SMARTnet Featured Articles
Cisco Poll Shows Continued Disconnect Between IT and Management
There's long been a divide between those who know IT and everyone else, a symptom of which is the "geek" label for anyone particularly good with computers. This has certainly carried over to the enterprise, where it is not uncommon for IT leaders to complain that management does not understand the role and opportunities of IT.
Worldwide Supply Extends NetGuard Maintenance Program to Support Multi-Manufacturer Equipment
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supply thousands of enterprises with equipment, hardware and software to improve business processes, communications and productivity. While they may offer the best equipment, when it comes to offering maintenance solutions for these products, they may not be the best option.
The IT Challenges Facing Federal CIOs
Today's federal CIOs have a lot on their plates, managing more than just information for the organization at large. According to a recent TechAmerica survey, these federal corporate leaders are primarily concerned with the agency budget, while human capital and cyber security concerns are close behind.
Tired of the High Costs Associated with Cisco SMARTnet?
When it comes to getting fast, expert technical support on Cisco equipment, there is always Cisco's SMARTnet service. It offers anytime access to Cisco engineers in the Technical Assistance Center (TAC), as well as an extensive range of resources, tools and training. It's worth the cost, right?
Seven Ways the Cloud is Changing Enterprise IT
For those looking for concrete examples of how the Internet revolution is changing business, they need look no further than the changes in business processes brought about by cloud computing.
Cisco Introduces Storage Area Network Solutions to Help Address Big Data Requirements
Industry trends such as cloud computing, big data and the Internet of Things are increasing the demand from enterprises for data storage systems. This growth in demand also increases the need to better integrate these systems with other critical data center infrastructure, such as networking and computing systems.
Despite Cloud Growth, Cloud Software Companies are Experiencing Revenue Drops
The cloud has been a buzzword in the tech industry for a few years now. Cloud computing vendors have been transforming their offerings to meet the demands for the cloud, and an IDC report predicts global spending on public cloud services to approach $100 billion in 2016, up from $40 billion in 2012. The industry as a whole grew by more than 20 percent in 2012 and Ernst & Young reported the cloud drove more mergers and acquisitions in 2012 than any other sector.
OEM SMARTnet is Not the Only Game in Town for Cisco Support
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support is usually quality, and Cisco's SMARTnet is no exception. But is turning to Cisco for SMARTnet necessary?
Cisco Certification Candidates Can Now Use IPexpert's Online-HD-ILT to Receive Associate, Professional and Written Certification
IPexpert, a provider of self-study training products, workbooks, video training, audio training, classes and online equipment, stated that Cisco certification candidates can now utilize its Online-HD-ILT training solution to receive Associate (CCNA), Professional (CCNP) and Written (CCIE Written) certification via online training.
Why Organizations are Turning Away from OEMs and to Alternative IT Maintenance Providers for their Business Needs
Cisco is among the giants in the technology industry, especially when it comes to IT equipment. The company currently designs and develops products, technologies and solutions that provide business benefits across the entire network, and generates more than $28 billion in revenue.
Eagle Distribution Makes Saving Money on Cisco Equipment Easy
It really doesn't matter if it's a business or a regular consumer; these days, saving money is a high-priority operation. Saving money on food, gas, business supplies...the key takeaway is to pay less than normal, or in the past. Eagle Distribution, located in Elizabethtown, PA, is out to make savings a lot easier to get for anyone looking for Cisco products, and promises some potentially very sizable savings indeed.
Level Platforms Upgrades Managed Workplace by Integrating Symantec Backup Exec Service Module
In an effort to simplify and automate IT management for managed service providers (MSPs), remote monitoring and management (RMM) software provider Level Platforms recently enhanced Managed Workspace, its remote monitoring and management software and services platform.
CliQr Technologies' CloudCenter 2.0 for Optimized Cloud Application Migration and Management Now Available
CliQr Technologies recently announced the availability of CloudCenter 2.0, which has been designed with new performance and manageability capabilities for mission-critical enterprise-class cloud computing.
Bring Your Own Device, Don't Bring Your Own Mobility Solution
I used to run a small Web development business. Because we were an IT shop, we liked to solve all our tech problems ourselves, because why pay money when we had the expertise in-house?
