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Network as a Service - what is it and why are businesses turning to it?
Network as a Service (NaaS) is a flexible, consumption based way to manage your network connectivity. It allows businesses to scale bandwidth on demand, reduce complexity and focus on productivity with a single, intelligent portal. With NaaS, you can quote, order and activate services in minutes, without the need for lengthy paperwork or rigid long-term contracts. The result: secure, global connectivity tailored to your exact needs. While cloud services have embraced agility and usage-based models, many organisations still rely on traditional network setups, which can be costly, inefficient and slow to adapt. As IT strategies evolve, networks must keep pace.
- 95% of IT and networking professionals recognise a critical need for NaaS and multi-cloud technologies
- with 84% planning to invest in them within the next year
To understand how NaaS delivers real business value, let's explore some real-world use cases that showcase its flexibility and impact.
Use Case #1: Seamless global connectivity for a global film festival
Challenge: An international film festival required a high performance network to support live streaming, media uploads and VIP digital experiences across multiple venues.With thousands of attendees, global press and online audiences, network downtime was not an option. Managing connectivity manually would have required weeks of planning, last-minute troubleshooting and extensive IT resources.
Solution: By adopting Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), the festival’s network was fully managed by a solutions provider. On-demand bandwidth is adjusted in real-time to meet fluctuating demand, while edge networking ensures seamless content delivery. Built-in security protected against cyberthreats, eliminating the need for constant IT intervention.
Outcome: The festival delivered a flawless streaming experience, effortless on-site connectivity and enhanced VIP digital engagement. Organisers gained peace of mind, and theIT team was free to focus on improving the event rather than firefighting network issues.
Use Case #2: A retail giant unified its global network
Challenge: A major international retailer with hundreds of stores across Europe and APAC struggled to maintain a secure and reliable network. Each store operated on different providers and outdated systems, leading to frequent IT troubleshooting and inefficiencies.
Solution: By switching to NaaS, the retailer implemented a fully managed, software-defined network. This provided secure and seamless connectivity across all locations, enabling instant new store connections without logistical delays. A centralised online portal simplified network management, while security updates, bandwidth adjustments and performance monitoring were automated.
Outcome: For the retailer, this meant more time to focus on business expansion and customer experience. For its IT team, it meant fewer late-night calls and weekend emergencies, making both work and personal life easier to manage.
Use Case #4: A cloud provider enhances its service offerings
Challenge: A leading cloud services provider sought to improve networking capabilities for enterprise clients transitioning to hybrid and multi-cloud environments.Traditional networks required extensive configuration, causing delays and security vulnerabilities.
Solution: By integrating NaaS, the provider enabled seamless cloud connectivity with on-demand bandwidth, automated security updates, and real-time performance optimisation.The solution provider managed all aspects of the network, eliminating configuration complexities for clients.
Outcome: Enterprise clients experienced faster cloud adoption with enhanced security and reliability. IT teams could redirect their efforts towards high-value projects, while the provider gained time to focus on strengthening its market position as a leader in cloud solutions.
Use Case #5: A managed IT services firm expands its capabilities
Challenge: A leading cloud services provider sought to improve networking capabilities for enterprise clients transitioning to hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Traditional networks required extensive configuration, causing delays and security vulnerabilities.
Solution: By integrating NaaS, the provider enabled seamless cloud connectivity with on-demand bandwidth, automated security updates, and real-time performance optimisation. The solution provider managed all aspects of the network, eliminating configuration complexities for clients.
Outcome: Enterprise clients experienced faster cloud adoption with enhanced security and reliability. IT teams could redirect their efforts towards high-value projects, while the provider gained time to focus on strengthening its market position as a leader in cloud solutions.
Colt Network as a Service: take the complexity out of connectivity
Colt On Demand, our Network-as-a-Service platform, makes managing your network easier, so your team can focus on what matters.Our platform, which launched more than seven years ago, was the earliest, first-to-market iteration of NaaS. It introduced a simplified, automated self-service platform that streamlined the ordering and provisioning process, cutting through complexity. With better data centre and cloud connectivity than anyone else, Colt On Demand offers unparalleled global reach. So whether you’re scaling globally, supporting hybrid work, or expanding digital services, Colt On Demand gives you flexible, secure connectivity without the complexity.
See how it works. Explore our interactive portal demo and discover how effortless network management can be.
