With the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model, you outsource the delivery, operation and management of your network infrastructure. Who can you trust?

Here are six questions to ask a NaaS provider before you sign a contract.

1. Do they have vision?

We are evolving towards the mobility society, where everything is connected and infused with intelligence and real-time data.

Imagine you take a ride in an autonomous car, and your online shopping is there waiting for you when it arrives, while your movie watchlist is cued up on the passenger screen. A whole ecosystem of connected services, including car operators, online shops and streaming companies, can collaborate to give you a smooth customer experience.

Across all industries, new opportunities will arise as technology develops and new business concepts take shape, enabling companies to cooperate as never before.

The question is: will your network be able to keep up?

You need a network-as-a-service provider who will not just rent you connectivity but will walk beside you as a partner as your business changes. Service providers expect changes in demand, adding and removing users as the size of your business changes. But few will be ready to radically transform the services they offer you, so you can take advantage of new alliances and new types of connection at the edge of the network. Choose a vendor that shares your vision, and your drive to seize new opportunities.

2. Do they have strong vendor relationships?

Under the old procurement model, you evaluated network equipment vendors, chose the one you trusted the most and installed its kit.

In the new world, you tell your NaaS provider what your requirements are, but it’s up to them to choose the right equipment to meet them.

As a result, it’s vital that your NaaS provider has strong relationships with the leading network equipment manufacturers. Ask them who they work with, so you can have confidence in the network infrastructure they will provide for you.

3. Do they use applied observability?

Most businesses are inundated with data, but do they do anything with it? Increasingly, the idea of applied observability is taking hold. The aim is to systematically use data in real time to respond to change.

For a NaaS provider, data is valuable in the short term to operate the network and protect it against intrusion. In the medium term, data can help to shape the network in response to changing demand in the business. Over longer timescales, it might be possible to identify where the network should be scaled up, down or out to match how your business is changing.

By using data effectively, a NaaS provider can become a knowledgeable partner, able to recommend where the network service can be improved and waste can be eliminated.

4. Can they offer the security you need?

We’ll call this one a bonus question, because if you’re happy with the answers to the two previous questions, you’ll be happy with this one.

It’s hard to judge how effective the security of a network is from the outside, but you can have greater confidence in a network that is based on proven, reputable technologies, and that is well observed. If the NaaS provider is offering bespoke solutions or lacks the insight and agility to respond to incidents, it’s riskier.

5. Do they have the right commercial models for you?

The difference between network-as-a-service and traditional network procurement is the business model. You might end up using the same network infrastructure, but you’ll pay for it in a different way. There’s a lot of flexibility in how the commercial terms can be structured, so talk to your provider to negotiate a model that works for both of you.

In the traditional network procurement model, you might ask about the price of each network element, such as a switch. In the NaaS world, you consume a service and pay according to the number of user devices, access points or other service parameters. It’s simpler and more responsive to your business requirements.

Anything is possible: some NaaS providers will take over your existing network infrastructure, maintain it and evolve it, while you pay them on a consumption basis.

6. Do they have breadth?

When you shift your mindset to think about the network capabilities you need to acquire, instead of concentrating on buying infrastructure, it liberates you to think about the future. What shape might your business and your network ideally take tomorrow? You can choose your NaaS provider today with that in mind.

To have confidence that your NaaS provider can accompany you on your journey, you need to know that they can deliver their service globally and using a range of connectivity technologies. While you might only need fixed connectivity in the UK today, your next business opportunity might need wireless data collection and be based in the US or Europe.

By choosing a provider that supports global connectivity across a range of technologies, you can seize new opportunities wherever and whenever they arise.

Any more questions?

We hope these questions will help you to find the right NaaS partner for your business. If you have questions of your own about NaaS, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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Did you know that you can use a pay-per-use model, similar to how you buy software, but for fixed assets and infrastructure?

That’s Network-as-as-a-service (NaaS). It’s a consumption-based model for buying network infrastructure services that are based on physical assets.

Instead of buying, installing and managing infrastructure, a NaaS provider does this for you. In return, you pay them an agreed price based on the number of users or devices on the network.

