Suppliers simplify IP network management

Cable & Wireless has launched a single contract and service level agreement that can be used to simplify the management of a company's networks.

The integrated IP virtual private network (VPN) quality of service and IP local area network allows an organisation to manage its local area and wide area networks as a single entity, giving the user greater control.

C&W claims the service makes it easier for firms to budget with a standard per port or per service cost and that it provides simplified network monitoring and reporting and a single point of contact.

Chris Lewis, European VP at analyst firm Yankee Group, said the move is a sign that vendors are packing products and services in a more manageable way for end users.

"The big issue in the managed communications market is that the supply side has broken it down into components it prefers to deliver and never really pulled it into one coherent package. The supply side is now starting to do this," he said.

Lewis said while some cost savings can be made using a single service the biggest benefit is greater control over the network.

"Organisations may well end up spending the same amount of money but the difference is value for money is higher with better management and flexibility," he said.

Duncan Black, director, corporate solutions strategy at C&W, said in a statement: "The service makes understanding and managing a network from desktop to desktop much less complex and resource-intensive for our customers. As applications become more complex, the ability to view performance over the entire network in this way is essential for maintaining business continuity."