New cloud-managed networking and security offerings that aim to secure next-generation networking technology are now available.

The new solutions aim to make digital businesses simpler to run, without sacrificing performance or security.

Changing work environments have led to employees working from anywhere in the world, using an increasing number of devices that need to be coordinated and managed. However, many businesses cannot afford the networks required for these new digital demands.

Cisco Meraki offers an intent-based architecture that aims to equip information technology (IT) organisations of any size to extend management across network domains.

Intent-based networking (IBN) is a concept where special software is used to help plan, design and automatically implement changes to a network. The user inputs an intent or desired action that the IBN is going to take.  No configuration is provided, the network itself must figure out what action is needed to fulfil the intent.

The new solutions include:

• MS390: a next-generation access switch that combines Meraki with Cisco switching solutions. It is built using Meraki Catalyst intent-based networking hardware and Cisco Meraki software. The solution aims to create a scalable way to aggregate high-density WiFi deployments while optimising the user experience. In addition, it offers extensibility for new feature development and a new security policy.
• Adaptive Policy: allows organisations to group users, applications and devices so as to apply the right policies. Adaptive Policy is part of the company’s Zero Trust Security initiative, aimed at enabling advanced multi-domain policy support between Meraki and a SD-Access fabric deployment. SD access allows IT to set network access for any user, device or application, while maintaining security.
• Security Features: include multi-domain integration with the company’s security portfolio and Meraki Trusted Access, which aims to provide device authentication without the need for a mobile device management solution. Other features include deeper Umbrella integration to protect against domain name system attacks and enhanced security appliance firewall rules.
• Meraki Mobile Gateway: is a wireless wide area network cellular gateway that aims to unlock the benefits of cellular connectivity while offering provisioning and management.

Partner Impact

The company aims to simplify the implementation of networking and security by making the network open and extensible, enabling partners to integrate and build value-added applications and services on top of the platform.