Inside this Blog: If you’re a K-12 IT leader, technology coordinator, or district administrators evaluating modern ways to improve network performance without increasing headcount or budget, this blog is for you. Learn how Network as a Service (NaaS) empowers edtech teams to manage rising digital demands, reduce IT workloads, free up capacity for internal teams to focus on strategic work, improve cybersecurity, and stretch limited budgets.
K-12 IT departments face a perfect storm right now. Digital demands have skyrocketed in the past few years, with no signs of slowing down, budgets remain stagnant—or worse, shrinking—and staffing shortages are persistent. The great expansion of 1:1 device programs and digital learning has transformed classrooms, but it’s also placed unprecedented pressure on your network.
Even after school hours, parents, kids, and families expect seamless bandwidth and secure connectivity during sporting events and other recreational activities at school buildings.
Add the constant threat of cybersecurity attacks, and it’s no wonder IT teams are feeling overwhelmed, outmatched, and stretched thinner by the day.
Thankfully, one solution consistently delivers impact where it’s needed most: Network as a Service (NaaS).
NaaS is a practical, strategic approach that helps IT leaders like you reclaim time and capacity, control costs, and regain pace of mind. By offloading the day-to-day burden of managing network infrastructure, you get what your schools need most: seamless performance, robust security, and expert support—without overloading your already maxed-out team.
Schools are constantly asked to do more with less. NaaS makes that actually possible, without compromising on what matters most: a safe, reliable digital learning environment for every student. Ahead, dive into understanding more about the 5 key benefits of NaaS for education IT leaders, including how it helps stretch budget and staff.
How Does NaaS Eliminate Large Capital Expenditures?
Traditional networking requires a significant upfront investment. Switches, routers, firewalls, Wi-Fi access points, and more all come with a hefty price tag, and you’re expected to refresh the hardware every 3-5 years. Budgeting for those large capital expenses can be unpredictable, and when unexpected failures happen, you're left scrambling for funds that aren’t there.
With NaaS for education, you move network infrastructure costs from capital expense to operating expense, paying a predictable monthly fee that covers everything from hardware and software to maintenance and upgrades.
You can deploy a modern, high-performing network without needing to secure one-time funding or wait for bond approval. This frees up capital for other critical needs like classroom technology or security initiatives.
The bottom line? NaaS delivers more predictable budgeting, less financial risk, and no surprise expenses.
How Does NaaS Reduce IT Workload?
From North Dakota to Alaska, school IT teams are often just as constrained as their budgets, with extensive to-do lists. Managing network infrastructure, including troubleshooting issues, pushing firmware updates, monitoring traffic, and replacing aging hardware, can consume hours each week. That’s time you could be spending on strategic projects like improving student data privacy, integrating new digital tools, or strengthening security posture.
NaaS shifts the burden of network management to your MSP, or Co-Managed MIBS partner. Your partner monitors and maintains the network 24/7, responds to issues in real-time, and ensures that performance remains optimized. Firmware and software updates are handled without interrupting your day. And because you gain expert support through your NaaS partnership, you don’t have to waste time escalating to multiple vendors when something goes wrong.
As a result, your lean IT team can do more with less, focusing on initiatives that directly benefit students, teachers, staff, and the school community.
