Video: Linksys Launches Cloud Manager for SMB Networks

After thirty years of creating networking and WiFi products for home and business environments, Linksys today unveiled its latest product for the commercial space – Linksys Cloud Manager.

Cloud Manager is a cloud-hosted WiFi Management Platform purpose-built for small business environments that reduces costs and increases operational efficiencies. The solution offers centralized visibility, management and control of a wireless network without the cost and complexity of traditional hardware controllers, overlay software, or annual hosting costs.

Cloud Manager will enable IT admins to remotely monitor, manage and troubleshoot single or distributed wireless networks in real time. The plug-n-play platform offer secure remote access to Linksys Business Wireless-AC Access Points, and the browser-based, single dashboard management software provides simple and accessible management. The included cloud license fits any budget and provides a complete solution for IT solutions providers and their SMB customers.

Related: Tech Discussion – Wayne Newton of Linksys Talks Cloud Networking for SMBs

From Linksys:

The Linksys cloud architecture provides a feature set designed to streamline administration and improve productivity, giving users more control over network uptime and the ability to ensure QoS in real time.

• Comprehensive Centralized Managementvia a Global Map – Manage multiple, unlimited client WiFi networks around the corner or around the world from one centralized dashboard with a single login. Visibility of all accounts, sites, access points, and devices.
• Remote Monitoring and Network Insights – Provides alerts and real-time statistics so network administrators can anticipate potential network issues without the need for on-site monitoring and troubleshooting.  View through a web browser, historical and real-time traffic on the network, at-a-glance analytics about top clients and devices, including uptime, signal strength, connection duration, etc.  Built-in troubleshooting tools to identify problems using features such as a Ping Test, Blink LED, RF Environment Scan, and Rogue Access Point Detection.
• Tremendous Scalability– Scales seamlessly from single sites to unlimited networks worldwide; suitability for distributed networks (e.g., retail/branch offices).
• Rapid Deployment with Zero-touch Provisioning– Configure APs even before unboxing them enabling a quick and simple installation process. After deployment, Linksys APs automatically connect to the cloud over SSL and can be configured remotely, whether they are offline or online. Users can provision the network in minutes with a few clicks.
• Over-the-air Upgrades– Firmware is automatically updated.
• Email and Text Push Notifications – Message alerts and warnings on network and device connectivity and network health re: power loss, downtime, or configuration changes.
• Extremely Easy to Use Management Portal –An intuitive, browser-based dashboard and responsive user interface enables IT administrators to provision networks on the go from a laptop, tablet, or mobile phone, with no additional app to download.
• Flexibility – With no vendor lock in, customers can use a local interface to manage Linksys APs if cloud is no longer required.
• Multi-role Platform –Multi-management level accounts give users the ability to set roles (owner, admin, viewer) and provide key users access to specific networks.
• Exceptional Warranty Terms and Technical Support– Linksys goes beyond the forum and email only support and offers 24X7 live customer support.

Availability
Linksys Cloud Manager is pre-installed on select Linksys Business Wireless-AC Access Points, including LAPAC1200C and LAPAC1750C. Linksys Cloud Manager is planned to be available on LAPAC2600C in November 2018.

• LAPAC1200C: MSRP $199.99  Linksys Cloud Manager included at no extra cost.
• LAPAC1750C: MSRP $329.99  Linksys Cloud Manager included at no extra cost.
• LAPAC2600C: MSRP $499.99  Linksys Cloud manager included at no extra cost.