Category: IoT

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Power Your Competitive Edge

On a sizzling summer night, you pull into a fast-food drive-through and are greeted by an automated voice that recognizes your past mobile app orders. The menu board surprises you with personalized recommendations, but what amazes you most is the next-level convenience. Instead of waiting at the window, you are directed to park in a designated area where they locate you and deliver your freshly prepared meal. This seamless customer experience sets the drive-through apart. You’ll definitely come back.

As you drive off, you wonder how they securely and reliably power and connect all their technology (cameras, Wi-Fi, and the digital menu board) in challenging outdoor conditions—whether it’s on a hot summer day, during a cold snowy winter, or on a menu board that needs to fit in a tight space. More importantly, how do their IT experts deploy new sites rapidly, manage firmware updates, and troubleshoot devices across thousands of locations globally?

The answer: extend seamless experiences with a cloud-managed ruggedized switch

Businesses need to power new customer and employee experience possibilities, regardless of industry. To achieve that, you can leverage IoT devices (like outdoor cameras) and Wi-Fi to ensure real-time communication, physical safety, intelligent analytics, and reliable operations in rugged environments. A cloud-managed ruggedized switch is ideal for managing network and security in one place across remote locations.

Meet the MS130R and extend connectivity and security to hot/cold/tight spaces. It is designed to:

  • Power more use cases with 30 W PoE+, IP30 protection, and support from -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158°F)
  • Adapt to your installation needs with flexible mounting and power options
  • Connect outdoor access points, cameras, and other IoT devices in hot/cold/tight environments
  • Be used in locations such as parking lots, pop-up events, non-temperature-controlled spaces, outdoor kiosks, and hospitality venues like golf courses and ski resorts
  • Unleash operational efficiency and streamline remote management with the powerful and intuitive Meraki cloud-managed dashboard
  • Protect true edge environments by leveraging Adaptive Policy* with MS130R

The MS130R seamlessly extends common policies from campus to branch to harsh environments, helping you deliver secure networks that evolve with your organization and bolster growth

* MS130R is hardware-ready for the Adaptive Policy feature, with a future firmware upgrade and Advanced license.

Cross two hurdles in one leap: reduce costs and complexity with unified PoE power and network management.

Extending the power and connectivity to these environments is no easy feat.

By utilizing one single Ethernet cable for both power and network access, you not only simplify the installation process and lower costs, but also enable centralized monitoring and control for all relevant devices. The ability to remotely turn off ports and connected devices (like the menu board in the example) at a scheduled time is a great way to achieve sustainability and cost savings.

Peace of mind: manage and troubleshoot no matter how remote

When you deploy and manage end-to-end cloud-managed networks, from cameras to access points, switches, and security, it empowers your network team to manage effectively and unlock insights without adding operational complexity.

Once a Meraki switch is plugged into the network, users will automatically gain an intuitive, interactive topology map that provides unparalleled visibility and control for the entire network. With proactive alerts and powerful live tools like packet capture (PCAP), cable test, and cycle port, your team can effectively see everything and troubleshoot on one dashboard.

The refreshed topology map provides an integrated health overview, device details, and client details on a single page. This feature will be available in the Early Access program soon.

Learn what else you can power with the new MS130R

Discover how Meraki can securely power and connect your technology in challenging conditions and experience the peace of mind that centralized management and troubleshooting capabilities bring, even in remote locations. Visit our page to learn more about the new MS130 and MS130R switches or listen to our recent podcast episode.

The post Power Your Competitive Edge appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Power Your Competitive Edge

On a sizzling summer night, you pull into a fast-food drive-through and are greeted by an automated voice that recognizes your past mobile app orders. The menu board surprises you with personalized recommendations, but what amazes you most is the next-level convenience. Instead of waiting at the window, you are directed to park in a designated area where they locate you and deliver your freshly prepared meal. This seamless customer experience sets the drive-through apart. You’ll definitely come back.

As you drive off, you wonder how they securely and reliably power and connect all their technology (cameras, Wi-Fi, and the digital menu board) in challenging outdoor conditions—whether it’s on a hot summer day, during a cold snowy winter, or on a menu board that needs to fit in a tight space. More importantly, how do their IT experts deploy new sites rapidly, manage firmware updates, and troubleshoot devices across thousands of locations globally?