Supreme Court Decision Affirms First-Sale Doctrine for Products Manufactured Overseas
For all of you who love to set up garage sales, list items on eBay and even launch marketing channels on Amazon for your gently used items, a new Supreme Court ruling is sure to make your business opportunities that much sweeter.
Multiven Accuses Cisco of Cyber Attacks and Cyber Theft
Multiven, a provider of network maintenance, recently furthered its rivalry with Cisco, accusing the company of launching cyberattacks against Multiven's servers. The company filed an official complaint against Cisco with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Swiss Cybercrime Coordination Unit.
Companies Can Save Up to 90 Percent with Worldwide Supply Network Equipment and Maintenance
It will inventory any excess equipment, assign it a market value, provide any needed testing and refurbishment, construct a revenue-sharing agreement and market the assets for resale.
Systems Maintenance Services Acquires Exquip Network Services
Systems Maintenance Services Inc. (SMS), a provider of multivendor IT asset lifecycle services and support solutions, recently acquired U.K.-based Exquip Network Services Limited, also known as Olympic, a provider of IT asset maintenance and services supporting contracts in more than 80 countries. As the result of the acquisition, Olympic's clients will now be able to access SMS' suite of multivendor IT asset lifecycle services.
Tango Networks Now Part of Cisco Systems' SolutionsPlus Program
Tango Networks is joining Cisco's SolutionsPlus program, a reselling program that places a select set of "Cisco Compatible" products on the Cisco Systems price list, enabling customers to order these non-Cisco products from Cisco sales teams and channel partners. Products in Cisco SolutionsPlus complement and augment Cisco's advanced technology products to create complete solutions.
Networking Giants Play Catchup When it Comes to SDN
Disruptive technologies wait for no one, even big firms. The latest firms under threat from a new technology: networking giants Cisco and Juniper.
BBH Solutions Accomplishes Cisco's Advanced Collaboration Architecture Specialization
BBH Solutions, Inc. has successfully accomplished the Advanced Collaboration Architecture Specialization from Cisco in a bid to assist the increasing responsibility of collaboration solutions, which advantageously use the intelligence of the network. With the specialization, BBH has triumphantly achieved all training requisites for promoting, designing and implementing all-inclusive Cisco Collaboration Architecture offerings.
SDN's Continued Growth Means Plenty of Questions from Users
When any new technology platform comes into play, its emergence often means a lot of questions follow in its wake. From WebRTC to HTML5 to most anything else, change breeds curiosity as potential users try to define how this new technology will impact their lives and their day-to-day tasks. Software defined networking (SDN) is no exception, and this new IT platform is making for some big new possibilities in the field.
VCE Adds New Vblock Systems for Midsize Data Centers, Remote Branches
VCE, formed by Cisco and EMC with investments from VMware and Intel and a provider of converged cloud infrastructure systems, recently expanded its product portfolio, introducing open management capabilities for the Vblock portfolio, Vblock Specialized Systems and new Vblock Systems designed for branch offices and smaller data centers. Designed to help enterprises and service providers modernize and transform their data center environments, these additions represent the largest addition of new software and hardware to the VCE portfolio yet.
SMARTnet Provider Offers OEM-Like Service without OEM Prices
As much as we talk about cloud computing and the elimination of the on-premises infrastructure, the reality is there are still servers, data centers and robust infrastructure systems in place within the organization to maintain. This demands a physical process, one that has evolved greatly over the years.
Data Center Maintenance is Crucial Whether Provided Internally or by a Third Party Provider
All technology, no matter how advanced, needs regular maintenance in order to continue functioning properly. The importance of maintenance obviously increases with the importance of the hardware in question. As such, for something as critical as a data center, a thorough maintenance strategy is essential.
Making Maintenance the Top IT Budget Priority
Depending on your company and size, studies indicate that up to 70 percent of your IT budget is earmarked for maintenance and support, making it a large target for budget cuts.
Debunking Myths about Alternative IT Maintenance
In today's economy, businesses don't have the money, resources or time to rely on OEMs for low-cost and quick support on their IT solutions. Software and hardware constantly need upgrades and bills continue to flow in, but there's nothing you can do because it's your only option to support your IT equipment, right?
