Most small and medium-sized businesses today have complex network setups. These networks often comprise:
- on-premises servers
- clouds
- apps
- firewalls
- WiFi routers, and
- many users with various devices
With most people embracing remote work, managing these complex networks is more challenging, resource-intensive, and time-consuming. Luckily, Cisco Meraki offers simple solutions that assist with managing your entire IT network from the cloud. It’s your small business’s ultimate solution, making handling complex networks easier.
What is Cisco Meraki?
Cisco Meraki is a cloud-based network management platform or centralized management service. It allows admins to maintain and manage the network and devices from any location.
As a small business owner, you can manage robust network solutions from a unified, simple, and secure dashboard. It ensures your network remains continuous and secure at all times.
Cisco Meraki makes it possible to use an internet-connected browser to configure security for your:
- WiFi networks
- Internet-connected devices
- Firewalls
- Routers
- Switches
It offers an efficient and convenient way to manage your entire network. You don’t have to manage all these endpoints individually since Cisco Meraki provides one easy-to-use and safe platform.
You can use it in various industries, including:
- Financial services
- Cyber security companies
- Education
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality
- Retail and so much more
How Cisco Meraki Works
Cisco Meraki products are fully cloud-managed. They come with integrated security and networking features on one dashboard.
Cisco Meraki devices connect to the Cisco Meraki Cloud using a Secure Socket Layer. You will then download the devices, configure them, and then connect them to your network.
The built-in intelligence and analytic tools give your network admin complete visibility of the WiFi network. They can see every detail, including specifics like a user’s online activity.
Cisco Meraki also allows admins to apply restrictions to control the network’s bandwidth when there’s overloading. It’s also easy to assess the traffic to determine which sources slow down the network.
Network admins can also implement rules and policies to limit using some websites and apps. These restrictions can be permanent or for a particular period. As a small business owner, security should be a top priority. Meraki solutions have Seventh Layer visibility technology in the switches rather than costly overlay devices.
Cisco Meraki is a comprehensive solution that delivers various outstanding benefits, including:
1. An all-rounded Security Package
Hackers can target any network, regardless of your business’s worth, data sensitivity, or network size.
Cisco Meraki is the most-effective firewall solution for your small business. It has various security features that effectively protect your network from intrusions, yet they are easy to implement.
Cisco Meraki firewall solution offers:
- Content filtering tools
- Automatic intrusion detection and prevention
- Location-based firewall rules
- Anti-virus and anti-phishing services
- Advanced malware protection
Besides the advanced network security options, the firewall provides, you also benefit from advanced firewall controls. For instance, you can block video streaming websites like Amazon or Netflix while prioritizing video conferencing services and tools.
Standard firewalls can’t differentiate the activities from similar websites, but the Cisco Meraki firewall solution does.
Safe and Secure Environments
One primary concern for growing businesses planning to migrate to the cloud is security. Cisco Meraki offers advanced solutions and unique encryption security to prevent data loss.
These solutions are suitable for the particular needs of any small business, from VPN connectivity to robust firewalls. You can count on state-of-the-art Cisco Meraki Security on cloud and on-premise data.
When you work with First Choice IT Group, we ensure your IT team can monitor threats and manage security events using the Meraki dashboard. We provide security for your assets, devices, and users on a unified platform. Features like the Cisco Meraki Air Marshal offer real-time user forensics and wireless intrusion prevention.
It’s easy to scan the environment for active threats. In case of hazards, you execute preventative actions based on the pre-set configurations. The in-built forensic tools ensure thorough assessment after the initial threat analysis.
You’ll receive notifications about any potential threats via SMS and email and real-time alerts based on the specific situation.
2. Scalability
As a small business owner, scalability is an essential aspect to consider. It allows you to accommodate the growth of your business and adapt to the changing needs or demands.
Scalability ensures you retain a competitive edge in your line of business. This cloud-based solution guarantees scalability thanks to in-built quality.