The answer: extend seamless experiences with a cloud-managed ruggedized switch

Businesses need to power new customer and employee experience possibilities, regardless of industry. To achieve that, you can leverage IoT devices (like outdoor cameras) and Wi-Fi to ensure real-time communication, physical safety, intelligent analytics, and reliable operations in rugged environments. A cloud-managed ruggedized switch is ideal for managing network and security in one place across remote locations.

Meet the MS130R and extend connectivity and security to hot/cold/tight spaces. It is designed to:

  • Power more use cases with 30 W PoE+, IP30 protection, and support from -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158°F)
  • Adapt to your installation needs with flexible mounting and power options
  • Connect outdoor access points, cameras, and other IoT devices in hot/cold/tight environments
  • Be used in locations such as parking lots, pop-up events, non-temperature-controlled spaces, outdoor kiosks, and hospitality venues like golf courses and ski resorts
  • Unleash operational efficiency and streamline remote management with the powerful and intuitive Meraki cloud-managed dashboard
  • Protect true edge environments by leveraging Adaptive Policy* with MS130R

The MS130R seamlessly extends common policies from campus to branch to harsh environments, helping you deliver secure networks that evolve with your organization and bolster growth

* MS130R is hardware-ready for the Adaptive Policy feature, with a future firmware upgrade and Advanced license.

Cross two hurdles in one leap: reduce costs and complexity with unified PoE power and network management.

Extending the power and connectivity to these environments is no easy feat.

By utilizing one single Ethernet cable for both power and network access, you not only simplify the installation process and lower costs, but also enable centralized monitoring and control for all relevant devices. The ability to remotely turn off ports and connected devices (like the menu board in the example) at a scheduled time is a great way to achieve sustainability and cost savings.

Peace of mind: manage and troubleshoot no matter how remote

When you deploy and manage end-to-end cloud-managed networks, from cameras to access points, switches, and security, it empowers your network team to manage effectively and unlock insights without adding operational complexity.

Once a Meraki switch is plugged into the network, users will automatically gain an intuitive, interactive topology map that provides unparalleled visibility and control for the entire network. With proactive alerts and powerful live tools like packet capture (PCAP), cable test, and cycle port, your team can effectively see everything and troubleshoot on one dashboard.

The refreshed topology map provides an integrated health overview, device details, and client details on a single page. This feature will be available in the Early Access program soon.

Learn what else you can power with the new MS130R

Discover how Meraki can securely power and connect your technology in challenging conditions and experience the peace of mind that centralized management and troubleshooting capabilities bring, even in remote locations. Visit our page to learn more about the new MS130 and MS130R switches or listen to our recent podcast episode.

The post Power Your Competitive Edge appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Power Your Competitive Edge

On a sizzling summer night, you pull into a fast-food drive-through and are greeted by an automated voice that recognizes your past mobile app orders. The menu board surprises you with personalized recommendations, but what amazes you most is the next-level convenience. Instead of waiting at the window, you are directed to park in a designated area where they locate you and deliver your freshly prepared meal. This seamless customer experience sets the drive-through apart. You’ll definitely come back.

As you drive off, you wonder how they securely and reliably power and connect all their technology (cameras, Wi-Fi, and the digital menu board) in challenging outdoor conditions—whether it’s on a hot summer day, during a cold snowy winter, or on a menu board that needs to fit in a tight space. More importantly, how do their IT experts deploy new sites rapidly, manage firmware updates, and troubleshoot devices across thousands of locations globally?

The answer: extend seamless experiences with a cloud-managed ruggedized switch

Businesses need to power new customer and employee experience possibilities, regardless of industry. To achieve that, you can leverage IoT devices (like outdoor cameras) and Wi-Fi to ensure real-time communication, physical safety, intelligent analytics, and reliable operations in rugged environments. A cloud-managed ruggedized switch is ideal for managing network and security in one place across remote locations.

