Технология Cisco SD-WAN расширяет охват Comcast Business.
Comcast Business has expanded the reach of its Cisco Meraki-based managed secure network platform, which is a continuation of the long-standing collaboration between the two companies.
Comcast Business's Meraki technology stack, which got its name for a reason, is a cloud-based, fully managed platform that includes SD-WAN, Wi-Fi, switching, and unified threat management. It is focused on "flexible IT environments" that require scaling from a single facility to more than 100 sites.
Comcast Business acts as the sole point of contact for this offering, providing monitoring, updating, and support for the platform.
The new offering continues Comcast's integration with Cisco. This includes Comcast's use of the Meraki platform in early 2021 to power its Teleworker VPN program, under which Comcast offered a universal Meraki device that provides routing, switching, wireless access, and VPN connectivity directly to enterprise employees.
Comcast Business also uses the Cisco Viptela SD-WAN platform, which is a more functional SD-WAN service from this vendor, supporting more data links, NFVS, and secure access services on the network edge (SASE).
These deals with Cisco contribute to the expansion of the range of SD-WAN and SASE services from Comcast Business, which have been highly appreciated by third-party organizations. Vertical Systems Group (VSG) recently recognized Comcast Business as the best provider of managed SD-WAN services in the United States for 2024, and consulting firm ISG named Comcast Business a "leader" in SD-WAN.
Cisco maintains the pace of SD-WAN development.
The expansion of the contract with Comcast Business is also a great achievement for Cisco.
Earlier this month, the company updated its Meraki platform to reduce configuration complexity and integrate network and security tools that traditionally required separate management interfaces. This was preceded by a massive network platform upgrade earlier this year, which included management consolidation through a single Meraki-based cloud management platform.
At the end of last year, Gartner recognized Cisco as the leader in the SD-WAN market. The research firm praised the Catalyst and Meraki product lines, noting that the former platform is focused on more complex deployments, while the latter is aimed at "customers who prioritize ease of use," as well as Cisco's sales performance and market recognition.
Gartner criticized Cisco for providing "below-average customer service" and questioned its future marketing strategy, which could influence customer choice. The company has recently shifted its focus from legacy network platforms to artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technology, and cybersecurity.