You can access the functions and features you need to broaden your network while maintaining consistent control as your business evolves. You can also use these Cisco Meraki products in any part of your network infrastructure, including:
- access points
- network switches, and
- firewalls
Each system connects directly with the Cisco Meraki cloud, simplifying the setup. Depending on your situation, you can add, remove, and move them as necessary. It’s an excellent way to optimize productivity and efficiency.
Cloud Meraki is an invaluable asset to any business looking to manage more processes and people beyond the office. The scalability makes it more affordable because you only pay for the features you use. You’re free to add to the network capacity as your needs expand.
You can confidently scale your business operations with Cloud Meraki’s advanced technology. There’s no easier way to maximize the effectiveness of your wired and wireless networks.
3. Simplified Management
One of Cisco Meraki products’ most outstanding benefits is simplicity and easy management. Your network consists of multiple software and hardware solutions, each with individual interfaces and management processes.
Cisco Meraki centralizes all these solutions on one Cloud portal. You can manage and control various security devices and every network component with one user interface.
Cisco Meraki is compatible with a wide variety of devices and applications. Besides device management, your IT team can control network permissions, analytics, users, and other aspects.
The centralized management minimizes your IT team’s workload. They can also work remotely since cloud management location doesn’t limit cloud management.
Network admins can access the entire WiFi network and limit access to applications and websites as necessary. Cisco Meraki also comes with automatic firmware patches and updates regularly. This allows your team to prioritize other essential tasks without sacrificing an updated cloud platform.
Cisco Meraki’s Highly Intuitive Dashboard
The centralized management dashboard is Cisco Meraki’s most beneficial feature. It’s the central hub for all aspects of network management.
The dashboard is simple and easy to use and allows monitoring your network’s general health at all times, 24/7/365.
Your network admins can use the dashboard to see:
- All clients connected to the network
- The amount of bandwidth every network user utilizes
- Applications and their respective usage
This visibility allows the admins to implement network policies on a user-by-user basis or across the entire network.
Workforce Support
Cisco Meraki has double productivity benefits by enhancing the efficiency of the IT team and the workforce they serve. The streamlined network management means any maintenance and troubleshooting happens at one single point of contact.
Optimizing network performance and security benefit your business through faster, more dependable connections. Your network users can enjoy reliable and stable links.
Post-pandemic, remote work is the new norm for most people. If you have team members reporting to work and working remotely, you need a robust IT solution that ensures streamlined visibility and broad access.
Cisco Meraki is perfect for a hybrid and remote workforce. It allows teammates to collaborate, regardless of location. You can also allow them to use their devices. The location tagging and device monitoring features provide you with essential security information.
Compatibility and Integration
Cisco Meraki is an exceptionally compatible solution. It integrates seamlessly with popular apps like:
- Cisco Duo
- Third-party software like Cloudifi and Zenreach Engage
Meraki’s Cloud portal constantly receives automatic updates with the latest features and firmware. The goal is to ensure your business can keep up with the dynamic app marketplace.
The best part is that these quarterly updates come at no extra cost. You’ll always have the latest updates and software while remaining safe and secure. Get in touch with our team today and experience Cisco Meraki’s robust capabilities.
Upgrade your Business Security with the Cisco Meraki from First Choice IT Group
Cisco Meraki empowers small businesses to achieve more with less. It’s the ultimate long-term solution, as it’s affordable and scalable. You can start by paying for the features and network capacity your business needs and then build on them as you grow.
At First Choice IT Group, we offer personalized support for your business based on your technical needs. Our team of IT experts has extensive experience delivering comprehensive IT services, including:
- Applications support
- Security services
- Remote and on-site help desk
- Business continuity
- Disaster recovery
- End-user services and support
- Managed cloud and hosting
- Expert IT consulting
We leverage Cisco Meraki to offer better network protection and efficient network management. Talk to our experts today and discover how Cisco Meraki Business Solutions will give your business a competitive edge.