DIY Model Dominant But Not Preferred, Says Parks Associates' New Research
New tech support research conducted by Parks Associates, a market research and consulting company, revealed that though the do-it-yourself (DIY) model is dominant, it is not a preferred choice for consumers who setup new connected or mobile devices.
SAP Raises Maintenance Support Prices as of July 15
For those who do not act fast, standard maintenance support for SAP is about to get more expensive.
Cisco SmartNet Chosen to Support City of Modesto Routing Network
Back in 2004, the city of Modesto standardized its switching and routing network in order to update its key infrastructure, turning to Cisco Systems to do so. This network has, since then, provided host connectivity to all city departments including data services such as telephone and telecom, video conferencing 911 dispatches, IVR, Wi-Fi, INET and Internet access.
Dimension Data Brings IT Maintenance to the Cloud
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) are three examples of service models for the cloud that enable businesses to gain on-demand network access to resources and assets. Dimension Data, a specialist IT services and solution provider that helps clients plan, build, support and manage their IT infrastructures, recently unveiled a new managed services offering aimed at moving hard-to-manage IT maintenance agreements into the cloud. Its approach addresses readiness across four critical aspects of cloud computing: business alignment, organization, infrastructure and applications.
Why Alternative Service Providers Should be Considered for SMARTnet Support
For years, Cisco has been the dominate player in IT networking equipment, providing the solutions companies need to ensure optimal performance and business continuity. While claiming 72 percent of the market is a viable argument for its value to the enterprise, not all companies will find Cisco to be the optimal fit. In such situations, alternative IT service providers can provide access to Cisco's SMARTnet support service at a fraction of the cost.
IT Innovations to Radically Transform Enterprises
Emerging IT innovations such as the cloud, social media, cybersecurity and mobilization can radically transform enterprises. They have been shown to lead to new means of data and information access, transmission and exchange, as well as new organizational structures. Emerging IT innovations may also lead to new administrative IT requirements and responsibilities, such as security policies and enterprise device management.
Hacking Cisco Phones May Be Easier Than You Expect
The growing move toward VoIP and similar communications technologies has left a lot of users considering Cisco hardware as a way to connect their business to those they need to get in contact with or those who need to get in contact with them. The thought that their phones could actually be used against them as tools of espionage likely never even entered the equation. However, a recent development from the Chaos Communications Congress showed, with the closing of 2012, that hacking Cisco phones and turning them into spies was surprisingly simple...and potentially disastrous.
SoTel Systems Expands Telecom Equipment Business with BSL Telephony Services
SoTel Systems supplies business communications equipment, products and services of manufacturers like Aastra, Adtran, Avaya, Cisco and Nortel. The company is also an authorized distributor and reseller for companies including Epygi, Jabra, Matrix, Polycom, Sangoma, Siemens, Snom and Spracht.
Cisco Debuts Three New Smart Wi-Fi Routers
Cisco unveiled three new Smart Wi-Fi routers at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which takes place in Las Vegas now through January 11.
SMARTnet Approach Subject to Change as SDN Attention Grows
As we're ready to embark on the new year, a number of key trends are getting a lot of attention, including the increased focus on software defined networking (SDN). For the industry as a whole, SDN is leading the way for change regarding how data centers are run.
XS International: Reflecting on 2012, Looking Forward to 2013
As the calendars have officially turned to 2013, we're in for a fresh year of technology innovation, announcements and changes in trends. Before we embark on another exciting year, it's also good to take a step back and reflect on what happened in 2012 and what we can learn from it.
Tech Access Launches IT Support and Consultancy Services
Tech Access, an IT distributor and end-to-end business solutions provider, has launched a new professional consultancy and support service that promises to keep up with the needs and demands of each individual client.
Clearing Confusion Over Copyright Laws for IT Maintenance and Repair Services
With IT maintenance and repair costs climbing higher, organizations are seeking alternatives to control such costs. In fact, to better control IT costs, they are creating competitive bidding on IT maintenance and support services. This includes not just traditional break-fix, but also broader functions of equipment supply, lifecycle management, and disposal.
