Managing a business network requires more than installing routers and switches. Organizations need ongoing monitoring, troubleshooting, security management, performance optimization, maintenance, and technical support.

For some businesses, these responsibilities are handled entirely by an internal IT department. Others choose to work with a managed network service provider.

Neither approach is identical for every organization. The right model depends on the company's infrastructure, internal expertise, budget, security requirements, and operational priorities.

Understanding the differences can help businesses determine which approach fits their environment.

What Is In-House Network Management?

With an in-house model, the organization's internal IT team is responsible for managing the network.

Responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring network infrastructure

• Troubleshooting connectivity problems

• Managing routers and switches

• Maintaining firewalls

• Managing wireless networks

• Monitoring performance

• Applying updates

• Responding to incidents

• Supporting employees

An experienced internal IT team can provide direct knowledge of the organization's technology environment.

However, network management can become challenging when infrastructure expands or internal teams have competing responsibilities.

What Are Managed Network Services?

Managed network services involve outsourcing some or all network management responsibilities to a specialized service provider.

The provider may handle network monitoring, infrastructure management, security, performance optimization, troubleshooting, and technical support.

Axelliant's managed network services include proactive monitoring, network security, cloud and hybrid network management, performance optimization, and 24/7 support. (axelliant.com)

Comparing the Two Approaches

Internal Expertise

An internal IT team provides employees who already understand the organization's systems, applications, and business processes.

A managed network provider adds access to specialized networking professionals without requiring the organization to hire every skill internally.

Some businesses use a hybrid approach, keeping strategic IT responsibilities in-house while outsourcing specialized network management.

Monitoring and Availability

Internal teams may monitor networks during normal working hours unless the organization has dedicated resources for around-the-clock coverage.

Managed network providers may offer continuous monitoring and support.

For businesses that depend on network availability outside standard working hours, 24/7 network monitoring can be an important consideration.

Network Security

Network security requires ongoing attention as infrastructure and threats change.

An internal IT team may manage firewalls, access controls, network configurations, and security monitoring.

A managed network provider can supplement internal capabilities with dedicated network expertise and monitoring.

Axelliant incorporates network security and threat protection into its managed network services. (axelliant.com)

Scalability

A company's network requirements can change significantly as it grows.

New offices, employees, cloud applications, remote workers, and connected devices can all increase network complexity.

An internal IT department may need additional employees and resources to support this growth.

Managed network services can provide access to additional technical resources as infrastructure requirements evolve.

Cost Considerations

Cost comparisons should consider more than the monthly price of a managed service.

An internal network management model can involve costs associated with:

• IT salaries

• Recruiting

• Training

• Networking certifications

• Monitoring tools

• Security tools

• Hardware

• Maintenance

• After-hours support

Managed services typically involve a recurring service cost but can provide access to infrastructure expertise and monitoring capabilities without requiring the business to build every capability internally.

Businesses should evaluate total operational requirements rather than comparing only individual expenses.

Access to Specialized Network Expertise

Networking environments can become highly specialized.

Organizations may need expertise in areas such as:

• Cloud networking

• Hybrid infrastructure

• Network security

• Performance optimization

• Wireless networking

• Network monitoring

• Infrastructure troubleshooting

A managed network provider can give organizations access to specialists who focus specifically on networking technologies.

When In-House Management May Make Sense

An internal approach may be suitable for organizations with:

• A large IT department

• Dedicated network engineers

• Complex internal infrastructure

• Established monitoring capabilities

• Strong cybersecurity resources

• Requirements for direct internal control

The organization may also choose to maintain strategic network responsibilities internally.

When Managed Network Services May Be Useful

Managed network services may be worth evaluating when a business has:

• Limited networking expertise

• A small IT team

• Multiple locations

• Remote employees

• Growing cloud usage

• Frequent network problems

• Increasing security requirements

• A need for 24/7 monitoring

Businesses can also combine internal IT resources with managed services rather than choosing one model exclusively.

A Hybrid Approach Can Provide Flexibility

Many organizations do not need to completely outsource their IT operations.

Instead, they can use a hybrid model where internal IT teams retain responsibility for business strategy, applications, and user support while a managed network provider handles specialized networking responsibilities.

This can give internal teams additional capacity while maintaining internal ownership of important technology decisions.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Network Management Model

Before deciding between internal and managed network management, consider:

1. How complex is the current network?

2. How many locations and users need support?

3. Does the business require 24/7 monitoring?

4. Does the internal IT team have sufficient networking expertise?

5. How quickly must network incidents be resolved?

6. Is cloud or hybrid infrastructure expanding?

7. What network security responsibilities must be covered?

8. What will the total cost of each model be?

9. How quickly is the business expected to grow?

These questions can help organizations evaluate their requirements objectively.

Managing Your Network as Your Business Grows

There is no universal network management model for every organization.

Some businesses maintain strong internal networking teams, while others benefit from specialized external support. A hybrid approach can also provide flexibility.

Managed network services can provide access to continuous monitoring, security management, performance optimization, cloud and hybrid network expertise, and technical support.

Axelliant provides managed network services designed to help businesses manage and maintain modern network infrastructure with proactive monitoring, security, optimization, and 24/7 support. (axelliant.com)

The key is to choose a network management approach that matches the organization's infrastructure, internal capabilities, security requirements, and long-term operational needs.