Meet the MS130R and extend connectivity and security to hot/cold/tight spaces. It is designed to:

  • Power more use cases with 30 W PoE+, IP30 protection, and support from -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158°F)
  • Adapt to your installation needs with flexible mounting and power options
  • Connect outdoor access points, cameras, and other IoT devices in hot/cold/tight environments
  • Be used in locations such as parking lots, pop-up events, non-temperature-controlled spaces, outdoor kiosks, and hospitality venues like golf courses and ski resorts
  • Unleash operational efficiency and streamline remote management with the powerful and intuitive Meraki cloud-managed dashboard
  • Protect true edge environments by leveraging Adaptive Policy* with MS130R

The MS130R seamlessly extends common policies from campus to branch to harsh environments, helping you deliver secure networks that evolve with your organization and bolster growth

* MS130R is hardware-ready for the Adaptive Policy feature, with a future firmware upgrade and Advanced license.

Cross two hurdles in one leap: reduce costs and complexity with unified PoE power and network management.

Extending the power and connectivity to these environments is no easy feat.

By utilizing one single Ethernet cable for both power and network access, you not only simplify the installation process and lower costs, but also enable centralized monitoring and control for all relevant devices. The ability to remotely turn off ports and connected devices (like the menu board in the example) at a scheduled time is a great way to achieve sustainability and cost savings.

Peace of mind: manage and troubleshoot no matter how remote

When you deploy and manage end-to-end cloud-managed networks, from cameras to access points, switches, and security, it empowers your network team to manage effectively and unlock insights without adding operational complexity.

Once a Meraki switch is plugged into the network, users will automatically gain an intuitive, interactive topology map that provides unparalleled visibility and control for the entire network. With proactive alerts and powerful live tools like packet capture (PCAP), cable test, and cycle port, your team can effectively see everything and troubleshoot on one dashboard.

The refreshed topology map provides an integrated health overview, device details, and client details on a single page. This feature will be available in the Early Access program soon.

Learn what else you can power with the new MS130R

Discover how Meraki can securely power and connect your technology in challenging conditions and experience the peace of mind that centralized management and troubleshooting capabilities bring, even in remote locations. Visit our page to learn more about the new MS130 and MS130R switches or listen to our recent podcast episode.

The post Power Your Competitive Edge appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Power Your Competitive Edge

On a sizzling summer night, you pull into a fast-food drive-through and are greeted by an automated voice that recognizes your past mobile app orders. The menu board surprises you with personalized recommendations, but what amazes you most is the next-level convenience. Instead of waiting at the window, you are directed to park in a designated area where they locate you and deliver your freshly prepared meal. This seamless customer experience sets the drive-through apart. You’ll definitely come back.

As you drive off, you wonder how they securely and reliably power and connect all their technology (cameras, Wi-Fi, and the digital menu board) in challenging outdoor conditions—whether it’s on a hot summer day, during a cold snowy winter, or on a menu board that needs to fit in a tight space. More importantly, how do their IT experts deploy new sites rapidly, manage firmware updates, and troubleshoot devices across thousands of locations globally?

The answer: extend seamless experiences with a cloud-managed ruggedized switch

Businesses need to power new customer and employee experience possibilities, regardless of industry. To achieve that, you can leverage IoT devices (like outdoor cameras) and Wi-Fi to ensure real-time communication, physical safety, intelligent analytics, and reliable operations in rugged environments. A cloud-managed ruggedized switch is ideal for managing network and security in one place across remote locations.

Meet the MS130R and extend connectivity and security to hot/cold/tight spaces. It is designed to:

  • Power more use cases with 30 W PoE+, IP30 protection, and support from -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158°F)
  • Adapt to your installation needs with flexible mounting and power options
  • Connect outdoor access points, cameras, and other IoT devices in hot/cold/tight environments
  • Be used in locations such as parking lots, pop-up events, non-temperature-controlled spaces, outdoor kiosks, and hospitality venues like golf courses and ski resorts
  • Unleash operational efficiency and streamline remote management with the powerful and intuitive Meraki cloud-managed dashboard
  • Protect true edge environments by leveraging Adaptive Policy* with MS130R

The MS130R seamlessly extends common policies from campus to branch to harsh environments, helping you deliver secure networks that evolve with your organization and bolster growth

* MS130R is hardware-ready for the Adaptive Policy feature, with a future firmware upgrade and Advanced license.

Cross two hurdles in one leap: reduce costs and complexity with unified PoE power and network management.

Extending the power and connectivity to these environments is no easy feat.

