Cisco is continuing its push for a larger presence in the SMB space with new networking, security and storage products. The vendor also is offering new financing options.
Cisco Systems
is introducing networking, security and storage products to its portfolio of
offerings for small and midsize companies as it continues to push for a larger
share of that market.
Cisco has
always had a significant presence in the enterprise, but in recent years,
company officials have talked about their desire to grow their traction among
SMB customers, a space that is looking for more performance out of their
technology infrastructures.
The additions
to Cisco's Connect and Secure SMB lineups, announced Jan. 25, are designed to
enable smaller businesses to more easily and securely connect workers and their
devices with the content they're looking for, whenever they need it, company
officials said. The message harkens to Cisco's larger Borderless Network
initiative, which itself is aimed at giving employees network access anytime,
from anywhere and on any device.
The networking
giant is rolling out a new line of entry-level Ethernet switches-the 200 Series
Smart Switches-as well as a new network security firewall and a backup service
for storage products. Cisco also is offering new financing offers for SMBs.
"We're very
pleased to continue the redesign of our entire small-business switching line
with the Cisco 200 Series switches," Ian Pennell, co-chair of Cisco's Small
Business Council, said in a statement. "This is yet another strong proof point
in Cisco's ongoing commitment to our small-business market adjacency, our
partners and our customers.
The new
managed switches-additions to the Connect portfolio-are designed to be easy to
install and to manage. Through these switches, SMBs can create a network that
will enable employees who use PCs and mobile devices to access shared content,
according to Cisco.
The new RV220W
is a network security firewall for small offices that need greater wireless
security. The firewall offers smaller businesses faster performance with
its 1G Ethernet speed, hybrid VPN capabilities and an optional Web-security
service-dubbed Cisco ProtectLink-from the vendor.
Cisco also is
adding further security options with its online Mozy backup service to its
NSS300 Series Smart Storage offerings. SMB customers have the option to choose
between full on-site backups or a hybrid backup system that is both on-site and
online. Both the on-site and online backup offerings can be managed from a
single interface, Cisco officials said.
Cisco also is
aiming to make it easier for SMBs to buy its products. Through its Cisco
Capital financing arm, the vendor is offering financing for smaller customers,
including three-year, 3 percent financing in the United States and zero-percent
financing in Europe and Canada. The goal is to give SMBs the credit they need
to buy the technology they want, according to Kristine Snow, president of Cisco
Capital.
The 200 Series
switches start at $287 and are available worldwide. The RV220W firewall starts
at $363, and is available now in the United States and Canada, with release
elsewhere in the world later this quarter. Smart Storage starts at $913, and
SMBs can add Mozy online backup plans starting at $145 for 25GB for a year.
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