Network as a service (NaaS) platforms provide cloud-based network capabilities, such as connectivity, security, traffic optimization, and monitoring, through a centralized, virtualized environment. These platforms significantly reduce the need for businesses to invest in and manage traditional on-premises networking hardware, though minimal edge devices or customer premises equipment may still be required. By shifting network intelligence and control to the cloud, NaaS offers greater scalability, faster deployment, and easier management.
NaaS is typically delivered via subscription or usage-based pricing, moving network costs from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx). Offerings commonly include the underlying infrastructure, network management software, orchestration tools, application programming interfaces (API), licenses, integrated security services, and provider-managed support in a single solution. By bundling these elements, NaaS platforms simplify operations, reduce complexity, and enable organizations to adopt new capabilities quickly.
Compared to traditional networking, which can be costly and complex, NaaS platforms use cloud-based automation for streamlined configuration and management. Security is built in, with features such as encryption, firewalls, zero-trust policies, and, in many cases, advanced protections like secure web gateways or intrusion prevention.
NaaS is used across industries like finance, healthcare, and retail, benefiting IT teams, network administrators, and business owners with scalable and secure network solutions. Whether it’s a startup looking for a flexible network solution or a large corporation managing multiple locations, NaaS provides an easy way to scale and maintain network operations.
Many NaaS offerings also integrate virtual private network (VPN) and SD-WAN capabilities, delivering secure remote access and optimized traffic management without the complexity of fully managing these solutions on-premises. VPN-like encrypted connectivity can often be achieved without dedicated hardware, while cloud-managed SD-WAN enhances flexibility, automation, and network performance.
To qualify for inclusion in the Network as a Service (NaaS) category, a product must:
Offer on-demand scalability, allowing businesses to adjust network resources as needed
Enable cloud-based management through a centralized dashboard or API for easy configuration and monitoring
Include integrated security features such as encryption, firewalls, zero trust policies, and compliance with industry standards
Provide secure remote access by delivering VPN-like encrypted connectivity without requiring physical hardware
Offer automation and zero-touch provisioning to simplify deployment and management
Use a subscription-based model, operating on a pay-as-you-go or usage-based pricing structure