By utilizing one single Ethernet cable for both power and network access, you not only simplify the installation process and lower costs, but also enable centralized monitoring and control for all relevant devices. The ability to remotely turn off ports and connected devices (like the menu board in the example) at a scheduled time is a great way to achieve sustainability and cost savings.

Peace of mind: manage and troubleshoot no matter how remote

When you deploy and manage end-to-end cloud-managed networks, from cameras to access points, switches, and security, it empowers your network team to manage effectively and unlock insights without adding operational complexity.

Once a Meraki switch is plugged into the network, users will automatically gain an intuitive, interactive topology map that provides unparalleled visibility and control for the entire network. With proactive alerts and powerful live tools like packet capture (PCAP), cable test, and cycle port, your team can effectively see everything and troubleshoot on one dashboard.

The refreshed topology map provides an integrated health overview, device details, and client details on a single page. This feature will be available in the Early Access program soon.

Learn what else you can power with the new MS130R

Discover how Meraki can securely power and connect your technology in challenging conditions and experience the peace of mind that centralized management and troubleshooting capabilities bring, even in remote locations. Visit our page to learn more about the new MS130 and MS130R switches or listen to our recent podcast episode.

The post Power Your Competitive Edge appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Power Your Competitive Edge

On a sizzling summer night, you pull into a fast-food drive-through and are greeted by an automated voice that recognizes your past mobile app orders. The menu board surprises you with personalized recommendations, but what amazes you most is the next-level convenience. Instead of waiting at the window, you are directed to park in a designated area where they locate you and deliver your freshly prepared meal. This seamless customer experience sets the drive-through apart. You’ll definitely come back.

As you drive off, you wonder how they securely and reliably power and connect all their technology (cameras, Wi-Fi, and the digital menu board) in challenging outdoor conditions—whether it’s on a hot summer day, during a cold snowy winter, or on a menu board that needs to fit in a tight space. More importantly, how do their IT experts deploy new sites rapidly, manage firmware updates, and troubleshoot devices across thousands of locations globally?

The answer: extend seamless experiences with a cloud-managed ruggedized switch

Businesses need to power new customer and employee experience possibilities, regardless of industry. To achieve that, you can leverage IoT devices (like outdoor cameras) and Wi-Fi to ensure real-time communication, physical safety, intelligent analytics, and reliable operations in rugged environments. A cloud-managed ruggedized switch is ideal for managing network and security in one place across remote locations.

Meet the MS130R and extend connectivity and security to hot/cold/tight spaces. It is designed to:

  • Power more use cases with 30 W PoE+, IP30 protection, and support from -40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158°F)
  • Adapt to your installation needs with flexible mounting and power options
  • Connect outdoor access points, cameras, and other IoT devices in hot/cold/tight environments
  • Be used in locations such as parking lots, pop-up events, non-temperature-controlled spaces, outdoor kiosks, and hospitality venues like golf courses and ski resorts
  • Unleash operational efficiency and streamline remote management with the powerful and intuitive Meraki cloud-managed dashboard
  • Protect true edge environments by leveraging Adaptive Policy* with MS130R

The MS130R seamlessly extends common policies from campus to branch to harsh environments, helping you deliver secure networks that evolve with your organization and bolster growth

* MS130R is hardware-ready for the Adaptive Policy feature, with a future firmware upgrade and Advanced license.

Cross two hurdles in one leap: reduce costs and complexity with unified PoE power and network management.

Extending the power and connectivity to these environments is no easy feat.

By utilizing one single Ethernet cable for both power and network access, you not only simplify the installation process and lower costs, but also enable centralized monitoring and control for all relevant devices. The ability to remotely turn off ports and connected devices (like the menu board in the example) at a scheduled time is a great way to achieve sustainability and cost savings.

Peace of mind: manage and troubleshoot no matter how remote

When you deploy and manage end-to-end cloud-managed networks, from cameras to access points, switches, and security, it empowers your network team to manage effectively and unlock insights without adding operational complexity.

Once a Meraki switch is plugged into the network, users will automatically gain an intuitive, interactive topology map that provides unparalleled visibility and control for the entire network. With proactive alerts and powerful live tools like packet capture (PCAP), cable test, and cycle port, your team can effectively see everything and troubleshoot on one dashboard.

The refreshed topology map provides an integrated health overview, device details, and client details on a single page. This feature will be available in the Early Access program soon.

