It's no surprise that enterprises today that are looking to improve operational efficiency and increase customer satisfaction are relying more and more on a hosted model solution. 
  As voice and data networks remain critical tools for companies to grow revenue and satisfy customers, businesses have an increasing need to outsource the management of the technology to equipment vendors and manage service providers   After all, partnering with communications solution providers is a good choice to help lead enterprises to next generation networks.   Experts at Alcatel-Lucent said the benefits of working with managed service providers that have the right experience to manage and transform enterprise voice and data networks give enterprises strategic advantages in today's marketplace. To maintain a competitive edge, enterprises must evolve their networks to take advantage of the various capabilities being introduced and supported around the world, the company said.   "Network transformation can lead to altered network topologies that align with the structure of the applications, services and business processes that are also evolving within the enterprise," Bruce Rowland, a consultant with Alcatel-Lucent, wrote in a company white paper. "The impact of these transformations typically spans significant improvements in costs, reliability, security, manageability and performance."   Such transformations include WAN optimization, the switch to VoIP and unified communication, enterprise security refresh, a contact center refresh and the move toward a wireless enterprise.   But how do enterprises ensure they are making the right network transformation? By teaming up with the right partner, a critical component to a company's success. Alcatel-Lucent outlined the following characteristics companies would find in an ideal partner:   • Works directly with the chief information officer • Manages external IT partners and suppliers • Understands enterprise network technology • Understand enterprise communications • Understand voice and data carriers, both fixed and mobile • Understands carrier equipment and networks of the carriers • Experienced working in a multi-vendor environment • Has no vested interest in the enterprise's other expense streams • Experienced in management • Experienced in transformation   But no matter whether companies choose a system integrator, network service provider or network equipment manufacturer for a partner, the process requires a thorough examination of the potential partner's experience, references and position in the marketplace, Alcatel-Lucent said.   "With a single network outsourcing partner, the enterprise can build a powerful relationship that will reduce costs and improve service while allowing it to concentrate on products and customers.