AI-Powered Networks Take Center Stage: Mplify Awards Highlight NaaS Evolution

DALLAS, TX – November 12, 2025 – The Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) landscape is undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by the increasing demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the need for more agile, automated network infrastructure. The recent Mplify Global NaaS Event (GNE) and associated Excellence Awards underscored this shift, recognizing innovative solutions and key players shaping the future of connectivity.

This year’s awards, judged by an independent panel of industry analysts, highlighted companies like Colt Technology Services, Verizon, and Tata Communications for their advancements in NaaS, with a clear emphasis on AI integration and secure service delivery. But the event was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a clear signal that the industry is moving beyond simply offering network services to delivering intelligent network experiences.

The Rise of Intelligent Connectivity

For years, Network-as-a-Service promised agility and cost savings by abstracting network infrastructure from underlying hardware. However, the true potential of NaaS is now being unlocked by the application of AI. “The industry is realizing that simply virtualizing the network isn’t enough,” explained one analyst involved in the judging process. “We need networks that can think and adapt in real-time, and that requires AI.”

The trend is being fueled by several factors. The explosion of AI workloads, from generative AI to machine learning, is creating unprecedented demands for bandwidth, low latency, and predictable performance. Simultaneously, organizations are grappling with increasingly complex cybersecurity threats. This has created a perfect storm for AI-powered NaaS solutions that can automate network operations, enhance security, and optimize performance.

Mplify's Vision: A Foundation for the AI Era

Mplify, the industry consortium driving the adoption of NaaS standards, is at the forefront of this transformation. The organization has been actively promoting the development of Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) APIs and advocating for the standardization of AI-optimized networking.

“We’re building the foundation for the AI infrastructure era,” stated a spokesperson for Mplify. “The goal is to create a deterministic, programmable network fabric with lifecycle automation across providers. This will enable organizations to rapidly deploy and scale intelligent applications across multi-cloud and edge environments.”

Mplify is also focused on extending the NaaS framework to support specialized AI services like GPU-as-a-Service and AI Model-as-a-Service. This will require collaboration across the entire ecosystem, from network providers and cloud platforms to AI software vendors and cybersecurity firms.

Award Winners Paving the Way

The companies recognized at the GNE Excellence Awards are leading the charge in this new era of intelligent connectivity.

• Colt Technology Services was among the top winners, demonstrating a commitment to hyperconnected API ecosystems and seamless digital experiences. Their investment in open standards and collaboration with organizations like GSMA highlights their forward-thinking approach.
• Verizon has been a long-time proponent of NaaS and is actively investing in AI-optimized networking and automated service delivery. Their extensive network infrastructure and focus on 5G make them a key player in the evolving landscape.
• Tata Communications is leveraging its global network and managed services portfolio to deliver comprehensive NaaS solutions to enterprises. Their focus on digital transformation and secure connectivity aligns with the broader industry trends.

These companies, along with others recognized at the awards, are not just offering network services; they are providing intelligent, automated platforms that enable organizations to unlock the full potential of AI.

The Importance of Standardization and Security

While the potential of AI-powered NaaS is enormous, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort to address key challenges. Standardization is paramount. Open APIs and interoperable platforms are essential for ensuring that different network components and services can seamlessly integrate and communicate.

“Without standardization, we risk creating fragmented ecosystems that are difficult to manage and scale,” warned one industry analyst. “We need common frameworks and protocols that enable seamless interoperability.”

Security is another critical concern. As networks become more complex and interconnected, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. AI can play a crucial role in enhancing network security by automating threat detection and response, but it also introduces new security challenges.

Mplify is actively addressing these challenges by promoting its SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) certification and advocating for AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Intelligent Connectivity

The future of networking is intelligent, automated, and secure. AI-powered NaaS is poised to become the foundation for a new generation of applications and services.

“We’re on the cusp of a major transformation,” said a source close to Mplify. “Networks will become more adaptive, resilient, and self-healing. They will be able to anticipate and respond to changing conditions in real-time. This will unlock new levels of agility, efficiency, and innovation.”

The journey won’t be without its challenges, but the potential rewards are immense. By embracing standardization, prioritizing security, and fostering collaboration, the industry can unlock the full potential of AI-powered NaaS and create a more connected, intelligent future.