Managed WiFi is typically a business-oriented service that allows an enterprise to contract with a third-party vendor to assume the responsibilities involved in setting up, securing, configuring, maintaining, updating and/or supporting a WiFi network in their workplace. An enterprise may own and operate their own WiFi infrastructure, or they may rent or lease space to house their networks. Many people use Managed WiFi for their enterprise network requirements because of its high availability features and its cost effectiveness. These benefits help many organizations to adopt managed WiFi instead of purchasing and maintaining their own WiFi networks. However, not all managed services for WiFi are created equal.
Not all managed services for Wi-Fi are cloud-based.
In some instances, the service is delivered on a hardware-based basis, which offers the benefit of being easier to deploy, but comes with a higher price tag. Some cloud-based managed WiFi services come with hardware-based management, but they are usually sold as add-on products. Some also come as part of managed WAN solutions offered by vendors such as Nortel or ShoreTel.
A managed service for private wifi networks offers several distinct advantages over hardware based management. First of all, a business can install the entire system themselves, avoiding the cost and difficulty involved with managing an individual network. A second advantage is that they can have more hands on control over their private wireless networks. Finally, customers enjoy the highest quality customer experience possible because their data is secure, and they receive real time customer support when problems arise.
Many organizations fail to realize the importance of customer loyalty and how it relates to managed wifi. Without a strong customer base, an enterprise would not be able to sustain the kind of investment required to set up and maintain their own managed wifi networks. Managing their own data is vitally important to companies with limited IT resources. The lack of expertise in this area is what leads many companies to try and manage their own data without any help. An enterprise can understand foot traffic analysis and how to optimize their networks for efficient usage, all while ensuring that they are not wasting resources that could be better utilized elsewhere.
Managed public Wi-Fi serves several different purposes.
First, enterprises will gain the ability to effectively monitor the effectiveness of their public wifi network by the data gathered from managed wifi equipment. These reports can be analyzed in relation to peak hours, off peak hours, average use, and even times of day when the most traffic is active. Knowing this information allows an enterprise to take steps to reduce their overall bandwidth usage and, in turn, their overall costs.
By managing their own data, enterprises can also reduce the amount of hardware costs related to their devices. This includes avoiding the high prices associated with purchasing and maintaining additional devices. Additionally, managed services can help a company make the most of their existing hardware by helping them identify potential savings opportunities. The identification and prioritization of these savings opportunities can lead to lower purchases of replacement devices. Not only does this save money on purchasing costs, but it can also improve device performance and extend the life of older devices.
A managed service provider is also capable of offering customised solutions for their customers. By partnering with a managed wifi solution provider, a business can tailor their service plans to better fit their individual needs. For instance, a business may require a certain amount of bandwidth on a monthly basis, but may need that amount distributed more evenly between different devices.
- In summary, a managed service provider is capable of offering businesses a number of unique benefits. Businesses can benefit by managing their own data with the assistance of managed wifi solutions.
- They can also avoid the high costs and maintenance overhead associated with procuring additional devices and maintaining an old-fashioned wired wifi network.
- Finally, businesses can take advantage of customized solutions that will allow them to maximize their customer experience.