SDN Looks to Be the Future of Networking
Technology has reached an almost unbelievable point in terms of how quickly it is able to improve and evolve - just take a look at a smartphone from even just two years ago compared to high-end models being produced from Apple, Samsung, HTC and Nokia today and you'll get some idea of this. Of course, this isn't going to stop. As spectacular a year 2012 has been for technology, 2013 is going to be even more impressive.
XS International Broadens Third Party IT Maintenance Services for Cisco, Juniper and Brocade
XS International provides third party IT maintenance services for a wide range of network equipment. It provides cost-effective alternative to Cisco SMARTnet and is broadening its offerings for Cisco, Juniper and Brocade support.
Legacy Systems: New Isn't Necessarily Better
According to a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), many agencies are failing to properly review whether there is a sound basis for continuing legacy IT systems, despite spending billion to maintain them.
IBM Turns to Third-Party Support
IBM recently revealed a new deal that will see its support outsourced, meaning both staff and consumers will be dealing with a third-party desktop support service. IBM's new deal is worth about $52 million and will see its global services backed up by one firm, although other IT support companies are likely to be brought into the mix further down the line.
XS International and Overland Storage to Introduce SnapScale X2 NAS Solution
Unstructured data is growing faster than ever thanks to the proliferation of some specific things; endpoint devices that can capture data, richer file formats and the resulting larger data sets. With the explosion of data and the importance of compliance and uptime, traditional scale-up network attached storage (NAS) solutions are quickly reaching limits of capacity, redundancy and performance within dynamic IT storage environments. NAS allows businesses to store and retrieve large amounts of data at a much more affordable rate than ever before.
XS International Enhances Benefits of Cisco SMARTnet
Network managers have not always demonstrated a tendency to do things the easy way. This is especially true in a Cisco CLI environment. The CLI demanded a combination of homegrown tools, shortcuts, scripts and other techniques to enable the completion of even the simplest of tasks. For many, hours spent scouring Cisco Press books for assistance was common, and those who could make Cisco networks run were highly revered.
XSi's Inexpensive and Flexible IT Maintenance Alternative to Cisco SMARTnet
Networks that connect businesses with their customers need to be in good health around the clock. The effects of downtime can be costly. With networks getting increasingly complex with the addition of new business processes, systems and services, the costs of downtime increase dramatically. This can delay the resolving of issues and seriously affect the business operations.
Three Tips for Cutting IT Costs Sensibly
Cost-cutting is never easy, but the private industry has made an art of it.
Scale-Out NAS Storage: The Reliable and Easy Way to Retrieve More Data
Growth and management of unstructured data continues to present major challenges for IT. In a recent survey of more than 400 IT professionals responsible for evaluating, purchasing and/or managing data storage technology, the rapid growth and management of unstructured data was cited most often, 40 percent of the time, as one of the top storage challenges they are facing.
SMARTnet Opens Doors for More Companies Using BYOD
Security -- it's the fundamental necessity when companies allow bring your own device (BYOD) policies among employees. Cisco has developed one of the most advanced borderless networking systems in SMARTnet that allows employees to not only embrace BYOD, but to continue to add devices. As a result, the company has been able to embrace an influx in smart devices being used by their workers without putting the network or other users at risk.
IBM Introduces New Storage and Management Features for Pureflex and Flex Systems
In an effort to help clients effectively increase their datacenter utilization and enable the organizations to more efficiently create and manage their IT infrastructures, IBM introduced new management and administration capabilities to its PureFlex and Flex Systems.
Cisco to Acquire Cloupia for $125 Million
With cloud computing driving the transition to converged infrastructure, the need for simplified management systems across compute, storage, network and virtualization functions is increasing. To help address this need, Cisco today announced its intent to acquire privately held Cloupia, a Santa Clara, Calif.-based software company that automates converged data center infrastructure, for approximately $125 million, allowing enterprises and service providers to simplify the deployment and configuration of physical and virtual resources from a single management console.
