A network management core competency focuses on reliably delivering and maintaining high quality network services and accurately tracking service provider performance and guarantees. However, haphazard network management designs, insufficient technical expertise, and questionable product choices can make core competency difficult to attain.

This research note discusses several points to help enterprises recognize the value of a high-performance network management capability and includes some suggestions on how to get started, including:

• Tangible benefits of developing a core competency.
• The framework that network management core competency requires.
• Maintenance of a sustainable core competency over time.

As new network technology solutions appear and application performance requirements increase, a network management competency center can help ensure stringent service levels are reliably monitored, tracked, and maintained.