A network service provider is a business that sells bandwidth or Internet access. Network service providers come in different forms, including data carriers, cable TV companies that offer high-speed Internet access, and wireless communications companies. NSP companies provide infrastructure and routing for Internet connectivity.

But most importantly, NSP providers help you give your business the high-speed connectivity it needs without having to hire more people for maintenance and troubleshooting. An NSP provider does the work for you, and thanks to the low price of broadband fiber, your NSP company can do more for your money. With that in mind, your network service provider should have the following:

1. Quality service to address any issues that arise
2. Reliability: quick resolution to problems with connectivity, a consistent connection and seamless troubleshooting
3. Security: protection against viruses, worms and interception of phone calls

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look into NSPs that offer wholesale voice and data services

The great thing about NSP providers is there are so many of them--meaning competition for business is fierce. That translates into great savings for your company's Internet, voice and data needs. For a large-scale business, wholesale options provided by network managed service providers are the way to go.

I recommend: Level 3 Communications offers a wealth of voice and data wholesale services for big business, education and government applications. Qwest Communications offers wholesale data transport solutions for businesses that need to connect multiple locations across the globe.

Find NSP companies that will help your business expand into new markets

If you have plans to expand your business into a new territory, you need to have everyone on the same page quickly to hit the ground running. NSPs can help you avoid the cost associated with building your own network by doing the grunt work for you.

I recommend: RCN Metro offers a local exchange carrier service that enables you to quickly and seamlessly connect new business locations to your main network without the hassle of building a new network. In addition to numerous other services, Verizon also offers exchange carrier capabilities.

Make sure your NSP is watching your network even when you're not

In a perfect world, we'd all get to go home at 5 p.m. Whenever we make it out of the office, problems on the network should be the last of our worries. NSPs should offer 24/7 customer service and automatically monitor your network for potential problems when you're home catching up on your sleep or spending time with the family. It's a network service provider's job to take care of the off-hours problems--and help you come out looking like the hero.

I recommend: Radiant Communications offers 24/7 customer service support and network monitoring, as does AboveNet.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always ask network managed service providers about vulnerability scanning. Find out if your network service provider does it and how often. Vulnerability scanning protects your network from viruses, as well as data and voice interception.