Cisco's TelePresence Systems Hit the Cloud
Cisco's TelePresence systems are widely regarded as impressive communication systems, both conceptually-the ability to talk, face-to-face, with anyone no matter where the parties involved are physically located is regarded as something of a minor miracle in technology circles-and specifically, in that Cisco's particular systems are very well-designed. While previously some were balked by the massive price tags involved in bringing such a system to their offices, recent changes have made the impressive wonder that is a Cisco TelePresence system much, much more accessible. Specifically, Cisco's starting to bring its TelePresence systems to the cloud with the Cisco TelePresence Exchange System.
Cutting Down on Counterfeit Technology
Each year the United States Customs and Border Patrol confiscates millions of dollars in counterfeit goods. The United States Chamber of Commerce estimates American companies lose $250 billion in sales every year as a direct result of counterfeiting and piracy. Even in the face of rising awareness among consumers and collaborative efforts among government organizations, the Chamber says the problem is continuing to grow at an alarming rate.
Sandy Leads to Discovery of Weakness in Major Networks
It's odd to think that there may actually be reason to thank Hurricane Sandy, the storm that only days ago took lives and destroyed property on a grim march through large portions of New England. But in this case, there is reason, as the storm illuminated a critical failing in modern networks: specifically, their inability to operate independently of the electrical grid for any length of time.
Predicted Trends for the Future of IT
While IT budgets might be tight, that doesn't mean IT spending is at a standstill. In fact, it's still growing nicely, and changes can, will, and are being made even with limited budget growth. Some trends are underway, and won't be stopped any time soon.
Seven Reasons to Select Third Party IT Maintenance
IT maintenance is important for several reasons. First and foremost, you want to make sure your software and equipment are running smoothly, because that means your business is doing the same. Sales, customer service, staff productivity and workflow can all be affected by downtime. New security threats are emerging, and having an IT maintenance solution in place offers a fast and proactive reaction to safeguarding your IT system.
UCi2i Collaborates with Comstor to Deliver Video Conferencing Managed Services
UCi2i, an independent and vendor agnostic video managed services provider, reportedly signed a partnership agreement with Comstor, Westcon Group's business unit responsible for the global distribution of Cisco offerings, to deliver a new suite of video conferencing managed services to customers.
Cisco and Citrix Extend Partnership to Cover the Challenges of Cloud Computing
Cisco and Citrix have expanded their desktop virtualization partnership to cover the challenges of cloud computing, mobility and networking by moving into cloud networking, cloud orchestration and mobile workstyles. To achieve their goal, the two companies will collaborate to help service providers and enterprise customers capture the market which is currently moving into the mobile-cloud era.
HP's Expanded Support Services Include Third-Party Vendors
Many companies are turning to third-party support services because of the cost benefits and flexibility that they offer. Third-parties include vendors, agents, consultants, distributors, intermediaries, resellers and trading partners. HP is expanding its support services portfolio, which will now include third-party vendors.
US National Defense University Turns to General Dynamics for IT Services
General Dynamics may not be the first place people turn to when it comes to IT services, but for the U.S. National Defense University, it was the go-to source, as evidenced by a recent task order handed down to the company for IT support, valued at $39.9 million.
Is Third-Party ERP Support Worthwhile?
The third-party enterprise resource planning (ERP) maintenance industry is a tricky one. Described as "nascent" by Frank Scavo, president of management consultancy Strativa and IT research and advisory firm Computer Economics, it has indeed yet to have taken off, despite being in existence for some years now.
Third-Party IT Maintenance is an Attractive Alternative for Enterprises and Government
Today's realities are that if you are an IT asset manager in the private or public sector you are being (and I will be polite) asked to do more with less. Management is telling you that it is your responsibility to "sweat the assets" and achieve better returns on investment (ROI). At the same time you are being (and again I will be polite) urged to help drive efforts to improve your various stakeholders experiences.
Can Networks Handle iPhone 5 Data Traffic?
Apple does a great job at generating hype for its product releases. Its latest, the iPhone 5 and update to iOS 6 software, created buzz everywhere, and already 60 percent of iPhone users have installed the newest software. In its first weekend, sales topped five million and the company sold out completely of its initial shipment. Analysts have been critical of the company for numerous reasons since the announcement, but like it or not, the iPhone 5 is going to continue generating buzz, especially in terms of network data traffic.