Learn what else you can power with the new MS130R

Discover how Meraki can securely power and connect your technology in challenging conditions and experience the peace of mind that centralized management and troubleshooting capabilities bring, even in remote locations. Visit our page to learn more about the new MS130 and MS130R switches or listen to our recent podcast episode.

The post Power Your Competitive Edge appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Optimizing Physical Security through Automation

This article was contributed by Kisi, a Meraki technology partner.  

The security sector has seen several innovations over the years that have changed the scope of facility management and protection. One of these areas of advancement has been the automation of security processes and responses, which has provided efficiency on a new scale.  

From automated access control and smart surveillance systems, to streamlined incident response and integrated security operations, automation empowers organizations to proactively safeguard their physical assets.  

Read on to explore the benefits of physical security automation, including improved threat detection, real-time monitoring, streamlined workflows, reduced human error, and enhanced scalability.  

Improved threat detection 

Automation has allowed for advanced threat detection and responses that are more streamlined and pre-defined according to safety policies. The integration of more automation into threat detection systems means a quicker and more robust response to any potential breaches. 

For example, combining an access control system like Kisi, with IoT cameras from Meraki enables automated intrusion detection. Once a breach occurs, the camera records every action by the intruder, and the access control system sends notifications to the administrator or any applicable parties. This response is completely automated, and allows you to take quick action to mitigate the potential threat. 

Real-time monitoring and reporting 

Automatic functioning of access control and surveillance systems means eyes are always on the premises, even after hours, without dedicated personnel. This helps security managers and landlords have extra peace of mind, knowing that should a breach occur, the automated systems and the records they keep are easily accessible. 

Streamlined Workflows

Some access control solutions allow for automated provisioning, which means you don’t have to manually configure the permissions for each user you already have in your directory. This saves your admins and IT professionals the time they usually spend on setting up and onboarding users for access to spaces and services. This automation also means simplified onboarding and offboarding workflows, enhancing security and streamlining the process of granting and revoking access permissions. 

Reduced human error 

Legacy systems which require human input to detect threats and irregularities in the access flow are vulnerable to error. Security personnel cannot always have eyes on every sector of the premises, and breaches are bound to occur. Cameras and access control systems with automatic functionality can record actions in real time and lock doors on site. This automated process reduces risks associated with employees forgetting to lock the doors of sensitive areas. 

Enhanced scalability    

Companies are growing at an exponential rate, with new opportunities and hybrid work environments paving the way for more employees and bigger premises. Automation makes the process of scaling easier with remote and centralized access management. 

The hassle of distributing keys and managing different legacy access systems across locations is replaced by modern, cloud-based systems, empowering you to automatically manage access through mobile devices. Advanced solutions, like Kisi, can support your transition to the cloud by providing the benefits of automation without needing to upgrade your existing hardware. 

For more information about Kisi and to request a demo, visit the Meraki Marketplace. 

The post Optimizing Physical Security through Automation appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Optimizing Physical Security through Automation

This article was contributed by Kisi, a Meraki technology partner.  

The security sector has seen several innovations over the years that have changed the scope of facility management and protection. One of these areas of advancement has been the automation of security processes and responses, which has provided efficiency on a new scale.  

From automated access control and smart surveillance systems, to streamlined incident response and integrated security operations, automation empowers organizations to proactively safeguard their physical assets.  

Read on to explore the benefits of physical security automation, including improved threat detection, real-time monitoring, streamlined workflows, reduced human error, and enhanced scalability.  

Improved threat detection 

Automation has allowed for advanced threat detection and responses that are more streamlined and pre-defined according to safety policies. The integration of more automation into threat detection systems means a quicker and more robust response to any potential breaches. 

For example, combining an access control system like Kisi, with IoT cameras from Meraki enables automated intrusion detection. Once a breach occurs, the camera records every action by the intruder, and the access control system sends notifications to the administrator or any applicable parties. This response is completely automated, and allows you to take quick action to mitigate the potential threat. 

Real-time monitoring and reporting 

Automatic functioning of access control and surveillance systems means eyes are always on the premises, even after hours, without dedicated personnel. This helps security managers and landlords have extra peace of mind, knowing that should a breach occur, the automated systems and the records they keep are easily accessible. 

