The News: Spectrum Enterprise, a part of Charter Communications, announced three new enhancements to Managed Network Edge (MNE), a managed network solution based on the Cisco Meraki cloud-based platform, that is designed to streamline the adoption and management of single and multi-location area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN). The MNE enhancements, which include Remote Access, Teleworker and Virtual Edge, make it easier for network users to have access to their corporate network regardless of location and could simplify the management of these users for IT teams. Read the Charter Spectrum Enterprise Press Release here.
Spectrum Enterprise Enhances MNE Solution, Uses Cisco Meraki to Strengthen Digital Workforce Capabilities
Analyst Take: Highlights from Spectrum Enterprise enhanced MNE solution announcement include:
- The Remote Access component enables remote workers to securely connect to their corporate network by using the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client application.
- The Teleworker component provides a secure hardware gateway between a remote worker’s devices and the MNE network.
- The Virtual Edge component is designed to deliver secure connectivity to business-critical applications by leveraging public cloud offerings such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
The MNE enhancements broaden Spectrum Enterprise’s ability to deliver managed services aimed at organizations by enabling them to fully administer end users who connect to multi-cloud environments. Now Spectrum Enterprise provides an offering that aligns with the post-pandemic demands of the distributed workforce that increasingly includes work-home (WFH) and hybrid work employees. MNE is purpose-developed to for mid-sized and large organizations offering comprehensive support, service level agreements, and installation.
The Cisco Meraki platform underpins MNE’s integration of connectivity, network management, security, and real-time monitoring through a cloud-based management portal. Specifically, the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client application is designed to assist organization and operator total cost of ownership goals by assuring complete secure access for remote workers that are more flexible and cost effective than traditional VPN arrangements.
In addition, the client application can enable organizations to gain observability and oversight at identifying who and what devices are accessing the network. Through automation, the solution performs continuous endpoint posture checks and remediation that determines level of compliance and augment overall security.
Key Takeaways on New Spectrum Enterprise MNE Enhancements
Taken together, the Remote Access, Teleworker, and Virtual Edge offerings strengthen the overall MNE solution, boosting Spectrum Enterprise’s ability to cater to specific customer needs across rapidly evolving distributed workforces. Now Spectrum Enterprise is better positioned to counter rival solutions aimed at expanding remote workforce opportunities such as Comcast Business At Home, AT&T Cybersecurity, Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband, and T-Mobile Home Office Internet/Collaboration. I believe the intensified competition will encourage broader enterprise consideration of cloud-based remote workforce solutions accelerate the adoption of managed network solutions developed to meet distributed workforce demands.
Disclosure: Futurum Research is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
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Ron is an experienced research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets. He is a recognized authority at tracking the evolution of and identifying the key disruptive trends within the service enablement ecosystem, including software and services, infrastructure, 5G/IoT, AI/analytics, security, cloud computing, revenue management, and regulatory issues.