How a global MSP unlocks new markets

Despite living in a globalised world, setting up reliable connectivity across borders is still a hassle for many businesses.

With a convoluted set of regulations and agreements to get to grips with, companies can find themselves stuck with multiple, expensive contracts that provide disjointed service when communicating between international sites.

Working with a managed service provider (MSP) can overcome the challenges associated with international connectivity because MSPs manage your network for you and bring years of telecoms experience into your corner. And partnering with an MSP that is well-versed in cloud-based networks can further enhance your operations when working across borders.

This article will explore why a global MSP is an invaluable partner in your global expansion.

For businesses that want more than simplified global communications, an MSP with expertise in cloud-based networking can boost your digital transformation efforts by providing a future-proof, scalable network.

Adopting a suite of managed cloud-based solutions from such an MSP - including Global Internet, multi-cloud integration with leading cloud providers, and fully optimised software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WAN) - provides a scaling business with several key benefits, including but not limited to:

• Enhanced and decentralised security for global operations
• Enterprise-grade internet connectivity at each location and between sites
• Centralised management and network visibility
• Instant connections between private and public cloud services
• Complete flexibility when provisioning virtual networks

Compared to terrestrial networks that require time, money, and in-house expertise to scale internationally, reaping the rewards of virtual networks is as simple as clicking a button when backed by an international MSP.

With the additional benefits provided by an overarching cloud-centric network solution, businesses can be secure in the knowledge that their connectivity will remain at the cutting-edge of network technology, wherever in the world their operations may be located.

To unlock the ever-expanding range of benefits provided by cloud-based networking, users must first have various agreements in place with the owners of physical network infrastructure (mobile network operators, MNOs) before gaining access to the network.

The most fundamental of these network agreements simply allows internet-connected devices to use an operator’s network infrastructure. A service level agreement (SLA) defines the minimum level of service that an MNO is obliged to provide your devices.

This process of negotiating network agreements is one of the main reasons to enlist the support of an international MSP:

• MSPs have hundreds of networks agreements in place already
• They can negotiate on your behalf to open new agreements
• They can advise on the best networks to utilise for your operations
• They can negotiate for better service levels where needed

Having an MSP on board can save your business considerable time and effort from having to negotiate these agreements with MNOs on your own, allowing your business to quickly and easily scale your network across borders without losing connectivity.

With network agreements in place, enterprises can easily bypass restrictions that have been a barrier to globalised businesses for a long time, such as:

•  Being ‘tied’ to one particular network that may not have a global presence
• Having to use unsuitable or outdated network technology
• Waiting days or weeks to have reliable connectivity in place

Because of a managed service provider’s expertise in network negotiations, enterprises can easily avoid these longstanding obstacles to flexible networking.

MSPs with expertise in cloud networking can provide even more flexibility for businesses expanding across borders due to some key features of virtual networks.

• Cloud networks are also completely agnostic, meaning they can communicate with all types of network technology, giving enterprises complete freedom over their connectivity
• Cloud-based services and network functions can be provisioned into an enterprise network on-demand and over the air (OTA) to optimise your network in the long term
• Virtual network functions (VNFs) replace physical network features to dramatically reduce truck rolls, maintenance costs, and the need for in-house network expertise

Being able to make decisions and implement changes instantly through a cloud-based infrastructure alleviates a significant amount of stress for a business undergoing international expansion.

Having an experienced partner to create these connections and negotiate network agreements on your behalf provides the flexibility and agility needed to unlock new global markets.

The inherent scalability of cloud-based networks, especially those managed by an MSP with expertise in virtual networks, allows organisations to rapidly expand their business into new markets with the confidence of having resilient network connectivity already in place.

Navigating SLAs, network contracts, and cloud infrastructure can be overwhelming when scaling globally, but partnering with an MSP removes these concerns and provides the stability you need to grow your business.

Get in touch with Singtel today to discuss how we can help your business conquer exciting global markets.