Streamlined Workflows

Some access control solutions allow for automated provisioning, which means you don’t have to manually configure the permissions for each user you already have in your directory. This saves your admins and IT professionals the time they usually spend on setting up and onboarding users for access to spaces and services. This automation also means simplified onboarding and offboarding workflows, enhancing security and streamlining the process of granting and revoking access permissions. 

Reduced human error 

Legacy systems which require human input to detect threats and irregularities in the access flow are vulnerable to error. Security personnel cannot always have eyes on every sector of the premises, and breaches are bound to occur. Cameras and access control systems with automatic functionality can record actions in real time and lock doors on site. This automated process reduces risks associated with employees forgetting to lock the doors of sensitive areas. 

Enhanced scalability    

Companies are growing at an exponential rate, with new opportunities and hybrid work environments paving the way for more employees and bigger premises. Automation makes the process of scaling easier with remote and centralized access management. 

The hassle of distributing keys and managing different legacy access systems across locations is replaced by modern, cloud-based systems, empowering you to automatically manage access through mobile devices. Advanced solutions, like Kisi, can support your transition to the cloud by providing the benefits of automation without needing to upgrade your existing hardware. 

For more information about Kisi and to request a demo, visit the Meraki Marketplace. 

The post Optimizing Physical Security through Automation appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Solving the Device Management Puzzle

People have been puzzling for over 100 years. During quarantine alone puzzle sales skyrocketed 300% as families sat down away from computer screens or TVs to spend quality time together.  

One of the names synonymous with the art of puzzle-making is Ravensburger. Founded in Germany in 1883, Ravensburger is a leader in puzzles, board games, activities, and toys—they even have their own adventure park! 

We sat down with Markus Moses from Ravensburger to discuss their partnership with Cisco Meraki and how our solution has helped him and his very small IT team scale operations while supporting and growing the expansion of the company as a whole.  

Could you tell us a bit about your role and your company? 

Marcus: Of course! Hello, I’m Markus Moses and I’ve worked for Ravensburger since 1994, so quite a long time. My current role is Senior Network Analyst and I’m responsible for the network at Ravensburger and its subsidiaries.  

Ravensburger is a publisher that produces puzzles, board games, and books. We also have an adventure park for children. We have about 2,000 employees and are continuing to grow internationally with locations in Europe and America.  

Wow, very cool! I’m sure you have so many great stories from your 20+ years with the company. We’d love to hear a bit more about the IT infrastructure you built over that time. 

Marcus: Yes, it’s been a long time. Lots of change and growth. We have about 55 networks spanning across Europe and the U.S. We have a mix of Cisco Catalyst switches and Cisco wireless access points that we manage through the Meraki dashboard. We also use some Meraki IoT products like Meraki MV smart cameras and MT sensors.  

Could you tell us more about how you use Cisco Catalyst switches with the Meraki dashboard? 

Marcus: Yes. Meraki is very user-friendly and I’m happy with how the Cisco Catalyst devices and the Meraki dashboard work together.  

We can add our Catalyst switches to the Meraki dashboard, which has vastly improved our visibility and troubleshooting. Having all the devices on one dashboard has been a huge win for us.  

That’s so great to hear. What was life like before Meraki?  

Marcus: It was a headache, many sleepless nights. Meraki has helped vastly by combining everything on one dashboard, which helps alleviate my workload and streamline operations.  

Device management was disconnected before, but now I have one dashboard for everything. It’s a dream.  

Let’s take a step back, why did you decide to partner with Meraki? 

Marcus: The main intention of partnering with Meraki was to alleviate our IT challenges. We are a very small team on the network side—it’s just myself and a part-time employee—so the lack of central device management was really cumbersome and was eating up a lot of time.  

We chose Meraki because it covered all of our needs—from switching to sensors. 

What have been some of the most notable results of the partnership? 

Marcus: The dashboard makes updates easier and allows them to happen quicker. I can automate updates, which saves me time, and now I have a lot more visibility into device health and troubleshooting. I was able to reduce the amount of hours I previously spent  troubleshooting because of the dashboard.  

I also save time by not having to travel to each location. Whether it’s to the park, the office, or the shops, I can manage everything on the dashboard from anywhere. For example, I can send deployment packets to each location right from the dashboard, and even though each location has different needs, we can deploy the solutions without needing to travel, which is huge.  

