In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business world, a Network Operations Centre is critical for the smooth and efficient functioning of an enterprise’s technology infrastructure. In this blog, we will explore the key benefits of having a NOC, and why it is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes to invest in one.
So whether you’re an established enterprise or a growing start-up, if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly, read on to learn why a Network Operations Centre is the solution you’ve been searching for.
What is a Network Operations Centre?
NOCs otherwise known as network operations centres operate by continuously monitoring a company’s IT infrastructure, systems, and applications. They use a range of monitoring tools, such as network management software, performance monitoring tools, and security monitoring tools, to collect data on the health and performance of the network. The NOC team uses this data to detect issues, such as outages, performance degradation, security threats, and other infrastructure problems, and take action to resolve them.
The Next2IT NOC operates 24/7 and has a team of trained technicians and engineers who are responsible for managing our client’s network. The NOC team uses a variety of processes and procedures to manage incidents and resolve problems, such as incident management, problem management, change management, and configuration management. They also use standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure that all incidents are handled consistently and effectively.
In addition, NOCs use a range of reporting and analytics tools to provide insights into network performance, identify trends, and monitor the effectiveness of their operations. They also use dashboards and alerts to keep stakeholders informed of network performance and potential issues.
What is the Difference Between a Network Operations Centre and a Help Desk?
A Network Operations Centre (NOC) and a help desk serve different functions within an organisation’s IT infrastructure. The NOC is responsible for monitoring and managing the network, servers, and other critical IT infrastructure, focusing on network performance, security, and availability. It proactively identifies and resolves issues, often before they impact users.
In contrast, a help desk provides direct user support, addressing individual issues and requests, such as troubleshooting software problems, resolving access issues, and answering technical questions. The help desk is user-centric, while the NOC is infrastructure-centric.
Ops Centre for Enterprise Organisations
For large businesses, the importance of an Ops Centre cannot be overstated. The Next2IT NOC provides businesses with a centralised location for the management of their network infrastructure and serves as a central hub for all technology-related operations. By having a Ops Centre, businesses can better manage the various systems and services that are critical to the functioning of their enterprise.
Within Enterprise organisations Network Operation Centres can detect a range of infrastructure issues, including Network outages and connectivity problems, Server performance issues, Application performance issues, Security threats, Storage & Resource utilisation, Capacity planning and compliance monitoring.
What do Network Operation Centres look after?
- Monitoring and management of IT infrastructure: A NOC provides a centralised location for monitoring and managing a company’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and applications. This enables businesses to quickly identify and resolve issues, reduce downtime, and improve overall system performance.
- Security monitoring: Can monitor a company’s network and systems for security threats, such as viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. This helps businesses ensure that their sensitive data is protected and that their systems are secure.
- Performance monitoring: This can be used to monitor the performance of a company’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and applications. This allows businesses to identify areas for improvement, optimise their systems for better performance, and reduce the risk of system failure.
- Incident management: To manage incidents, including system outages, hardware failures, and security breaches. This allows businesses to quickly resolve issues and restore service, reducing downtime and improving customer satisfaction.
- Capacity planning: Plan for future growth and capacity needs by monitoring resource utilisation, tracking trends, and forecasting future demand. This helps businesses plan for future investments in technology and staffing, ensuring that their IT infrastructure can keep pace with business growth.
- Compliance monitoring: This can monitor a company’s compliance with industry regulations, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and SOX. This helps businesses ensure that they are following best practices and avoiding potential fines and penalties.
Why Do I Need a NOC?
You need a Network Operations Centre (NOC) to ensure the continuous and optimal performance of your IT infrastructure. A NOC provides proactive monitoring and management of networks, servers, and critical systems, identifying and addressing issues before they impact your operations.
It enhances network reliability, security, and performance, reduces downtime, and ensures quick response to potential threats or problems. This proactive approach helps maintain business continuity, improve service quality, and support overall IT efficiency.
Why Choose a Network Operations Centre in Stafford?
Staffordshire is home to a thriving technology sector and is an ideal location for companies that are looking for an established Network Operations Centre. With excellent transport links and a large number of highly-skilled IT professionals, make it an ideal location for companies that are looking to outsource.
Next2IT’s Ops Centre services help you flex and scale your infrastructure environment through high skilled technology and support, extending your capabilities with on-demand Enterprise IT services – at a fraction of the cost of building your own 24/7 NOC. Our NOC services provide scalable, on-demand Enterprise IT-as-a-Service, allowing your business to focus resources where it really matters.
Final Words
A Network Operations Centre is a critical component of any large business’ technology infrastructure. By having a NOC, businesses can better manage their network infrastructure, reduce downtime, and improve overall system performance.
Choosing a Network Operations Centre in Staffordshire, businesses can take advantage of the highly-skilled IT professionals and excellent transport links. A 24/7 NOC means businesses can respond to any issues that arise quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime and improving overall system performance.
Why not contact us today on 0330 1332 202 or email Sales@next2it.co.uk
