NETGEAR Completes Quad-Mode Management Flexibility for Wireless-AC Access Points

NETGEAR is launching Business Central 2.0 —the final mode of its innovative Quad-Mode options for wireless management — on the ProSAFE® WAC720 and WAC730 Business Dual Band Wireless-AC Access Points. Business Central 2.0 is a dynamic Cloud-based services platform with additional functionalities built specifically for Managed Service Providers (MSPs).

The next evolution of the NETGEAR Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) wireless management platform, Business Central 2.0 offers agile organizations the flexibility of managing their wireless networks directly, or outsourcing to third parties who manage WiFi as a service. It takes the hassle out of managing multiple locations independently and, within minutes, brings all the wireless access points (APs) and users under one management umbrella — whether across one, dozens or even thousands of sites.

Business Central 2.0 represents the final stage in the rollout of the industry’s most flexible management solution for WiFi access points. Quad-Mode Management — Standalone, Ensemble, Controller, or Cloud-Managed Mode — is a capability unique to NETGEAR that enables organizations to manage existing ProSAFE 802.11ac Access Points or new installations from any one of the four options, and to easily change modes as their needs change. NETGEAR includes 24/7 Lifetime Phone Support with an active Business Central license in addition to the Lifetime Hardware Warranty on ProSAFE products.

“Traditionally, wireless vendors offer different access points based on deployment types — small to large to remote sites. This makes it difficult and costly when end-users need to update APs as their business grows,” said Chris Hemmings, Managing Director, Penguin Internet, Ltd., Managed Service Provider in UK. “I truly embrace the flexibility of NETGEAR Quad-Mode Management. It enables me to help migrate my customers to different operation modes as their business grows with investment protection in mind. NETGEAR is the only vendor I have seen that has delivered this innovative approach to product building.”

What’s new in NETGEAR Business Central 2.0

Business Central 2.0 is a Cloud-based, easy-to-use way for organizations to establish, provision, and manage key IT networking services securely. Retail chains, small offices, multiple branch offices, restaurant chains, coffee shops and other growing organizations can manage their entire WiFi network securely through the Cloud — across multiple borders, cities, buildings and floors, anytime and anywhere. It improves the network experience of business users, enhances performance of wireless environments, and enables new business models.

In today’s dynamic and changing world, fast-growing businesses, especially in the service industry, prefer to focus on their core business rather than be faced with the time-consuming task of maintaining a distributed, seamless and efficient WiFi network. Business Central 2.0 enables these companies to outsource their entire distributed WiFi networks to third-party MSPs who can provide WiFi network management services to multiple clients simultaneously.

With a single dashboard offering transparent visibility into service status and performance metrics, the new Business Central 2.0 now supports:

• Cloud management of NETGEAR ProSAFE 802.11ac Access Points, one pillar in the unprecedented Quad-Mode AP management platform that is unique to NETGEAR
• Multi-tenancy capability, meaning that MSPs can administer WiFi networks of multiple clients securely through the Cloud and offer differentiated customer service experiences
• Bandwidth Control limits, for regulating traffic and delivering a more consistent wireless experience for everyone on the network
• Mobile device compatibility for the Business Central portal, presenting a new, adaptive interface for phones and tablets that makes it even easier for IT administrators, VARs and MSPs to manage their service when on the move and not near a PC

“For 20 years, NETGEAR has blazed a trail in wireless product innovation. Quad-Mode wireless management is only the latest milestone achieved. No other networking company offers growing organizations this level of management flexibility from a single AP, for easy and cost-effective migration from standalone, self-managed deployments to outsourced Cloud-managed WiFi,” said Peter Newton, senior director of product management for NETGEAR Commercial Business.

“Moreover, the Cloud-based option through our new Business Central 2.0 provides systems integrators the opportunity to act as trusted MSPs for their customers who prefer to focus on business outcomes,” he added. “We believe MSPs who have focused on premium based Cloud platforms will be able to offer their customers a new alternative with Business Central as an affordable, entry-level service.”

Availability

NETGEAR Business Central 2.0 is available now worldwide through authorized NETGEAR partners and other reseller channels. It is available in several licensing packages based on the number of access points and length of license. Regional variance may apply to the final pricing for end customers, depending on the reseller and bundled offerings. NETGEAR is offering a 90-day free trial of Business Central 2.0.