Cisco Adds to Mobility Portfolio

By Charlene O'Hanlon

Cisco Systems is building out its mobility infrastructure offerings for the SMB space as it strives to complete its Borderless Networks vision of end-to-end seamless computing.

The company has announced support for iPads and iPhones with its AnyConnect mobile VPN solution, as well as a new access point that offers enterprise-level functionality but at a lower price.

We are expanding the breadth of solutions specifically around 802.11n and enhancing security as it relates to mobility,” said Chris Kozup, director of Mobility and Borderless Networks at Cisco. Companies still need to provide security and control even in a borderless network.”

AnyConnect, Ciscos mobile VPN solution announced in April, has been upgraded to support iPads and iPhones, adding to the list of mobile devices the solution currently supports, including HTC, Samsung and Nokia, to name a few. IT departments can deploy this client on their employees devices and have the assurance that as they are using this broad variety of mobile devices they are secure when theyre accessing the network either internally or externally,” Kozup said. Its a nice security solution it provides SSL and IPSec and works with cloud-based security including Ciscos ScanSafe, which also enforces Web- and app-level security on the device.”

Cisco also added to its portfolio of 802.11n devices with a new access point aimed at the small-business space. The Aironet 1040 series provides enterprise performance with an entry-level price, reduced operational complexity and a competitive feature set, including the ability to run with a controller or as a standalone unit depending on the companys needs.

This completes the addressing of all market segments within this product portfolio,” Kozup said. We did see demand at the low end of the market SMBs are typically looking for performance that 11n provides but didnt need all enhanced features that enterprise wants. This is an enterprise-class access point at a price point more amenable to customers.”

The new mobility offerings are part of a larger product release announcement that also includes the new Catalyst 4500E switch, the ASA 5585-X Adaptive Security appliance, the ASR 1001 router and additional partners to its EnergyWise initiative.

The new mobility offerings are available now.