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Adapting Post-COVID with NaaS By Prasanna C S oftware-defined network- ing (SDN), in the form of network-as-a-service (NaaS), plays a central role in how efficiently an organization manages and runs its IT networks today. With hybrid cloud environments and multiple applications connected across remote and centralized offices, modern IT is becoming increasingly complex and putting strain on legacy networking models. Organizations that have not trans- formed their approach to network- ing, be it an enterprise or a service provider, have been shown to be in a poor position when it comes to handling unexpected events such as we have seen in 2020. Digital transformation is also reaching a tipping point where it will account for more than half of all ICT spending by 2023, according to IDC. Cloud-centric on-demand networking enables them to not only adapt to the new business climate, but also helps to reduce risk and delivers consistent service experience. The aftermath of a crisis means the continual accelera- tion of digital transformation, and this must be reflected in networking strate - gies as well. For service providers such as managed service providers and telecom carriers, they can rely on an SDN platform or NaaS model to enable their customers’ IT teams to access the network resources and services. Furthermore, some platforms available today enable high levels of automation with the use of application programming interface (API) as well as white-label options. Like how the cloud is being consumed today, NaaS is a flexible model that is ready to serve both short- term and long-term needs efficiently. How is it accelerating the much-needed transformation today? • Grow anywhere with on-demand access to network services – To adapt fast and grow in new markets, businesses need to seriously consider NaaS as a mandatory approach to building and managing their network resources. Having access to a diverse ecosystem of data centers, cloud and IXs, NaaS provides a single platform for procuring, delivering and managing global network resources. It provides a seamless connectivity model for all kinds of businesses with on-demand interconnection and fast and automated service provisioning. • Built-in flexibility, scalability and adaptability – Built on the founda- tion of SDN, NaaS supports the flexibility to scale network services to meet new end user demands and the deployment of new applications and cloud services. With on-demand services and automated service deliv- ery, organizational IT teams can buy and deploy network services at the click-of-a-button and quickly scale to unexpected events. • Greater cost-efficiency in the long run – The NaaS model offers a “pay for what you use” model, ensuring business users never have to overpay for bandwidth they don’t use. As the demand spikes or dips, they can scale up or reduce capacity efficiently while new services also can be added when needed. In the long run, this model help organizations to better manage their network spend while meeting customers’ needs in a timely manner. • End-to-end control, transparency, visibility and monitoring – Being able to respond to rapidly shifting demands with real-time analytics and intuitive network management is a big advan- tage. SDN platforms today offer high visibility into the network performance and enable troubleshooting across the network. Any unplanned outages on the network or fluctuations can be immedi - ately rectified, which mitigates the damage and reduces the potential cost. • Automation and control – One of NaaS’ key propositions is network automation and its ability to procure services on-demand. There is no more waiting for a circuit to be turned up or pricing to be shared by an account manager via email. The entire process can be managed through a web-based portal, putting the organization in control of its connectivity with greater efficiency and agility. A service that would have taken weeks to provi- sion manually on the backend can be actioned in a matter of minutes. This year like no other has shown businesses across the globe that adaptability is vital for success, and preparedness for the future is now of upmost importance as we adjust to an uncertain business environment. NaaS solutions are amongst some of the best services that channel partners can adopt to expand their service portfolios. With interconnection and the cloud becoming essential IT needs, organizations need to be able move and adapt quickly. Networking is rapidly moving into the future, and businesses need to move with it. The time to remove legacy networking models is now, and SDN and NaaS provide a solution that is ready to grow and scale with chang- ing business needs now and into the future. o Prasanna C is the deputy director of product at Epsilon. AT YOUR SERVICE: XaaS 16 CHANNEL VISION | September - October, 2020