For years, enterprises have embraced the cloud for applications, computing, and data storage. Yet, one area has lagged behind: networking. Traditionally, networks relied on costly, on-premises infrastructure and manual management processes, making them slow to adapt to modern IT demands. But as big data, AI, and machine learning workloads expand, and the workforce becomes increasingly remote, networking is entering a pivotal era of transformation.
Enter the SaaS-ification of networks—a paradigm shift that applies the simplicity and scalability of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) to networking infrastructure. Much like SaaS revolutionized applications, Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) is redefining how businesses manage, secure, and scale their networks.
The Need for Network Evolution
Legacy networks are under strain. Managing them requires constant oversight, troubleshooting, and costly upgrades. These systems struggle to meet the demands of modern businesses, which need fast, secure, and reliable data movement. Enterprises relying on outdated systems face challenges like slow provisioning, limited scalability, and increasing complexity.
In contrast, cloud-enabled networking allows businesses to offload management responsibilities to specialized providers. This not only reduces operational burdens but also enhances network performance through automation, scalability, and proactive maintenance.
NaaS vs. MSP: Choosing the Future
For enterprises looking to modernize their networks, two main options stand out: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS).
MSPs: These providers offer a range of IT services, including network management, but they often require client involvement for key decisions like upgrades or troubleshooting. Scaling an MSP-managed network can involve renegotiations and manual interventions, making it less flexible.
NaaS: NaaS providers deliver fully cloud-managed, subscription-based services. They handle everything from bandwidth allocation to network security, leveraging technologies like SD-WAN, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and AI-driven operations. NaaS offers seamless scalability, proactive maintenance, and predictable OPEX pricing, making it a more efficient and hands-off solution.
The Benefits of SaaS-ifying Networks
The shift to NaaS transforms networking into a service model where enterprises focus on outcomes, not infrastructure. Here’s why it matters:
Hands-Off Management: NaaS providers like Join Digital take full responsibility for network operations, from design to maintenance. IT teams can focus on strategic priorities instead of managing complex infrastructure.
Proactive Troubleshooting: AI-powered monitoring identifies and resolves issues before they impact performance. Self-healing capabilities ensure optimal functionality without manual intervention.
Scalability: Businesses can easily adjust network resources as needed, accommodating growth, remote work, and edge deployments.
Cost Predictability: Subscription-based pricing eliminates surprises and shifts costs from capital expenditures (CAPEX) to operating expenditures (OPEX).
Enhanced Security: With integrated zero-trust network security (ZTNS), enterprises benefit from robust protections against cyber threats.
Join Digital: A Leader in Network SaaS-ification
Join Digital exemplifies the potential of NaaS. Their AI-driven platform automates IT operations, optimizes performance, and provides proactive maintenance—all while minimizing on-premises infrastructure. Join’s customers benefit from seamless network transitions, avoiding the disruptions typically associated with cloud migrations.
“Our goal is to deliver meaningful business outcomes,” says Jayesh Patel, VP of Business Development at Join Digital. “We don’t just provide networks; we operate and optimize them so our customers can focus on their core missions.”
The Future is Here
The SaaS-ification of networks is more than a trend—it’s the future of IT. By adopting NaaS, enterprises can modernize their infrastructure, reduce operational burdens, and unlock new efficiencies. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven operations and global connectivity, NaaS ensures they’re prepared for whatever comes next.
It’s time to let go of legacy systems and embrace a cloud-first approach that prioritizes simplicity, scalability, and innovation. The future of networking is here—are you ready to take the leap?
