Campus Network as a Service: Defining the Variants

The second entry in a blog series on Campus Network as a Service (Cloud Network as a Service (NaaS) (CNaaS)) by Siân Morgan discusses the significance of aligning Cloud Network-as-a-Service (CNaaS) offerings with enterprise requirements. This insight is essential for IT leaders making informed decisions about network services.

Overview of CNaaS Variants

The blog highlights the industry lack of clarity regarding CNaaS, emphasizing the need for defining its offerings. It addresses historical lessons, drawing parallels to market missteps like the Edsel, underscoring the importance of meeting actual customer demands.

Customer Requirements

CNaaS offerings revolve around two main enterprise needs. First, organizations face increasing network complexity paired with a shortage of skilled IT professionals. This necessity for resources is magnified amid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), leading enterprises to seek efficiencies in network management.

Secondly, enterprises aim to lower capital expenses, favoring operational spending to accommodate dynamic budget allocations more effectively. CNaaS often bundles hardware and services into a predictable payment structure, catering to diverse financial preferences.

Types of CNaaS Offerings

The blog categorizes CNaaS into three distinct variants, each tailored to different aspects of enterprise requirements.

Turnkey CNaaS

This variant is provided by large companies with extensive service portfolios aimed at large enterprises, often without the involvement of Managed Service Providers. Financing options align to an enterprise's business model to enable flexibility.

Enabler CNaaS

Typically offered by established Local Area Network (LAN) vendors, Enabler CNaaS relies on partnerships with MSPs to deliver services. The model focuses on empowering MSPs to bundle services with vendor technology while simplifying the acquisition process for enterprises.

LAN-as-a-Utility

This approach involves unique hardware and software innovations to automate network operations. This category primarily targets small to mid-sized enterprises with minimal IT resources, providing a streamlined approach to network management while allowing for customized pricing based on specific requirements.

Conclusion

Each CNaaS variant presents unique features aimed at simplifying IT management. The blog concludes that despite differences, all three forms utilize public cloud-managed infrastructures and emphasize automation. The final installment of this series will explore the market potential and future outlook for these offerings.