Cisco To Debut Solutions To Help Small Businesses

Cisco is about to unveil updates to its Cisco Designed portfolio -- including improved email security -- that it says will help small businesses cope with technology challenges during “the new normal.”   

The changes, which are set for launch during the CiscoLive! digital event on June 3, include:

  • Webex Work — A collaboration solution that combines calling, meeting and messaging services in one subscription.
  • New Cisco Business Switches — Capability that powers remote and office connections 
  • Cisco Meraki Network Assurance — Now being added to the Cisco Designed portfolio, this will help SMBs manage their network infrastructure in the cloud.
  • Enhanced email security — A key capability, given that email is the number one threat vector for all businesses, Cisco says.

In addition, Cisco has joined the "Stand for Small" initiative, an effort by American Express and roughly 60 other firms to provide support for small businesses as they cope with the impact of COVID-19.

The Cisco Designed portfolio “directly addresses the needs and threat vectors for secure workplaces, better collaboration, simplified manageability and organizational productivity empowerment," states Anurag Agrawal, analyst, Techaisle. 

Drone delivery company Matternet gives high marks to Cisco Designed. 

"With several stations and drones around the world, it is critical for all of them to be able to communicate reliably and securely,” states Paolo Resmini, vice president of engineering for Matternet.

Another positive review is offered by Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, a nonprofit that has observed a sharp increase in security threats.

Cisco has helped the group mitigate the risk, allowing the team to “focus on our mission of ensuring our community has the food they need to thrive," states Elizabeth Whamond, director of IT, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley.  

The number of business owners and employees working from home doubled from March to April, according to research from the National Small Business Association, Cisco points out.

 

 

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