In the IT world, delivering strategic solutions on an outsourced basis meets two critical objectives for VARs, MSPs, MSSPs, systems integrators, IT consultants, agents and the like— more revenue and happier customers. Network operations center (NOC) services are becoming an increasingly important part of that service mix.
What is a NOC?
A network operations center (NOC, pronounced “knock”), sometimes referred to as a “network management center,” is a centralized location from which network administrators and engineers monitor and manage network activity. NOC objectives include:
- Network monitoring
- Ensuring network uptime
- Network optimization
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Software distribution and updates
- Upgrades
- Customer support
How Is a NOC Designed?
NOC architecture is typically designed around customer or use-case needs. Inputs that define NOC service designs include:
- Technical needs: Which technologies need to be deployed, upgraded and/or supported?
- Operational objectives: What are the operational targets for networks and components managed by the NOC?
- Reporting needs: Which key performance indicators (KPIs) need to be measured?
- Capacity requirements: What are the anticipated near- and long-term scope and scale of monitoring and service needed?
- Service level agreement (SLA) requirements: Which service levels (or tiers) are needed for specific NOC activities?
These inputs allow network engineers and NOC solutions planners to develop blueprints for the infrastructure (hardware, software) and personnel needed to meet NOC objectives.
Are NOC and SOC services related?
NOC and security operations center (SOC) services are complementary in that, together, they ensure maximum network performance, reliability and uptime. Synergistic benefits can be generated when the two are operationally aligned. This alignment can be achieved via company-owned assets (both a NOC and a SOC) or through strategic outsourcing to a provider that delivers both Network Operations Center Services and Managed SOC Services on an outsourced basis.
Who Benefits Most from a NOC?
Historically, NOCs were the exclusive domain of large enterprises and telecommunications network service providers. However, with the adoption of cloud-based infrastructure and applications and the emergence of NOC-as-a-service, NOC solutions also have become essential tools for small and medium businesses (SMBs). Enterprises and SMBs access managed NOC services for different but related reasons:
- Enterprises access outsourced NOC services instead of building and maintaining their own NOCs for cost advantages
- SMBs access outsourced NOC services because building and maintaining their own NOCs is cost-prohibitive
On the supply side of the NOC equation, broad-spectrum demand for managed NOC services presents business opportunities for companies in the IT infrastructure and services space. IT solutions providers (e.g., VARs, MSPs, MSSPs, systems integrators and other firms) that provide outsourced IT services can provide managed NOC services to generate recurring revenues, increase customer stickiness and bolster their service portfolios.
Should You Build a Network Operations Center or Tap into an Existing Solution?
IT service providers pursuing opportunities in NOC services face the same “build vs. buy” considerations their enterprise clients face. And many are opting for an outsourced solution with a NOC services provider partner for those same reasons:
- Costs: Building, maintaining and upgrading a state-of-the-art NOC is capital-intensive. Outsourcing NOC services eliminates significant capital outlays for all three phases and helps avoid near-term overspending to “future-proof” the NOC to handle business growth.
- Human Resources: IT teams are stretched further today than ever before. Outsourcing NOC management to expert teams allows valuable talent to focus less on maintenance and more on high-value outcomes.
- Time-to-market: Managed NOC services can be deployed virtually overnight when working with a provider partner with infrastructure and resources already deployed and operational.
Tapping into a provider partner’s existing solution also benefits IT service providers through:
- Growth support: A good provider partner can advise you on which growth tactics yield the best results.
- Target diversity: Accessing an existing solution allows you to provide services on-demand to firms of any size.
Best Practices for Finding the Right NOC Solution
Your partner should deliver for your IT services firm where and when it matters. Look for a partner that can provide the following:
- Proven channel expertise from a dedicated team
- Round-the-clock support for you and your customers
- High-margin opportunities
- Low entry barriers
- Deal registration and customer protection
And be sure to choose a provider that can also serve as your cybersecurity partner and provide network solutions so you can deliver single-source, end-to-end, full-lifecycle services to your customers.
Want to Build a NOC-as-a-Service Practice?
Contact a High Wire NOC Specialist today.
