Taking a holistic approach to network management means Meter eliminates the complications of coordinating multiple vendors, which is a common challenge for businesses. For network engineers, this translates to more time spent on strategic initiatives rather than on routine network troubleshooting.

Here's what makes Meter's NaaS stand out:

• Integrated solution: Combining hardware, software, and network management into one offering, Meter removes the common pain points of dealing with separate systems.
• Scalable options: Meter’s NaaS accommodates growth and new technological demands while minimizing the need for extensive reconfigurations or costly upgrades.
• Complete management: Meter handles the process from initial ISP negotiations and network design to ongoing IT support and performance monitoring.
• Advanced security features: Devices like security appliances are a key component of Meter’s NaaS, offering protection against potential threats.
• Performance monitoring: Real-time tools provided by Meter through our patented Dashboard allow for continuous network performance tracking, helping to identify and address issues before they impact your operations.

Those seeking a provider that delivers high-level performance, security, and scalability should contact Meter to learn more.