U.S. Enterprises Modernize Networks Through Managed Services
Organizations expand use of managed networks for reliable performance and security across hybrid mobile and cloud environments, ISG Provider Lens® report says
U.S. enterprises are rapidly adopting managed network services as network complexity, security exposure and regulatory pressure make advanced network capabilities essential for business continuity and growth, according to a new research report published today by Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III), a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm.
The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® Enterprise Managed Network Services report for the U.S. finds that companies increasingly require coordinated management of underlay networks, cloud connectivity, software-defined networking and security functions. This trend reflects the rapid expansion of hybrid IT environments, distributed work modes and connected devices, which has strained internal network teams. Enterprises increasingly seek centralized visibility, consistent performance and predictable operations across core, cloud and edge environments.
"Network underlay and overlay operations have become a strategic concern rather than a background IT function," said Leon Platts, partner and president, ISG Network and Software. "U.S. enterprises recognize that resilient, agile, secure and scalable networks are fundamental to proactively supporting AI adoption and keeping pace with business demands."
U.S. enterprises are prioritizing integrated management of network environments that span fixed, mobile, wireless and cloud architectures, the report says. They face challenges maintaining performance and reliability as applications and users spread out across locations. Centralized orchestration and monitoring help companies reduce outages and improve service consistency. These capabilities are increasingly important for organizations operating complex hybrid and multicloud environments.
Security and regulatory compliance are driving adoption of advanced network security architectures, ISG says. Enterprises are implementing secure access approaches such as secure access service edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) to protect users, data and applications outside traditional perimeters. These architectures address risks posed by remote work, increasing cloud use and IoT expansion. Regulatory requirements related to healthcare, consumer privacy and data protection heighten the urgency for stronger, integrated controls.
Enterprises are also adopting AI-assisted network operations to manage scale and complexity, the report says. Automation and analytics improve incident detection, performance optimization and response times. These tools reduce reliance on manual processes that cannot keep pace with growing network demands. AI-enabled operations support more predictable performance while lowering operational risk.
"Enterprises are balancing agility, cost control and resilience as networks evolve," said Kenn Walters, lead author of the report. "Managed services help organizations address skill gaps while maintaining consistent network performance."
The report also explores additional managed network trends affecting U.S. enterprises, including adoption of flexible consumption models and efforts to improve cost visibility across network operations.
For more insights into the network management challenges faced by U.S. enterprises, along with ISG's advice for addressing them, see the ISG Provider Lens® Focal Points briefing here.
The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® Enterprise Managed Network Services report for the U.S. evaluates the capabilities of 34 providers across three quadrants: Managed Network Services Evolution, Managed Enterprise Connectivity Solutions (DIA, VoIP & VPN) and Network as a Service (NaaS).
The report names Accenture, Comcast Business, GTT, Kyndryl, NTT DATA and Orange Business as Leaders in all three quadrants. It names Colt, HCLTech, Microland and Verizon Business as Leaders in two quadrants each. DXC Technology, Tata Communications and Wipro are named as Leaders in one quadrant each.
In addition, Capgemini, Computacenter and Tata Communications are named as Rising Stars — companies with a "promising portfolio" and "high future potential" by ISG's definition — in one quadrant each.
In the area of customer experience, Tata Communications is named the global ISG CX Star Performer for 2025 among Enterprise Managed Network Services providers. Tata Communications earned the highest customer satisfaction scores in ISG's Voice of the Customer survey, part of the ISG Star of Excellence™ program, the premier quality recognition for the technology and business services industry.
The 2025 ISG Provider Lens® Enterprise Managed Network Services report for the U.S. is available to subscribers or for one-time purchase on this webpage.
About ISG Provider Lens® Research
The ISG Provider Lens® Quadrant research series is the only service provider evaluation of its kind to combine empirical, data-driven research and market analysis with the real-world experience and observations of ISG's global advisory team. Enterprises will find a wealth of detailed data and market analysis to help guide their selection of appropriate sourcing partners, while ISG advisors use the reports to validate their own market knowledge and make recommendations to ISG's enterprise clients. The research currently covers providers offering their services globally, across Europe, as well as in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Benelux, Germany, Switzerland, the Nordics, Australia and Singapore/Malaysia, with additional markets to be added in the future. For more information about ISG Provider Lens research, please visit this webpage.
About ISG
ISG (Nasdaq: III) is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world's top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data, in-depth knowledge of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,600 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.
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