The ROI of Managed Services: Why DIY Network Management Doesn’t Add Up in 2026
This blog is part of the Behind the Scenes with Hughes Managed Services Series. Read the series.
Enterprise leaders are entering a new era of network strategy, one in which connectivity is no longer just infrastructure, but a foundation for innovation, customer experience, and business resilience. The traditional “build and manage the network” approach is being challenged in 2026 as technologies such as 5G, cloud networking, and AI-driven operations transform enterprise environments. The “do-it-yourself” (DIY) approach that many consider a cost-effective option can introduce hidden complexity, skills gaps, and operational challenges. Many organizations are looking beyond upfront capital expenses to determine the real return on investment (ROI) of technology implementations—and discovering that managed services offer a cost-effective and performance-optimized path in 2026.
When “Saving Money” Costs More
Managing a sophisticated network internally is often viewed as the more economical choice. Organizations might think that building in-house expertise offers more control and reduces operational expenses. But with the fast-paced change of evolving technologies, the DIY approach often does not deliver the anticipated ROI. Considering cloud expansions, 5G adoption, AI piloting, security complexity, and distributed workforces, doing it yourself might cause more challenges and cost more money.
The true cost equation includes skills certifications, training investments, technology lifecycle management, and maintaining uptime. As network environments grow more complex, many organizations discover that internal teams are stretched thin and spending most of their time troubleshooting incidents, rather than focusing on innovation and strategic business initiatives.
Managed services can change that equation. Enterprise companies gain access to deep technical expertise, proactive network management, and operational efficiencies that are difficult and costly to replicate with a DIY approach.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Network Management
Organizations often underestimate the full scope of maintaining today’s networks. Technologies evolve quickly, and teams must upskill to keep pace with new products, platforms, and security threats.
The hidden costs of DIY network management may include:
Certifications and Continuous Training
Enterprise networking certifications must be renewed regularly, and teams need ongoing training to support emerging technologies like 5G, SD-WAN, SASE, and cloud networking. These investments are not one-time expenses.
Skills Gaps and Talent Retention
Highly skilled network engineers are in demand, and retaining talent requires competitive compensation and career development. When experienced staff leave, organizations face recruiting costs and operational disruption.
Reactive Operations
Internal teams often spend valuable time responding to outages, configuration issues, and security concerns instead of advancing strategic initiatives. This type of reactive firefighting can slow productivity and stall innovation.
Technology Complexity and Rapid Change
Enterprise networks integrate multiple platforms and vendors. Maintaining expertise across these environments requires dedicated resources that many organizations struggle to attract and retain.
Considering all these factors, the perceived cost advantage of DIY network management quickly diminishes.
The Hughes Advantage
Hughes Managed Network Services delivers access to a broad team of certified engineers and specialists who stay ahead of evolving technologies. Rather than relying on a limited internal staff, enterprises benefit from a deep bench of expertise that supports performance, security, and innovation.
The Hughes approach ensures:
- Continuous monitoring and proactive network optimization
- Expertise and certified talent across emerging technologies and multi-vendor environments
- Consistent service levels and scalable support models
- Reduced reliance on our customers’ internal teams for operational troubleshooting
The real ROI of managed services becomes clear when organizations shift from reactive operations to proactive network management. Hughes helps enterprises reduce operational risks and avoid costly disruptions through predictive analytics, automation, and expert oversight. Key ROI drivers include:
- Less downtime and fewer escalations through proactive monitoring
- Reduced internal staffing costs and training investments
- Improved performance and user experience across distributed locations
- Faster adoption of new technologies without extensive internal expertise
Managed services pricing is often more than offset by avoided operational costs, improved network reliability, and gains in overall organizational productivity. Hughes Managed Network Services delivers the scalable expertise and operational maturity enterprises need as business and technology demands continue to evolve. By shifting day-to-day network management to a trusted partner, organizations can reduce complexity, strengthen resilience, and keep internal teams focused on delivering value to customers and stakeholders.
Rethinking ROI in 2026
The managed services versus DIY debate is not just about cost; it is about long-term business outcomes. When organizations factor in training, certifications, talent retention, downtime, and operational inefficiencies, the ROI of managed services becomes much clearer.
In 2026, leading enterprises recognize that networks are mission-critical infrastructure. Partnering with Hughes provides the expertise, scalability, and proactive management required to keep organizations connected and performing at their best. With Hughes managing network performance and lifecycle complexity, internal teams can stay focused on strategic priorities that will drive the business forward.
Learn more about Hughes Managed Network Services.
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