You could even pay for your current on-site network infrastructure to be maintained, managed and evolved using a NaaS contract. In fact, this is one of the best ways to break the cycle of buying hardware and upgrading when it falls out of support (or incurring technical debt if you don’t).

The entire responsibility for the network infrastructure lifecycle can be handed over to a NaaS provider, who will manage the network today and update it to ensure continuous service delivery. You just pay to use that network.

NaaS is attractive for a lot of companies because it enables them to move from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operational expenditure (OpEx). They don’t have to make heavy up-front investments, and they benefit from more predictable and consistent costs.

At the same time, they gain a lot of flexibility. A good NaaS provider will not only enable its customers to scale their network infrastructure up and down as their business requirements change but will also enable them to expand into new technologies and regions.

For example, as new Internet of Things (IoT) applications launch to bring real-time data into the business, a good NaaS partner will simplify the process of connecting them. Should a company expand into a new country, organically or through acquisition, a global NaaS provider can extend the network seamlessly. In this way, NaaS helps to future-proof a business.

Although the consumption-based pricing for NaaS looks a lot like the cloud, NaaS does not necessarily use cloud or software-defined networking technologies.

The following table summarises how NaaS compares to traditional networking:

For most companies, the transition to NaaS requires a shift in mindset. For decades, they will have been procuring hardware from major network equipment providers. The buying process will have involved evaluating hardware vendors and technical specifications. With NaaS, they don’t need to dig into that level of technical detail, but they do need to have confidence in the NaaS provider’s ability to deliver a reliable service. See our guide to choosing a NaaS provider.

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Building a Sustainable Future Through Circularity

Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. As industries face growing pressure to reduce waste, optimise resource use and improve resource efficiency, the transition to a circular economy is becoming essential.

Moving away from the traditional “take, make, dispose” model requires rethinking how resources are used, maximising longevity, and minimising environmental impact.

Rethinking Resource Use for a Sustainable Economy

Circular economy principles prioritise resource reuse, extending product lifespans, minimising waste, and reducing reliance on raw materials. Businesses across industries—from logistics and manufacturing to IT and telecoms—must adopt sustainable practices that align environmental responsibility with operational efficiency.

Technology plays a key role in this shift. Optimised IT infrastructure, as-a-service models, and lifecycle management solutions help reduce hardware waste, improve energy efficiency, and ensure that assets are refurbished, repurposed, or recycled. By integrating these strategies, businesses can drive both environmental and commercial benefits, enhancing resilience in a rapidly evolving market.

Data: The Key to Net Zero

Achieving net zero requires real-time visibility into resource consumption, particularly Scope 3—the most complex and often the most significant emissions category. Organisations need accurate data to track their environmental impact, identify inefficiencies, and make informed sustainability decisions.

Advanced monitoring tools now offer real-time insights into operational sustainability across supply chains. AI-driven solutions help businesses detect areas for energy optimisation, improve resource utilisation, and comply with evolving environmental regulations. Beyond compliance, data-driven transparency strengthens trust with customers, investors, and stakeholders—positioning businesses as sustainability leaders.

A Balanced, Data-Driven Approach to Sustainability

Building a sustainable future isn’t just about meeting targets—it’s about creating smarter, more resilient businesses. By cutting waste through circularity, leveraging data-driven insights, and optimising resource management, organisations can drive sustainability without compromising efficiency or profitability.

For a closer look at how circularity and real-time data are shaping sustainability strategies, read our Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Paul Warburton’s article for Logistics Business: Sustainability through Circularity and Real-Time Solutions

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The Future of Insurance in a Connected World

The rise of smart, connected ecosystems—where transport, infrastructure, and services seamlessly integrate— is changing the insurance landscape. Traditional static models are giving way to real-time, adaptive coverage that continuously evolves with consumer behaviour and external factors.

The insurance industry must evolve to meet changing consumer demands. With expectations for personalised, instant services, insurers must offer data-driven solutions that reflect how people live and interact today.

