The network services industry is experiencing significant shifts driven by advancements in Software Defined Networking (SDN), Secure Access Secure Edge (SASE), and managed security services, which are expected to sustain double-digit revenue growth and counterbalance declines in traditional transport services. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in developing new services for network operators, enhancing connectivity offerings, and supporting revenue growth by generating increased traffic. Despite the rise in overall traffic, revenue is declining due to price compression, prompting operators to explore additional service opportunities.

As enterprises advance in their digital transformation journeys, network operators are adapting their services to meet evolving needs. The complexity of managing software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) and SASE solutions is driving operators towards managed services, providing the necessary expertise and resources for enterprises to focus on core operations. The "as a service" model remains the preferred consumption method for many businesses, leading the industry to offer self-service transaction systems, streamlined sales processes, and integrated automation, security, and AI. These evolving models complement traditional approaches, fostering seamless collaboration between clients and engagement teams on unified platforms.

Author: Stephen Thomas