Showing posts with label cloud managed router. Show all posts

15 July 2011

Meraki Slims Down Cloud Routers - Datamation

Meraki Slims Down Cloud Routers

Cloud-managed routing vendor drops a key product in favor of redesigned version that can sit on a desktop.

July 14, 2011
By

Sean Michael Kerner

When it comes to managing on-site networking gear, you don't necessarily need have on-site networking expertise.
Networking vendor Meraki has been pushing its cloud managed networking routers as a solution since the beginning of 2011. One of the first solutions that Meraki announced was the MX50 router, which is now being replaced after being in market for only 7 months.
In its place Meraki is announcing the new MX60 cloud managed router which provides additional features and a new form factor.
"The MX50 we introduced earlier this year but we haven't redesigned the MX50 into the MX60, entirely," Pablo Estrada, solution architect at Meraki toldInternetNews.com. "Definitely the form factor is different."
Estrada noted that the features in the MX50 were well suited for a small branch office, but people didn't have a network closet where they could place a router into a rack.
"The MX60 is more of a desktop device, so the form factor is the main difference, there is no difference in ports or throughput," Estrada said.
Both the MX50 and the MX60 are four port Gigabit Ethernet devices that are managed via the Meraki cloud service. The other thing that has changed is some of the underlying software that Meraki is now updating across its product lineup. The underlying operating system in the MX50, MX60 and MX70 router is a customized Linux base that Meraki has enhanced.
From a security perspective, Meraki has added two-factor authentication that is delivered via SMS. Estrada explained that delivering the tokens via SMS reduces cost and management time. He added that the network administrator inputs their cell phone number as part of the management configuration and is then provided with the token over SMS.

Additionally, Meraki is adding enhanced role-based administration and the capability to keep track of network configuration changes. The system also enables administrators to compare old configuration values against the news ones to help remediate any issues.
As a cloud service, Meraki is also improving its own security by partnering with Intel's McAfee security division. Meraki's data center infrastructure is now being audited and regularly scanned by McAfee to ensure security.
In a related effort, Meraki is trying to reinforce to customers that its management in the cloud offering is trustworthy with a new website content at meraki.com/trust.
"In the spirit of transparency and openness about architecture and security, customers can learn aobut what happens in our data centers and what happens with user data," Estrada " They can also learn about how to configure a network for optimal security."
Meraki is also now spelling out their service level agreement and how much monetary compensation a customer is entitled too if Meraki doesn't live up to their uptime promise.
Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of Internet.com, the network for technology professionals.

14 July 2011

Introducing the new standard for cloud networking security, reliability and scalability

Introducing the new standard for cloud networking security, reliability and scalability
Meraki » The Official Meraki Blog

Today is an exciting day for cloud networking and for Meraki customers. We're thrilled to announce a new router and a suite of enhanced security features for wireless and wired networks:

A brand new member of the MX Cloud Managed Router family, the MX60.
A suite of new features that enhance network security and account protection
99.99% uptime SLA
Third-party audits of Meraki's cloud networking service

Meraki MX60

Our new router, the MX60, is the industry's only small branch router and firewall with out-of-the-box centralized management. With fully integrated networking and firewall services, the MX60 provides 50 percent savings over traditional branch solutions. The MX60 allows organizations to: Manage distributed branches through cloud-based centralized management, monitoring, and tools Secure their branch networks using complete firewall services, content filtering, and antivirus/antiphishing Improve network performance through Layer 7 Application Traffic Shaping (e.g. block Bit Torrent, prioritize VoIP) and user fingerprinting, without the hassle of host and port management Replace MPLS with cost effective, self-configuring site-to-site VPN Save over 50 percent by eliminating point solutions (firewall, traffic shaper, content filter)

It's really easy on the eyes, too, with a form factor that is ideal for small branches that need networking and security features without the bulk of racks of hardware. Have a look:

New security tools, SLA, and third party audits

In addition to the MX60 router, we're also releasing new enhancements that benefit both wired and wireless networks. These increase security and provide even greater dependability for security-conscious customers. We're now adding:

Two factor authentication that protects accounts even if a customer's login is compromised Change management tools that enable audits, alerts, delegation and control of privileges with fine-grained role based administration 99.99 percent SLA, guaranteeing availability of Meraki's cloud service, with customers' data replicated in real time across three independent datacenters Independent security audits that validate infrastructure security, with daily penetration tests and certifications from trusted third parties including McAfee.

To make security and reliability information easy to find, we've created a new section on our website: meraki.com/trust. Here you'll find a new centralized repository for security and reliability information about Meraki's cloud service, as well as information on the new tools and services we're announcing today. Cloud networking has never been as easy, secure, and reliable as it is today. And if you go over and look at meraki.com, you'll also see a completely enhanced and revamped website to go along with our new products and enhancements.

19 January 2011

Meraki Releases Cloud-managed Router, Introduces NaaS Program for Cloud-managed Networks

San Francisco-based cloud networking company Meraki unveils the Meraki MX series cloud-managed routers, the company said in a press release. The new models MX50 and MX70 feature cloud-based centralized management, a firewall, internet gateway service, and application traffic shaping. The new routers are a step forward toward an easy-to-use cloud-based environment providing an intuitive browser-based user interface, which does not require trained specialists to operate the system The MX series is designed to offer automatic security, signature and feature upgrades as well as network-wide monitoring.

Hans Robertson, VP Product Management and Co-Founder at Meraki.

The key features of the MX series include cloud-based centralized management, layer 7 application firewall and traffic shaper, site to site VPN, routing, DHCP, and a firewall. Additionally, the new hardware devices are able to automatically detect and monitor printers while tracking and showing printer ink levels across remote divisions. At present, Meraki's cloud management system is implemented in over 17,000 networks worldwide and the new devices are based on the same system. Therefore, MX series routers can be installed in single standalone networks and in large distributed networks alike.

The MX series comes in two editions: Enterprise Edition and Advanced Security Edition. The first one provides cloud-based centralized management, routing, and application traffic shaping. The Advanced SecurityEdition provides additional functionality like site-to-site VPN and next-generation firewall capabilities.

Meanwhile, the company announced the introduction of Networking as a Service, a new pricing model for cloud-managed network infrastructure products. The company offers the NaaS pricing model for all its wired and wireless products.

"Meraki's Networking as a Service program provides a cost-effective and convenient way for organizations to obtain a Meraki system on a 'pay as you go' model. Networking as a Service eliminates upfront capital expense, gives you the option to upgrade your hardware for no cost at any time, and removes the financial risk of owning too much infrastructure," Hans Robertson, VP of Product Management and Co-Founder at Meraki, said in a company press release.

The MX series routers are also available via Meraki's new NaaS program, and customers can purchase devices through an annual subscription. The company claims that the all-inclusive price includes the cost of the hardware, software licenses, ongoing, upgrades, maintenance, and support provided by Meraki.

Inevitably, the news will boost company's financial performance although Meraki boasts partial funding by Google and Sequoia Capital. In January 2008, the company received USD 20 million in series B funding. Other investors in Meraki, include DAG Ventures and Northgate Capital.

Meraki started as an MIT research project in 2006 and relocated to California once the project turned commercial. Its core business is related to providing wireless networks controlled in the cloud and has 17,000 networks deployed worldwide, according to Meraki. The company offers various products including its flagship Enterprise Cloud Controller, a product allowing wireless access to corporate LAN for offices, industrial firms, retailers, educational institutions, and multi-site locations.