Even though the number of devices are growing and the network is growing, the amount of work I have hasn’t increased and I don’t need to hire anyone else. That’s a big win for us as a small team supporting such a big company.  

How would you describe your partnership with Meraki? 

Easy! It’s so easy to use! Easy to scale, simple to use. I’m very happy.  

Curious to learn more?  

Visit the Ravensburger website to learn about all the amazing board games, activities, and, of course, puzzles they have for sale. 

Also, check out our other Meraki customer success stories to discover more ways to get the most from your network. 

The post Solving the Device Management Puzzle appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

Posted on

Solving the Device Management Puzzle

People have been puzzling for over 100 years. During quarantine alone puzzle sales skyrocketed 300% as families sat down away from computer screens or TVs to spend quality time together.  

One of the names synonymous with the art of puzzle-making is Ravensburger. Founded in Germany in 1883, Ravensburger is a leader in puzzles, board games, activities, and toys—they even have their own adventure park! 

We sat down with Markus Moses from Ravensburger to discuss their partnership with Cisco Meraki and how our solution has helped him and his very small IT team scale operations while supporting and growing the expansion of the company as a whole.  

Could you tell us a bit about your role and your company? 

Marcus: Of course! Hello, I’m Markus Moses and I’ve worked for Ravensburger since 1994, so quite a long time. My current role is Senior Network Analyst and I’m responsible for the network at Ravensburger and its subsidiaries.  

Ravensburger is a publisher that produces puzzles, board games, and books. We also have an adventure park for children. We have about 2,000 employees and are continuing to grow internationally with locations in Europe and America.  

Wow, very cool! I’m sure you have so many great stories from your 20+ years with the company. We’d love to hear a bit more about the IT infrastructure you built over that time. 

Marcus: Yes, it’s been a long time. Lots of change and growth. We have about 55 networks spanning across Europe and the U.S. We have a mix of Cisco Catalyst switches and Cisco wireless access points that we manage through the Meraki dashboard. We also use some Meraki IoT products like Meraki MV smart cameras and MT sensors.  

Could you tell us more about how you use Cisco Catalyst switches with the Meraki dashboard? 

Marcus: Yes. Meraki is very user-friendly and I’m happy with how the Cisco Catalyst devices and the Meraki dashboard work together.  

We can add our Catalyst switches to the Meraki dashboard, which has vastly improved our visibility and troubleshooting. Having all the devices on one dashboard has been a huge win for us.  

That’s so great to hear. What was life like before Meraki?  

Marcus: It was a headache, many sleepless nights. Meraki has helped vastly by combining everything on one dashboard, which helps alleviate my workload and streamline operations.  

Device management was disconnected before, but now I have one dashboard for everything. It’s a dream.  

Let’s take a step back, why did you decide to partner with Meraki? 

Marcus: The main intention of partnering with Meraki was to alleviate our IT challenges. We are a very small team on the network side—it’s just myself and a part-time employee—so the lack of central device management was really cumbersome and was eating up a lot of time.  

We chose Meraki because it covered all of our needs—from switching to sensors. 

What have been some of the most notable results of the partnership? 

Marcus: The dashboard makes updates easier and allows them to happen quicker. I can automate updates, which saves me time, and now I have a lot more visibility into device health and troubleshooting. I was able to reduce the amount of hours I previously spent  troubleshooting because of the dashboard.  

I also save time by not having to travel to each location. Whether it’s to the park, the office, or the shops, I can manage everything on the dashboard from anywhere. For example, I can send deployment packets to each location right from the dashboard, and even though each location has different needs, we can deploy the solutions without needing to travel, which is huge.  

Even though the number of devices are growing and the network is growing, the amount of work I have hasn’t increased and I don’t need to hire anyone else. That’s a big win for us as a small team supporting such a big company.  

How would you describe your partnership with Meraki? 

Easy! It’s so easy to use! Easy to scale, simple to use. I’m very happy.  

Curious to learn more?  

Visit the Ravensburger website to learn about all the amazing board games, activities, and, of course, puzzles they have for sale. 

Also, check out our other Meraki customer success stories to discover more ways to get the most from your network. 

The post Solving the Device Management Puzzle appeared first on The Meraki Blog.

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