As the world becomes increasingly dependent on technology, the demand for reliable and efficient networking solutions continues to grow. One company that has been making waves in the industry is Meraki, a cloud-managed networking solution provider acquired by Cisco Systems in 2012. But is Meraki a good company? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Meraki, its products and services, and what sets it apart from its competitors.
A Brief History of Meraki
Meraki was founded in 2006 by a group of MIT students, including Sanjit Biswas, John Bicket, and Hans Robertson. The company’s name is derived from the Greek word “meraki,” which means to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself into your work. Initially, Meraki focused on providing wireless mesh networking solutions for municipalities and other large-scale deployments. However, it soon expanded its product line to include switching, security, and mobile device management solutions.
Acquisition by Cisco Systems
In 2012, Cisco Systems acquired Meraki for $1.2 billion, marking one of the largest acquisitions in Cisco’s history. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move by Cisco to expand its presence in the cloud-managed networking market. Under Cisco’s umbrella, Meraki has continued to operate as a separate entity, with its own management team and product roadmap.
Meraki’s Products and Services
Meraki offers a wide range of products and services that cater to the needs of businesses of all sizes. Some of its most popular products include:
Wireless Access Points
Meraki’s wireless access points are designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure Wi-Fi connectivity. They offer a range of indoor and outdoor access points, including the popular MR series, which features advanced security and management capabilities.
Switches
Meraki’s switches are designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure connectivity for wired devices. They offer a range of switches, including the popular MS series, which features advanced security and management capabilities.
Security Appliances
Meraki’s security appliances are designed to provide advanced threat protection and security management capabilities. They offer a range of security appliances, including the popular MX series, which features advanced threat protection, VPN, and SD-WAN capabilities.
Mobile Device Management
Meraki’s mobile device management solution, known as Systems Manager, is designed to provide centralized management and security for mobile devices. It offers a range of features, including device enrollment, configuration, and security management.
What Sets Meraki Apart
So, what sets Meraki apart from its competitors? Here are a few key factors:
Cloud-Managed Networking
Meraki’s cloud-managed networking solution provides a centralized management platform for all of its products. This allows administrators to manage and monitor their network from a single dashboard, regardless of the location or device.
Easy to Use
Meraki’s products are known for their ease of use. They offer a range of features, including a user-friendly interface, automated deployment, and simplified management.
Scalability
Meraki’s products are designed to scale with the needs of businesses. They offer a range of products that can be easily integrated into existing networks, making it easy to add new devices and locations.
Security
Meraki’s products are designed with security in mind. They offer a range of advanced security features, including threat protection, VPN, and SD-WAN capabilities.
Cost-Effective
Meraki’s products are designed to be cost-effective. They offer a range of pricing options, including a subscription-based model, which can help businesses reduce their upfront costs.
Meraki’s Partnerships and Integrations
Meraki has partnered with a range of companies to provide integrated solutions for businesses. Some of its most notable partnerships include:
Cisco Systems
As a subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Meraki has access to Cisco’s extensive portfolio of products and services. This allows Meraki to offer integrated solutions that leverage the strengths of both companies.
Amazon Web Services
Meraki has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide integrated solutions for businesses. This includes support for AWS’s cloud services, such as AWS Lambda and Amazon S3.
Microsoft Azure
Meraki has partnered with Microsoft Azure to provide integrated solutions for businesses. This includes support for Azure’s cloud services, such as Azure Active Directory and Azure Storage.
Meraki’s Awards and Recognition
Meraki has received a range of awards and recognition for its products and services. Some of its most notable awards include:
Gartner Magic Quadrant
Meraki has been recognized as a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Wired and Wireless LAN Access Infrastructure.
Forrester Wave
Meraki has been recognized as a leader in the Forrester Wave for Cloud-Managed Networking.
CRN Channel Awards
Meraki has received a range of awards from CRN, including the CRN Channel Award for Cloud Computing Vendor of the Year.
Conclusion
So, is Meraki a good company? Based on its history, products, and services, it’s clear that Meraki is a leader in the cloud-managed networking market. Its products are designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure connectivity for businesses of all sizes. Its cloud-managed networking solution provides a centralized management platform for all of its products, making it easy to manage and monitor networks from a single dashboard. Additionally, Meraki’s partnerships and integrations with other companies provide a range of integrated solutions for businesses.
While Meraki may not be the cheapest option on the market, its products are designed to be cost-effective and provide a range of features that can help businesses reduce their upfront costs. Overall, Meraki is a good company that offers a range of products and services that can help businesses of all sizes achieve their networking goals.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Meraki is a good company that offers a range of products and services that can help businesses of all sizes achieve their networking goals. Its cloud-managed networking solution provides a centralized management platform for all of its products, making it easy to manage and monitor networks from a single dashboard. Additionally, Meraki’s partnerships and integrations with other companies provide a range of integrated solutions for businesses.