Cisco Acquires ThinkSmart Technologies with Eye Toward Location Analytics
Last week, Cisco announced the acquisition of ThinkSmart Technologies, a move that's clearly geared toward giving Cisco a more substantial presence in a market that's in rapid expansion, specifically, the mobile technologies market. Cisco's acquisition of ThinkSmart also looks toward improving the user experience, but there's quite a market out there already moving in that direction.
The Reason Behind Cisco's Big Push for Big Data
YouTube has 60 hours of new video data uploaded every minute. There are over 700,000 messages being delivered on Facebook every minute and 175,000 tweets are sent on Twitter every 60 seconds. That's a lot of data, but it doesn't even account for the majority of the world's data. In fact, 90 percent of the world's data was created in the last two years alone. It's no wonder they call this phenomenon "Big Data."
Cisco Releases New Products to Help Secure the Data Center
Migrating your data center into the cloud can seem like a difficult task. Indeed, a successful cloud data center depends on many factors, without any of which, deploying a cloud data center will be difficult, time consuming and costly. Fortunately, companies like Cisco are releasing products designed to help this process move along successfully.
XS International Extends GSA Contract Until 2017
Data centers and IT require a lot of equipment. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Cisco, Juniper, Dell, Oracle and IBM have got your equipment needs covered. But when it comes to support for that equipment, many companies are realizing alternative maintenance providers are the ones to turn to.
Cisco and VMware Deepen Partnership to Enhance Software-Based Data Center
Cisco and VMware announced a deeper partnership last August at VMworld. Together, they hope to create a next-generation cloud infrastructure by combing VMware's cloud infrastructure and management stacks with Cisco's Data Center Networking and Fabric Computing platforms.
Why Federal Agencies are Choosing Alternative IT Maintenance
Network downtime is not only stressful and expensive, but it also interrupts user productivity. IT maintenance services are designed to prevent or correct system, network and server failures. Companies should employ IT maintenance solutions for maintaining desktops, laptops, servers and network components to ensure the smooth and optimal operation of the IT facility within an organization.
Cisco Improves Security Products for Physical, Virtual, Cloud Environments
Between hackers and computer viruses, data centers and businesses have a lot to think of when it comes to security and protecting data. Security solutions from Cisco give customers combined network and physical security, layered security, highly secure access and highly secure storage. The company recently unveiled new and updated products and services designed to better secure modern data centers and serve physical, virtual and cloud infrastructure to live together in a hybrid environment.
XS International Ranked on Inc. 500|5000 List
XS International is a provider of data center solutions that extend the life of IT infrastructure while reducing costs and capitalizing on new technologies that introduce efficiencies of cost savings. It offers data center relocation services, IT asset disposition services and IT maintenance services, including an alternative IT support service to Cisco's SMARTnet.
Network Hardware Resale Alternative SMARTnet Solution Recognized as Hardware Support Services Competitor
Network Hardware Resale, a provider of pre-owned and new networking solutions, announced that its NetSure Maintenance Program, a complete and customizable network coverage solution and affordable alternative to Cisco SMARTnet, was recognized as a hardware support services competitor compared to traditional OEM support services in a recent report by Gartner, "Forecast Analysis: Hardware Product Support Services, 2010-2016, 2Q12 Update."
ShoreGroup Awarded Cisco Advanced Collaboration Architecture Specialization Certification
ShoreGroup Inc., a professional service and solution firm, has achieved the Advanced Collaborations Architecture Specialization from Cisco. The specialization acknowledges ShoreGroup as having fulfilled the training requirements and program fundamentals to sell, design, deploy and support Cisco's portfolio of collaboration solutions.
Cisco Handles All Communication Needs for Republican Convention
Cisco Systems Inc. has taken on the role as the "Official Network Technology Partner" for the 2012 National Republican National Convention. The Republican National Convention took place in the Tampa Bay Times Forum. As the technology partner, Cisco was responsible for making Internet support available for all attendees during the convention.
