When you consider embracing global ethernet services, what comes to mind? Is it saving money on staff and hardware costs? Or is it more about access to a global market and the ability to scale as needed? Perhaps there's a little of both. Regardless of why you're considering global ethernet services, you need to do your research first. Here are some things that need to be considered before making the leap.

Between 2019 and last year, the global internet capacity grew by 35%. IoT, Cloud, Mobility, and other high-growth applications are also constantly evolving, making access to information and data more important than ever before. Today’s enterprises require a network that can keep up with the demands of this new digital age. To meet these needs, it is vital for businesses, small or large, to choose a global ethernet service provider that is ready to provide the reliable high-speed connectivity they need wherever their users are located.

Ethernet services powered by a private global Ethernet over Multiprotocol Label Switching (EoMPLS)/Layer 2 network is a secure and reliable way to connect geographically dispersed locations over the public Internet. It provides organisations with a communication network that is completely dependable, fast, flexible, and cost-effective. Global ethernet can provide scalable and fast transport for data, voice, and video traffic across all major industries: energy, financial services, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and government.

It is evident that ethernet services are one of the most important parts of a business’s network. So when you choose a global ethernet service provider, it's really important to make sure they can provide you with enough bandwidth, high-quality care and support, fast speeds, and fair prices. There are many different things to consider when choosing an ethernet services provider. TM WHOLESALE, a premier communication solutions and services company in the ASEAN region, lists the five key criteria you need to consider.

Network Coverage and Reach

Network coverage is the lifeblood of any organisation. Whether it's a major corporation or a small business, connecting and sharing information with all parts of an organisation irrespective of the location is vital for success. This includes employees as well as customers, vendors, and partners. So if you are looking forward to building your enterprise network or want to expand your existing network to meet the demands of your business, check the network coverage offered by the service provider. Do all of your desired locations fall under the network carrier’s footprint, and can they offer international coverage? The reach and coverage of the service provider will directly impact issues such as latency, jitter, resilience, and cost.

Network Project Management and Monitoring

Network engineers and managers face many challenges every day. One of the most daunting of these is managing large networks, especially those with multi-site or international elements. Complex networks require constant maintenance to run smoothly. Proactive management can result in reduced costs and downtimes, as well as enhanced security. Businesses need to understand the details of pricing and the scope of services offered under this category before signing on with a network management company; do they monitor the entire network? Can they provide managed services, freeing up internal IT staff?

Complete Network Security

The pandemic has amplified the cybersecurity fears of Singapore leaders. According to an IBM Institute of Business Value report, 77% of Singapore executives plan to prioritise cybersecurity over the next two years.

All the devices of your business are connected to each other in one way or another, which means they're all vulnerable to security breaches. Whether it's a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or wired computer, network security is an important issue that you must always be aware of in order to keep your data safe. A weak connection can allow hackers in and compromise your sensitive information. Businesses need to review the security capabilities of their global ethernet service providers closely. For example, businesses should ensure that their service provider has access to a dedicated security infrastructure to support and monitor the network. Security experts are necessary for monitoring and maintaining uptime to guarantee that the business’s data remains secure.

Compare SLAs and Check References

Another way to evaluate the capabilities of a service provider is to check the SLAs (Service Level Agreements) offered. According to TM WHOLESALE, a well-written SLA sets the expectations right from the onset - what services will be provided and under what circumstances. They also provide a framework for how any problems or issues will be handled and resolved if they arise. Most established providers in the market will offer SLAs. If they have been around long enough to have a proven track record, most providers will be willing to back their services with an SLA. It is worth comparing service level agreements of several network providers to get the best deal. You can also look at their existing clients and check references from those to evaluate their performance.

Class of Service and Quality of Service

Companies must evaluate and understand the Classes of Service (CoS) offered by the carrier. The way a carrier consolidates and prioritises various types of traffic will affect Quality of Service (QoS). It is important that these CoSs match your business requirements, and the contract with the service provider clearly defines and states these service commitments.

While the points mentioned above form a base to shortlist a good global ethernet services provider, other considerations should be made. The routing protocols used by the provider, staff expertise, partnerships with 3rd parties, and future scalability capabilities all must be taken into account when choosing a provider.

It’s easy to make decisions centered only on the bottom line. However, you need to consider your business’s needs and goals and how those needs will change in the future. After all, your global ethernet will form the backbone of your business for a long time to come.

TM WHOLESALE is a leading global provider of connectivity, data, infrastructure, voice, and multimedia services. Learn how TM WHOLESALE’s communications and connectivity solutions help organisations take an integrated approach to adapting and accelerating their digital transformation initiatives.

For more info about TM WHOLESALE’s Global Ethernet, click here