If you’re in the market for a new networking solution, Meraki is definitely worth considering. Its products are designed to provide fast, reliable, and secure connectivity for businesses of all sizes. And with its cloud-managed networking solution, you can easily manage and monitor your network from a single dashboard.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact Meraki today to learn more about its products and services and how they can help your business achieve its networking goals.
What is Meraki and how does it relate to Cisco?
Meraki is a cloud-managed networking solution that was acquired by Cisco Systems in 2012. Meraki offers a range of products and services, including wireless access points, switches, security appliances, and mobile device management solutions. As a subsidiary of Cisco, Meraki operates independently, but its products and services are tightly integrated with Cisco’s broader portfolio of networking solutions.
Meraki’s cloud-managed approach allows customers to manage their networks from a centralized dashboard, providing real-time visibility and control over network performance, security, and configuration. This approach has proven popular among organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises, as it simplifies network management and reduces the need for on-site IT expertise.
What are the benefits of using Meraki’s cloud-managed networking solution?
One of the primary benefits of using Meraki’s cloud-managed networking solution is its ease of use and simplicity. The Meraki dashboard provides a centralized interface for managing all aspects of the network, from configuration and monitoring to troubleshooting and maintenance. This makes it easy for IT teams to manage the network, even if they don’t have extensive networking expertise.
Another key benefit of Meraki’s solution is its scalability and flexibility. Meraki’s cloud-managed approach allows customers to easily add or remove devices from the network as needed, making it easy to scale the network up or down to meet changing business needs. Additionally, Meraki’s solution supports a wide range of devices and applications, making it easy to integrate with existing infrastructure and systems.
How does Meraki’s security solution compare to other networking vendors?
Meraki’s security solution is highly regarded in the industry for its robustness and effectiveness. Meraki’s solution includes a range of features, such as firewalling, intrusion detection and prevention, and malware protection, which provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of threats. Additionally, Meraki’s solution is highly scalable and can be easily integrated with other security solutions, making it a popular choice among organizations with complex security needs.
One of the key differentiators of Meraki’s security solution is its cloud-managed approach. Meraki’s solution allows customers to manage security policies and configurations from a centralized dashboard, making it easy to enforce consistent security policies across the entire network. Additionally, Meraki’s solution includes advanced threat detection and analytics capabilities, which provide real-time visibility into network activity and help identify potential security threats.
What kind of support and training does Meraki offer to its customers?
Meraki offers a range of support and training options to its customers, including online documentation, webinars, and instructor-led training sessions. Meraki’s support team is available 24/7 to assist with any technical issues or questions, and the company also offers a range of online resources, such as community forums and knowledge bases, to help customers troubleshoot and resolve issues on their own.
Meraki also offers a range of professional services, including network design and implementation, to help customers get the most out of their Meraki solution. Additionally, Meraki has a large and active community of customers and partners, which provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise that customers can tap into to help them solve problems and optimize their networks.
How does Meraki’s pricing model compare to other networking vendors?
Meraki’s pricing model is highly competitive with other networking vendors. Meraki offers a range of pricing options, including perpetual licensing and subscription-based models, which provide customers with flexibility and choice. Additionally, Meraki’s pricing is highly transparent, with all costs clearly outlined upfront, making it easy for customers to budget and plan for their networking needs.
One of the key benefits of Meraki’s pricing model is its simplicity. Meraki’s solution is priced on a per-device basis, making it easy for customers to understand and manage their costs. Additionally, Meraki’s solution includes all software updates and maintenance, which means that customers don’t have to worry about additional costs or fees down the line.
What are some common use cases for Meraki’s cloud-managed networking solution?
Meraki’s cloud-managed networking solution is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of scenarios. Some common use cases include branch office networking, where Meraki’s solution provides a simple and cost-effective way to manage remote networks. Another common use case is in education, where Meraki’s solution provides a secure and reliable way to manage student and faculty networks.
Meraki’s solution is also widely used in retail and hospitality, where it provides a secure and reliable way to manage customer-facing networks. Additionally, Meraki’s solution is used in a wide range of other industries, including healthcare, finance, and government, where it provides a secure and reliable way to manage sensitive data and applications.
What is the future of Meraki and its cloud-managed networking solution?
Meraki continues to innovate and expand its cloud-managed networking solution, with a focus on providing customers with even more simplicity, scalability, and security. Some of the key areas of focus for Meraki include artificial intelligence and machine learning, which will provide customers with even more advanced threat detection and analytics capabilities.
Meraki is also investing heavily in its Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, which will provide customers with a secure and reliable way to manage IoT devices and applications. Additionally, Meraki is expanding its partnerships and collaborations with other vendors and organizations, which will provide customers with even more choice and flexibility when it comes to their networking needs.