LAN System offers cloud-based wireless networking.
Press Release Summary:
Meraki Enterprise Wireless LAN system includes Meraki Enterprise Cloud Controller which offers Web-based management tools, automatic RF planning, 802.1x authentication, as well as ability to create multiple virtual-LANs on single physical network. Multiple geographically distributed networks can be managed from central location. Single-radio MR11, capable of 300 Mbps, and dual-radio MR14 access points, at up to 600 Mbps, are also included. System suits businesses with 50-5,000 employees.
Original Press Release:
Meraki Takes Enterprise Wireless into the Cloud, Makes It Available to Companies of All Sizes
Meraki Enterprise Wireless LAN Transforms Economics and Expectations of Wireless Networking
SAN FRANCISCO, May 12 / / - Meraki, an award-winning wireless networking company, today launched the Meraki Enterprise Wireless local area network (LAN) product line. The new line represents a breakthrough cloud-based approach to wireless networking, and enables Meraki to offer a premium-featured Wireless LAN at less than half the cost of solutions from traditional vendors. The products are ideal for businesses with anywhere from 50-5,000 employees who seek premium wireless features, but do not want to dedicate the IT staff and budget required by traditional solutions. The line consists of the industry's first cloud-based controller, the Meraki Enterprise Cloud Controller, and Meraki's new high performance 802.11n wireless access points. The Meraki Enterprise Wireless LAN product line will be unveiled for the first time at Interop Las Vegas 2009, May 17-21 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
The Meraki Enterprise Cloud Controller makes setting up a wireless network as easy as plugging in the access points and watching them self-configure over the Internet. Managing a Meraki wireless LAN can be performed by an IT professional with any level of expertise thanks to the Cloud Controller's intuitive, Web-based management tools. Customers also receive the latest premium wireless features, such as automatic radio frequency (RF) planning, quality-of-service (QoS) for voice and video, security with 802.1x authentication, and the ability to create multiple virtual-LANs on a single physical network. Meraki also features an industry first: the ability to manage multiple geographically distributed networks from a central location.
Meraki's Enterprise Wireless LAN product line also features two new 802.11n access points: the single radio MR11 and the dual radio MR14. Both enable wireless networks that are faster than many wired networks: the MR11 is capable of 300 Mbps and the MR14 boasts 600 Mbps, compared to the standard 100Mbps wired connection in many offices. The access points can serve heavy concentrations of users and are ideal for high-bandwidth content like voice and video.
"Cloud computing shook things up in the CRM and enterprise software world, and now we see an even bigger opportunity to do the same in enterprise networking," said Sanjit Biswas, CEO of Meraki. "At less than half the cost of traditional solutions with 802.11n performance, Meraki is significantly disrupting the economics of wireless networking. The days of expensive all-hardware solutions that are complicated to deploy and manage might soon be a thing of the past. We want every organization to be able to experience the latest networking innovations, not just those with big budgets and IT staff."
Meraki Enterprise WLAN Deployed at Columbia Steel, Southern California
Columbia Steel, a 68,000 sq. ft. steel fabrication facility located on approximately 30-acres, is an especially challenging environment for wireless networks. Within the facility, the network has to deal with severe electromagnetic interference from machinery and the signal reflections bouncing off the steel. Previous solutions were unreliable. Patrick Garrett, IT Manager at Columbia Steel, implemented a Meraki enterprise wireless network that lets the 100 person crew automatically track inventory using wireless bar code scanners, keeping project logistics and inventory on track. He also plans to extend the Meraki network into the corporate offices at Columbia Steel, offering one network for employee access to printers and file servers, and another network allowing guest access to the Internet.
"Meraki's enterprise solution is a godsend for system administrators. It's incredibly cost-effective and simple to set up and manage. The dashboard tells you exactly where the problem is," said Garrett. "The network is self-healing, so when an access point gets knocked out it doesn't take down our whole network. Meraki helped us build the network we envisioned."
Pricing and Availability
A Meraki Enterprise Wireless LAN system covering an office of approximately 20,000 sq. ft. starts at less than $3,000; a mid-sized system, covering approximately 100,000 sq/ft, starts at less than $15,000; and a large system, covering as much as 500,000 sq/ft, starts at less than $75,000. All pricing includes support and maintenance.
Pre-orders begin on May 12th, with shipments starting June 2nd, 2009. The Enterprise product line will be unveiled to the public at Interop Las Vegas May 19th-21st. For additional information on the Meraki Enterprise Wireless LAN product line, visit www.meraki.com/products.
About Meraki
Meraki offers enterprise-class wireless networks at a fraction of the cost and complexity of traditional networking vendors. This is made possible by its unique cloud-based technology. The company's customers range from small and medium-sized businesses to global hotel chains to world-class educational institutions. Meraki wireless networks serve millions of users on over 10,000 networks in more than 130 countries. Meraki is located in San Francisco, California, and is funded in part by Sequoia Capital and Google. For more information, go to www.meraki.com. For information on becoming a Meraki certified reseller, go to www.meraki.com/partners.
About Interop
Interop drives the adoption of technology, providing knowledge and insight to help IT and corporate decision-makers achieve business success. Part of TechWeb's family of global brands, Interop is the leading business technology event series. Through in-depth educational programs, workshops, real-world demonstrations and live technology implementations in its unique Interop Net program, Interop provides the forum for the most powerful innovations and solutions the industry has to offer. For more information about these events visit www.interop.com.
Source: Meraki
Web Site: www.meraki.com/
