Overcoming network challenges: How walk-in takeover managed LAN services boost efficiency
Published by Colt Technology Services on April 14, 2025
As businesses embrace hybrid working, delivering a seamless digital experience has never been more critical. Whether employees are working remotely or returning to the office, they expect fast, secure and reliable connectivity to support productivity and collaboration. Consumers also demand smooth, omnichannel interactions: whether engaging in person, online, or both.
To meet these expectations, organisations must ensure their IT infrastructure is both resilient and adaptable. CIOs today face the challenge of maintaining high-performance networks while improving security and optimising operations across diverse work environments. While businesses often focus on wide area network (WAN) upgrades and larger digital transformation initiatives, local area networks (LANs) are frequently overlooked, despite being the backbone of connectivity within offices and branches. A robust local area network (LAN) is at the heart of this transformation, enabling secure access to data, effective collaboration, and seamless customer experiences. Yet many businesses are finding their aging network infrastructure struggling to keep up with growing demands.
The need for modern network management in a hybrid world
For enterprises of all sizes, outdated networks are becoming a roadblock to innovation and efficiency. Years of underinvestment, fragmented upgrades and increasing complexity have led to networks that are difficult to manage, prone to downtime and vulnerable to security threats. The shift back to office spaces, albeit in a more flexible, hybrid form, has only highlighted these gaps.
IT teams are stretched thin, managing legacy networks while supporting an ever-growing number of connected devices and tackling evolving cybersecurity risks. The challenge is no longer just about upgrading infrastructure but rethinking how networks are managed to align with today’s dynamic business needs.
The walk-in takeover solution: Simplifying network management
A walk-in takeover managed service provides a fast and effective way to modernise and simplify network management. Unlike traditional network overhauls, which can be costly and disruptive, a walk-in takeover allows organisations to quickly regain control of their infrastructure with minimal operational downtime.
In this approach, a network solutions provider takes responsibility for managing an organisation’s existing network environment. The service begins with a comprehensive health assessment, identifying any risks, vulnerabilities or performance issues. The provider then implements best practices for configuration, monitoring and security, ensuring the network is optimised, scalable and protected against cyber threats.
For businesses, the benefits are clear:
- Immediate stability – A rapid takeover of the existing infrastructure helps restore operational continuity without major disruption.
- Reduced IT burden – In-house IT teams can focus on strategic projects rather than day-to-day network maintenance.
- Enhanced security – Regular patching, real-time monitoring and access control measures protect against evolving security threats.
- Future-proofing – A clear roadmap for upgrades ensures the network remains scalable and aligned with long-term business goals.
A European retailer’s network transformation
A leading European fashion retailer, operating over 200 stores across multiple countries, faced significant challenges with its network infrastructure post-pandemic. The rise of omnichannel retailing and the increasing customer demand for seamless digital experiences in-store put enormous pressure on their outdated network, which struggled to support modern technologies like mobile POS systems, smart fitting rooms and real-time inventory management.
By adopting a walk-in takeover managed service, the retailer quickly stabilised its network. The service provider conducted a thorough audit, optimised existing hardware, and implemented proactive monitoring across all locations. The result? Improved connectivity, reduced downtime, and a more agile IT team focused on innovation rather than maintenance. The retailer also benefited from a phased upgrade plan, allowing a cost-effective transition to future-proofed technology without disrupting operations.
Future-proof your business with managed network services
As businesses navigate the evolving demands of hybrid working and digital transformation, a modern, well-managed network is critical. A walk-in takeover managed service provides an efficient, low-disruption solution for revitalising legacy networks, ensuring they are optimised to meet today’s expectations for security, performance and scalability.
By partnering with a trusted managed service provider, enterprises can turn their network infrastructure from a liability into a strategic asset, powering future growth and innovation.
To learn more about network walk-in takeovers, head to our managed LAN product page or read our dedicated press release.
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