Magic Quadrant for Managed Network Services
The managed network services (MNS) market focuses on externally provided network operations center (NOC) functionality, as well as relevant network and security life cycle services. Gartner defines the MNS market as globally capable providers of remote service management functions for the network and security operations of enterprise networks, including: Managed LAN services (MNS for LAN) which includes management of enterprise LAN customer premises equipment (CPE) such as campus switches and wireless access points with single point of contact (SPOC) ownership for life cycle management; Managed WAN services (MNS for WAN) which includes management of site edge ingress and egress CPE and any WAN connections and service operations management; and Managed security services (MNS for security) which supports branch offices, remote workers and on-premises general internet security, private application access and cloud service security functions.
Vendors must, among other requirements:
A: This research covers globally capable managed network services (MNS) providers that deliver remote service management for enterprise network and security operations, including managed LAN services, managed WAN services, and managed security services. It evaluates 18 vendors across their ability to execute and completeness of vision, focusing on service delivery platforms, automation capabilities, AI integration, security offerings, customer experience, pricing, and service-level agreements. The research includes mandatory features such as 24/7/365 service delivery, minimum first contact resolution rates, support for multiple security product categories, and evidence of at least 1,000 LAN sites, 1,000 WAN sites, and 500 security sites under active management globally.
A: This research should be used by heads of Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) who are evaluating MNS vendors for their LAN, WAN, and security management needs. It is particularly valuable for organizations considering outsourcing network operations, seeking to improve service delivery through AI and automation, or evaluating providers for managed security services. The research helps enterprises understand the competitive landscape, compare vendor capabilities across key criteria, assess service quality indicators like first contact resolution rates, and make informed decisions about MNS partnerships. It is also useful for organizations evaluating NaaS options, co-managed services models, or considering the impact of agentic AI on their managed services strategy.
A: Mandatory features for vendors included in this market include: (1) Managed LAN services with SPOC ownership for life cycle management of enterprise LAN CPE such as campus switches and wireless access points; (2) Managed WAN services including management of site edge CPE and WAN connections with SPOC ownership; (3) Managed security services supporting at least five of six categories: SD-WAN with/without embedded security, secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, network access control, network firewalling with/without IPS/IDS, and ZTNA; (4) 24/7/365 service delivery from internally operated SDP; (5) Fixed monthly subscription pricing; (6) Minimum 80% first contact resolution rate and 25% zero-touch automated resolution; (7) Minimum scale of 1,000 LAN sites, 1,000 WAN sites, and 500 security sites across at least three global regions.
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A: Ability to Execute evaluates vendors on the quality and efficacy of their processes, systems, methods and procedures - focusing on current performance, capabilities and delivery. These criteria enable MNS providers' performance to be competitive, efficient and effective, and to positively affect revenue, retention and reputation. Key areas include product/service quality, operational excellence, customer experience, sales execution, and market responsiveness. Completeness of Vision evaluates vendors on their ability to convincingly articulate logical statements about current and future market direction, innovation, customer needs and competitive forces, and how well they map to Gartner's view of the market. This focuses on strategic positioning, market understanding, innovation roadmaps, and the vendor's vision for where the market is heading rather than current execution capabilities.