In the past, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have carved out substantial revenue by reselling technology and services. However, the market is becoming increasingly crowded and saturated in the light of digital transformation across the enterprises.
MSPs are facing challenges that are both competitive and technical.
To keep the business running, MSPs may rely on existing customers and referrals to stay in the competition. This means selling the same services to the same people resulting in a stagnant monthly recurring revenue.
To have a competitive edge, MSPs must differentiate themselves by creating new value-added services into their offering. At the same time, building new expertise into their portfolio to better serve the fast-moving enterprise segments.
Staying Relevant in the Cloud era
Enterprises are not slowing down their Cloud journey anytime soon. In a recent Cloud adoption survey by Gartner, 81% of respondents are now using more than one public cloud and that 75% of all databases will be deployed or migrated to a Cloud platform by 2022.
As more and more enterprise applications resides in the Cloud, MSPs must consider all aspects when offering an enterprise cloud managed service. This includes the network infrastructure powering the connectivity between the enterprise’s data centre or branch locations and the Cloud Service Provider (CSP).
Without a doubt, network issues and downtime are the main weaknesses in Cloud-based services. The best strategy is to make the move into the future with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) sooner rather than later.
MSP’s enterprise customers want actual business outcomes from the services they provide. This means that the network has to match the agility and scalability of the IT applications or services offered. With SDN, MSPs can do that without sinking huge costs into building and managing their own network.
We have discussed the benefits of using a white-labelled Infiny platform. So, how does an MSP make the move to deploy an SDN platform and what are some of the considerations?
- Understanding SDN ObjectivesWhen getting started, the MSP have to understand what it wants to achieve with SDN as well as its near and long-term goals in networking. An SDN platform can support MSPs in winning new business, upsell to existing customer while delivering exceptional service experience.Having a roadmap in place will enable an MSP to measure the success of an SDN deployment and ensure greater success.
- Choosing the Right PlatformNot all SDN platforms are created equal. The best platforms can deliver a comprehensive set of networking solutions with a simple user interface that makes networking as easy as buying something on Amazon. It should also be Application Programme Interface (API)-enabled to allow MSPs to integrate and automate network services into existing applications. This puts the control of the network into their hands.
- Service ThreadingWith businesses becoming more connected and increasingly complicated, the need for multiple connectivity options in one place is becoming a necessity. MSPs need an on-demand connectivity platform that allows them to thread services together in a consistent manner.Using an SDN platform like Infiny, MSPs immediately gain a full suite of connectivity services that can be deployed on a global interconnect fabric.
- Working with Networking ExpertsThe platform isn’t everything in SDN. It is important to work with an SDN provider who can deliver a carrier-grade network underpinned by a robust Service Level Agreement (SLA).While some SDN providers may offer dense interconnections, they may not be able to guarantee the same level of Quality of Service (QoS) and Experience (QoE). In SDN, self-service provisioning doesn’t mean no touch. MSPs still need expert support from real people.
- A Growing EcosystemIf an SDN platform is not growing, it is in trouble. It has to be adding new partners, connectivity options, data centres, Internet Exchange Points (IXP) and Cloud Service Providers (CSP) to stay relevant. Epsilon is dedicated to continually evolving with emphasis on ongoing transformation of our network and interconnect ecosystem.
In the past year, we have been adding new Points of Presence (PoP) almost every month and also innovating in cross-carrier automation.
SDN platforms are going to be a true differentiator in an MSP’s business strategy. Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated if you choose the right provider.
READ WHITE PAPER:Â THE NETWORK API REVOLUTION
Book a demo with one of our experts to learn how you can use Infiny to take your business to the next level.