Cisco Reworks Licensing Platform for UC Solutions to Cater to BYOD
Cisco Systems has just announced that it will modify its licensing agreements for unified communications products to cater to the newer spectrum of software applications that people are adopting within their companies. The revised licensing platform will include changes that will make licenses more software-oriented, as opposed to the device-oriented ones it has had in place until now. Before changes were applied, Cisco has been putting its UC solutions into Cisco IP phones, forcing its customers to purchase the phone in order to use the software in the first place.
U.S. Wants More Video Calling, Interoperability
Using FaceTime or Skype to video call isn't brand new to society (more than 26 percent of Internet users made either telephone or video calls online during 2011), but it definitely isn't as big as it could be yet. Research and reports expect video calling to explode over the next four years to become more mainstream -- a trend that will benefit businesses by saving money and increasing productivity.
Cisco IE 2000 Series Switches Further the 'Industrialization of the Internet'
Cisco has predicted that by 2016, there will be nearly two billion machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless connections, including in-car GPS systems and asset tracking systems in the shipping and manufacturing sectors. Because of this, Cisco believes that the need to more tightly connect and integrate devices, machines and vehicles with enterprise networks will become more urgent. This is part of what the company refers to as the "Industrialization of the Internet."
Cisco Added to Goldman Sachs Conviction Buy List
The Goldman Sachs Group, a full-service global investment banking and securities firm, has a conviction buy list: a list of stocks the company's research team expects to outperform other companies in the industry. In other words, the conviction buy list is a strong recommendation to invest in certain companies.
Buy Your Broadband Modem Outright and Save Money
Broadband Internet can be pretty pricey, especially if you're the type who needs a lot of speed and a lot of bandwidth for video streaming services like Netflix or online gaming. There is one way to reduce that monthly broadband bill, though, whether you're a power user, a casual user or just somewhere in between: buy your own modem.
Cisco Reports Record Revenue for Financial Year
Cisco recently released its fourth quarter and fiscal year results for the period, which ended July 28, 2012. The company reported strong numbers, even managing to beat the predictions of some analysts.
XS International Makes Olympics a Success for Aldea Customers
London 2012 was the first 3D Olympics, with wall-to-wall coverage available variously in HD and ultra-HD, on tablets and on mobile phones and on radio and television around the world. For everyone around the world that connected in many ways to stay tuned to the Olympics, Cisco was hard at work making it all happen. The network equipment provider supplied more than 30 live sites, 1,800 wireless access points, 2,220 switches, 10,000 cable TV sockets, 16,500 telephones/IP handsets, 65,00 active network ports and 80,000 connections across 94 locations, all of which were crucial to the communications infrastructure for the Games.
Cisco Completes $5 Billion Acquisition of NDS
According to the networking equipment provider Cisco, video will account for over 90 percent of global consumer IP traffic in 2014. The global video infrastructure market, including IPTV, cable and satellite video infrastructure, will grow nine percent in 2012, to over $875 million, Infonetics expects. Cisco is one of five players holding more than 66 percent of the global VOD and streaming content server market, the others being Huawei, Motorola, ZTE and Concurrent.
Global IT Maintenance and Support Services to Hit $216B by 2017
Growth in the IT industry over the last few years has been steady and, as such, the global IT maintenance and support services industry has experienced good growth as well. Going forward, it looks like this growth will continue with the market expected to hit $216 billion by 2017, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3 percent over the next five years.
Is the Cisco Linksys EA4500 Router Worth the High Price Tag?
Cisco's Linksys EA4500 dual-band wireless router is an update to the Linksys EA4200 v2. While its performance is on par with its predecessor's, the EA4500 has some drawbacks that don't justify the significantly higher price point.
IT Maintenance Provider Quest Venture Technologies Unveils IT Leasing Solutions for SMEs
Quest Venture Technologies, which specializes in office IT setup, server relocation and IT solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore, has launched its new IT leasing service to help businesses grow by eliminating the hassles associated with investing in new software and equipment.
Red River to Provide Cisco SMARTnet to U.S. Army
Beating the rival companies in a competitive procurement process, New Hampshire's renowned IT solutions provider Red River has recently bagged a major contract from the U.S. Army. The contract gives the company an opportunity to participate in the U.S. Army's network modernization efforts.
