Charter Communications’ Spectrum Enterprise has launched Managed Network Edge (MNE), a cloud-based implementation and management platform for WANs and LANs. It is based on Cisco Meraki’s software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) platform.
MNE, which is aimed at the mid-size business and enterprise sector, controls single and multi-location LANs and WANs. MNE is offered as a packaged solution that integrates connectivity and unified communications. These services are available nationally.
The MNE base solution consists of managed routing, security, Cisco Meraki’s SDN, proactive monitoring, 24/7/365 support, SLAs, professional installation and an integrated user portal for real-time monitoring.
The add-ons, which Spectrum Enterprise calls “extensible services,” include WiFi, network switches, smart cameras and unified communications that can be combined with Spectrum Enterprise Unified Communications.
Spectrum Managed Network Edge is “a flexible solution that allows for a layered approach to adding modular network services and a choice of connectivity and management options – all delivered by a single service provider to ensure end-to-end performance,” Satya Parimi, Group Vice President, Product, Spectrum Enterprise said in a press release.
“Businesses are accelerating the move towards a digital-first model faster than ever before because of the pandemic, resulting in the need to support a hybrid workforce long-term,” said Lawrence Huang, Vice President of Product Management, Cisco Meraki, in the release. “Together, Spectrum Enterprise and Cisco Meraki are helping to improve the client and user experience by simplifying IT operations and making it easier to integrate solutions that connect employees, applications, devices and locations.”
It’s been a big week for Cisco Meraki’s cable company initiatives. On Tuesday, Comcast Business announced that it will use the platform to support an offering to be known as Comcast Business Teleworker VPN with Cisco Meraki.
Both Spectrum Enterprise and Comcast Business mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for upgrading their VPN infrastructure and managed services offerings.