From Fixed Premiums to Real-Time Risk

Traditional insurance uses historic data to assess risk, but the rise of real-time insights is revolutionising the industry. Connected vehicles, smart home sensors, and wearable devices provide continuous data, enabling insurers to adjust premiums dynamically. Factors like driving behaviour, road conditions, weather events, and congestion patterns can all influence pricing, ensuring fairer, usage-based policies tailored to individual risk.

AI-Driven Claims and Fraud Prevention

Artificial intelligence is streamlining insurance, from automating claims to detecting fraud. For instance, AI-powered image analysis can instantly assess vehicle damage, minimising disputes and speeding up payouts. Advanced algorithms identify anomalies in claims, reducing fraud, cutting costs, and boosting efficiency. The result? Faster settlements, improved accuracy, and enhanced customer experiences.

Securing Data in a Hyper-Connected World

As digital ecosystems expand, insurers must balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that customer data remains protected and secure.

With vast amounts of real-time data, insurers face increased cybersecurity and regulatory challenges. Robust encryption, strict data governance, and compliance with ever-evolving privacy laws are critical to maintaining trust.

Embracing New Risks in the Mobility Society

The Mobility Society is reshaping how we live, with interconnected services like smart homes and on-demand vertical farms. This transformation calls for new approaches in insurance. Key questions arise: Who is liable in an autonomous vehicle accident? How do insurers cover shared fleets? Emerging frameworks, such as pay-as-you-go and event-triggered policies, are offering flexible, real-time coverage tailored to these evolving trends.

Insurance for the Future

As mobility, technology, and consumer expectations evolve, insurers must adopt dynamic, data-driven solutions. By harnessing the power of AI, real-time analytics, and interconnected ecosystems, the industry can provide smarter, more agile insurance that anticipates emerging risks and adapts seamlessly to a rapidly changing world.

To explore further how insurers can navigate this evolving landscape, read our Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Paul Warburton’s article for Insurance Edge: The Future of Insurance in the Mobility Society: Navigating Change and Embracing Connectivity.

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Applied Observability – Driving Real-Time Insights, Not Just Data

In today’s fast-paced world, Applied Observability is essential. It goes beyond simply collecting data—it’s about using it to drive real-time, meaningful change across industries.

What is Applied Observability?

Drawing on principles from Agile Software development and LEAN methodologies, Applied Observability strengthens connections with customers. This approach doesn’t just adopt new technologies; it redefines how IT challenges are addressed, focusing on real-time, continuous improvement.

Why LEAN Matters

Originally designed for manufacturing, LEAN has become a cornerstone of IT efficiency. It eliminates waste and hones in on what truly matters to customers, demanding a shift in operational and management approaches.

A Real-World Example

Take a bus service: traditional success is measured by punctuality. With LEAN, Agile Software methodologies and Applied Observability, the focus shifts to passenger needs. For instance, replacing multiple buses with efficient taxis might better meet real-time demand, offering a more customer-centric and sustainable solution.

Future Implications

Data is the backbone of an integrated, service-based economy. As industries move toward real-time operations, the demand for platforms capable of analysing and responding instantly will soar. Beyond adopting technology, this marks a shift toward deeper customer understanding and adaptability.

Embracing Change with NSC

To stay competitive, organisations must embrace Applied Observability. By leveraging data to innovate and deliver customer-first solutions, you can navigate constant disruption while maintaining a strategic edge.

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Transformative Technologies – Delivering Value, Not Just Innovation

Technologies like AI, 5G, and IoT are reshaping industries, but true success lies in aligning these advancements with customer needs.

Harnessing Potential

Emerging technologies are catalysts for change, unlocking opportunities and solving challenges in ways once thought impossible.

Avoiding the Tech-First Trap

In the race to innovate, many businesses overlook the customer experience. Technology without purpose risks falling short—like building a house without a solid foundation. Successful solutions prioritise customer insight to deliver value.

Creating Value Through Purpose-Driven Technology with NSC

The key to success lies in adopting technology with a customer-first approach. By understanding how these advancements can directly enhance your customer experience, you can ensure technology delivers real value. When technology is aligned with the needs of the user, it becomes a powerful enabler of innovation and customer satisfaction, driving measurable results.

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