Cisco Dominates IP Video Market
Cisco offers an abundance of products and services, including application networking services, routers, storage networking, data center management and automation, unified computing services and video. With video, users can improve collaboration, engagement, sharing, security and more with comprehensive networked video solutions and medianet architecture from Cisco.
BYOD Without Compromise - Cisco Solutions Help Set the Pace
Today's workforce is different than your parents' generation. Employees today are more mobile, whether they choose to be or their job requires it. Along with that change, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend continues to proliferate as technology and mobility meet.
Cisco Back On Top at Wall Street
Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access and allows users to store files and software remotely, offering benefits such as lower costs, convenience and faster deployment. The tech powerhouse Cisco Systems, Inc. is considered well-positioned by investors to cash in on strengthening demand for networking gear fueled by rapid growth in rapid Internet traffic as well as the shift to cloud computing.
Cisco Behind London's Digital Olympic Games
London 2012 is the first 3D Olympics, with wall-to-wall coverage available variously in HD and ultra-HD, on tablets and on mobile phones and on radio and television around the world thanks to the 13,000 broadcast personnel in London for the Games. There is really no excuse not to watch the games; you can get live updates to your smartphone, watch live games online or depend on Twitter and social media for game updates. For everyone around the world connecting in many ways to stay tuned into the Olympcis, Cisco hard at work making it all happen.
House of Representatives Office Seeking SMARTnet Support
Cisco Technical Support Services, such as SMARTnet support and SMARTnet Onsite support, offer leading-edge customer-solution services that provide enhancement and maintenance support resources during the operational lifetime of a Cisco network. A standard Cisco SMARTnet support contract includes software support on the licensed operating system software for covered Cisco products, including maintenance, minor and major releases, around-the-clock access to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and registered access to online technical information and resources. SMARTnet can be utilized by anyone, including the U.S. House of Representatives.
SMARTnet 101: What is a Technical Assistance Center?
SMARTnet is a technical support service for Cisco equipment. It is a manufacturer's hardware and software support for Cisco products and it entitles users to support, upgrades and hardware replacement within an agreed timeframe. It offers four distinct benefits: software updates and upgrades; access to tools, resources and information on the Cisco website; advance replacement; and assistance from the engineers at the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
What to do When Cisco Products Are Declared End-of-Life
There are many reasons why Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Cisco, IBM and HP declare products End-of-Life (EOL) or End-of-Service (EOS). Once a product is declared EOL, the manufacturer will only provide software support for another one to five years, but hardware support will not be covered.
Cisco Unveils Plans for Layoffs
Cisco announced last week that the company is preparing to lay off 1,300 workers, making up about two percent of Cisco's 65,000+ workforce. Just a year ago, the computer networking product and services provider laid off about 10,000 employees.
XS International Launches SMARTnet Channel on TMCnet
Norwalk, CT - 7/30/2012 TMC, a global, integrated media company helping clients build communities in print, in person and online, announced today that the SMARTnet channel, sponsored by XS International, has been launched as the newest addition to the TMCnet Online Community program.
What is SMARTnet?
SMARTnet is a set of maintenance services for Cisco hardware and software. Cisco is a major provider of networking equipment, including routers, switches, wireless devices, security and voice and conferencing products. SMARTnet offers equipment support and the right to download and install software updates for Cisco equipment.
Considering an Alternative Cisco SMARTnet Vendor? Eight Things to Look For
Cisco SMARTnet is a technical support service that can give your IT staff direct, anytime access to field engineers and Cisco.com resources to help ensure the fast, expert response and accountability required to resolve critical network issues. For some, however, Cisco SMARTnet may not be the ideal solution for a number of reasons. How do you choose an alternative Cisco SMARTnet vendor?
Cisco SMARTnet Maintenance: Manufacturer or Alternative Vendor?
Admittedly, for most of the market, the question of whether to go with Cisco or an alternative vendor in terms of SMARTnet maintenance isn't much of a question at all, since Cisco occupies about 90 percent of the market. However, with a bad economy still in the offing and many companies reconsidering their budgets, alternative vendors of SMARTnet maintenance are starting to offer their own appeal.
