Dimension Data`s Network Solutions division has extended its network offerings with the launch of a new Managed Enterprise Network solution.
The Managed Enterprise Network (MEN) manages and operates network infrastructure on behalf of clients. This includes the performance of regular health checks, feedback and optimisation of the network environment. MEN is targeted at customers who believe that the operation of a network is not a core focus of their own business.
According to Jeff Jack, technology marketing manager at Dimension Data, the MEN is a service bundle that is based on deliverables of network reliability, network surveys, technical consulting and operations, and escalation procedures.
"Within the MEN offering is a strong element of flexibility as the client can retain network control and ownership. Essentially, customers can hand over as much control as they please," he explains.
A major benefit of outsourcing the management of network infrastructure is access to specialised skills. "Tough business conditions require companies to focus on their core competencies to contain IT costs, while in many cases, enterprises lack networking skills and staff retention is a problem.
"However, in such businesses, IT is often key to achieving organisational goals. By opting for MEN, the issue of insufficient or inadequate support is obviated," Jack says.
In addition to increased operational efficiency and focus, the proactive elements of the service ensure that the network is regularly audited, evaluated and recommendations made, for the optimisation of the environment. An enterprise network must evolve with changing business requirements in order to continue to deliver the service that the enterprise requires. Dimension Data understands this and delivers this value add as one of the core deliverables of MEN.
Jack notes that since MEN delivers services based on a mutually agreed service level agreement (SLA), clients are able to start delivering an SLA-based service to their internal customers. This allows the IT department to act as an internal service provider to the business. Indeed, MEN is becoming an increasingly popular option because it allows the IT department to bill services back to business divisions based on their service level entitlement.
In addition, the MEN offering is suited to customers who want to maintain better control of their network through full ownership of the bandwidth and infrastructure, but lack the skills and resources necessary for optimal performance and reliability.
Dimension Data`s skills, competencies and resources indicate the Application Network organisation`s holistic ability to support customers, manage integrated network solutions, and satisfy evolving demands - all part of Dimension Data`s core speciality in delivering integrated, superior application networked solutions.
"Opting for MEN allows companies to focus on their business operations without concern about network performance and availability. They can go from outsourcing only those aspects of network management that they feel they cannot handle in-house, all the way to a full outsourced management option, giving them the ability to balance costs as effectively as possible," Jack concludes.
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Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT) is a leading global technology company. The group provides solutions and services that optimise and manage the performance of IT infrastructures to enable business to build competitive advantage. To achieve this, the group delivers solutions using its proprietary `Application Network` architectural framework and its expertise in networking, application integration and managed services.
Dimension Data, founded in 1983, had revenues of $2.1 billion in 2002 and operates in 30+ countries with over 9 000 employees.
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