Outsourcing network management for SMEs

A good network never stands out. Until the wifi stutters in the meeting room, the till system goes down or new employees cannot get a connection. For many SMEs the network is a blind spot: it was set up once, and since then nobody really pays attention to it. Outsourcing network management solves that. In this article you read what it involves, what it delivers and what to look for when choosing a partner.

What exactly is network management?

Network management is the designing, setting up, monitoring and maintaining of everything that connects your devices to each other and to the internet: the cabling, switches, the wifi network, the firewall and the internet connection. Good network management ensures this stays stable, fast and secure, even as your organisation grows.

For network management for SMEs it is not about the most expensive equipment, but about the right setup: coverage everywhere you work, separated networks for guests and staff, and an environment you can monitor remotely.

Why SMEs outsource their network management

Most SMEs do not have a network specialist on the payroll, and that is not necessary either. But a network nobody manages slowly becomes a risk: outdated equipment, no view of malfunctions and security that falls behind. By outsourcing your network management you place it with specialists who keep an eye on it continuously.

You notice the difference especially when something happens. Instead of searching for the cause yourself, there is a party that sees the malfunction coming or resolves it straight away. And when you grow or move, you do not have to figure it out yourself.

The building blocks of a business network

A network is more than a little router from the provider. For a stable, secure work environment a few components are important:

• Cabling. The foundation. Neat, well-laid cabling prevents half of all vague malfunctions.
• Switches. Distribute the network across all your devices, reliably and quickly.
• Wifi (access points). For coverage everywhere you work, without dead spots or dropping connections.
• Firewall. Guards the border between your network and the internet and keeps unwanted traffic out.
• Separated networks. Guest wifi separate from your business network, so visitors can never reach your data.

Good network management ensures these components are aligned and can be monitored centrally. That way you see a problem coming instead of being surprised by it.

What does outsourced network management deliver?

• Stable wifi, everywhere. No more dead spots and no more dropping connections.
• Continuous monitoring. Problems are noticed and resolved before they bother you.
• A safer network. Guest and staff traffic separated, firewall in order.
• Room to grow. An extra floor or location? The network scales along.
• One point of contact. For your entire IT, because network management connects seamlessly to your workstation management.

Why we work with Ubiquiti UniFi

For business networks we work with UniFi from Ubiquiti. It is reliable, professional equipment that we can manage and monitor centrally, without the high recurring licence costs of some other brands. That way you get business-grade wifi and network security, with management we take off your hands entirely.

Whether it is one office or multiple locations: we design the network for your situation, install it neatly and keep it running afterwards. Read more about that on our page about network management with UniFi.

Monitored remotely, on site where needed

The biggest advantage of outsourced network management is in the monitoring. We monitor your network continuously and remotely: if an access point fails or a connection fills up, we often see that sooner than you do. We resolve many malfunctions remotely, without anyone having to come by. And if someone is needed on site after all, for example for cabling or new equipment, we are there. That way you combine the speed of remote management with the certainty that someone comes when it is really needed. For your colleagues that means: fewer malfunctions, and if something is wrong, resolved quickly.

What to look for when outsourcing?

Choose a partner that not only installs your network, but also keeps monitoring and managing it. Check whether monitoring and troubleshooting are included in the rate, whether you own or rent the equipment, and whether the network management connects to the rest of your IT. One party for workstation, security and network saves you a lot of hassle.

Ready for a network that just works?

Want to know whether your network is future-proof? Schedule a no-obligation consultation. We look at your current situation and tell you honestly what could be better.