Network security is the foundation of a customer’s security posture. Having a firewall that can adapt to your customers’ changing needs is essential to protecting their network. Cisco, a leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions, understands this need and has introduced a range of new security incentives and promotions to maximize your profitability when selling Cisco Firewalls. The new programs are designed to be simple for you to leverage as you help businesses of all sizes secure their data and IT infrastructure effectively.
Be sure to check out this video on the new incentives.
Now, let’s dive into our latest offerings.
Targeted Competitive Firewall Program
Security Suites: Residual Value Subscription Credits and Competitive Displacement Incentives
Security Concierge Deal Support
Firewall Software Upgrade Offer – coming soon
In his latest blog, Brian Feeney, Vice President of Global Security Partner Sales, highlights how Cisco’s new Security incentives and promotions demonstrate our commitment to improving your Cisco experience and empower you to maximize your profitability and enhance your customers’ cybersecurity posture. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing infrastructure, switch from a competitor’s product, or ramp up a security suite, Cisco has tailored options to suit your needs. To take advantage of these opportunities, check out our dedicated Security Promotion, Bundles, and Offers hub on SalesConnect, just for partners.
Remember, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly shifting, and encouraging your customers to have up-to-date security products in place is crucial. With Cisco’s innovative solutions and incentives, you can ensure the network remains secure against the threats of today and tomorrow.
Mark your calendars for a Partner Interactive Webinar (PIW) where we’ll review all the new promotions in detail leaving you with a strong understanding about how these programs benefit your organization.
AMER: June 11, 2024, at 1:00pm EST | Watch the recording!
EMEA: July 11, 2024, at 3:00pm CET | Register today!
APJ: June 27, 2024, at 11:30am SGT | Register today!
Gartner’s Market Guide for Network Automation Platforms highlights that more than 65% of enterprise networking activities are performed manually, and only a small but growing percentage of large enterprises automate more than half of their network activities. Delivering superior digital experiences for an enterprise involves powering multiple, disparate networking domains and/or deploying multiple solutions within a single domain. This results in multiple challenges for network operators, including:
As a result, users experience steep learning curves, lengthy implementation times, and ultimately suboptimal and under-maintained automation adoption across their global infrastructure.

To address this complexity, we announced Cisco Workflows, a new set of capabilities at the heart of Cisco Networking Cloud, earlier this month in June at Cisco Live US 2024. Delivered as a cloud-hosted service, organizations can use Workflows to define, automate, and orchestrate configuration tasks within and across their domains—branches and sites, campuses, data centers, clouds—with just a few clicks using a low- to no-code environment. Cisco Workflows helps users focus on accelerating business value, increase infrastructure usage and efficiencies, and reduce costs and time lost to manual errors.

Workflows offers out-of-the-box automation across multiple products and domains, following design guidelines and best practices recommended in Cisco Validated Designs (CVDs). A powerful set of low- to no-code customization options (e.g., drag-and-drop API tasks, data transformation) enable users to easily modify and extend the automations for their specific use case. Workflows automates both cloud-hosted service APIs and on-premises network controller API endpoints. A secure cloud connectivity service hosted on-premises enables the connectivity from Workflows to the on-premises endpoints. Users get real-time updates to track workflows execution progress, pause execution to accept inputs from other users within the organization, and review audit logs of previous automation runs. Workflows will be accessible from within Cisco Networking Cloud’s Cross Platform Navigator, via single sign-on (SSO), and through embedded links in various Cisco controllers.
Today, Cisco Workflows includes the following Cisco controller adapters to run automation—Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), Catalyst Center, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Catalyst SD-WAN, Meraki, and many more. The automation hub provides two ready-to-go sample validated automations using these adapters:

Workflows, as a low-code procedural automation capability, provides the fine-grained control and insights into execution flow required for the flexible implementation, debugging, and troubleshooting of cross-domain automation. Workflows resides on a platform that holds multiple certifications including ISO 27001, ISO 27017, SOC 2 Type 2, SOC 3, CSA, and STAR 1, underscoring our unwavering commitment to data security and compliance. The service is designed to effortlessly scale automation across millions of endpoints worldwide while ensuring unmatched security and seamless integration with hybrid cloud environments.
With this advancement, we continue to simplify the experience for our customers, empowering organizations to thrive in today’s dynamic digital landscape with confidence and ease. Customers and partners are already going through beta trials with Cisco Workflows.
“As beta testers, we are beginning to explore the new cross-domain automation functionality within Cisco Workflows. We are starting to migrate some of our existing automation scripts to the Workflows system and are excited to see how these capabilities will be able to simplify tasks for our customers in the future.”
—Stefan Ronge, NTS (a managed service provider in Europe)
“We have been exploring the beta capabilities provided within Cisco Workflows and see a real potential to help automate key parts of the networking infrastructure. Our evaluation has been running on complex multi-domain infrastructures including Catalyst Center SDA and ACI.”
—Ingmar Schön, EnvOcean Network Systems (a network consulting firm in Europe).
In an increasingly connected world, the IoT has become an integral part of our daily lives. From smart home devices to wearable gadgets, IoT devices are making us more productive, healthier, and bringing new levels of convenience. But robust and reliable connectivity is critical. Enter Amazon Sidewalk, a shared wireless network designed to extend the reach of IoT devices beyond the confines of our homes. This not only revolutionizes IoT connectivity but also bridges the gap between neighborhoods.
What Is Amazon Sidewalk?
With the idea of making our world smarter, safer, and more interconnected, Amazon Sidewalk comes as a novel concept that leverages existing Amazon Echo and Ring devices as bridges to create a neighborhood-wide network. It not only revolutionizes IoT connectivity by extending the range of devices but also bridges the gap between homes and neighborhoods.
Here’s how it works:
The Architecture of Amazon Sidewalk
Amazon Sidewalk’s architecture consists of three layers:
Silicon Labs: Enabling Amazon Sidewalk Devices
Silicon Labs, a leading provider of IoT solutions, offers a comprehensive development ecosystem for Amazon Sidewalk devices:
Collaboration with Amazon
Silicon Labs collaborates closely with Amazon to drive long-term success:
Choose the Right Hardware when Developing Amazon Sidewalk Devices
Silicon Labs’ Amazon Sidewalk Hardware Selector Guide was created to assist developers in selecting the ideal module or SoC and the associated development hardware for their Sidewalk-enabled devices.
USG LITE 60AX Integrates Fast WiFi Speeds with Smart Mesh, Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, and Subscription-Free Network Security to Deliver Uncompromising Cyber Protection, Super-fast Wireless Connectivity, and Effortless Cloud Management
ANAHEIM, California (June 25, 2024) Zyxel Networks, a leader in delivering secure, AI- and cloud-powered business and home networking solutions, today announced the launch of USG LITE 60AX AX6000 WiFi 6 Security Router, an all-in-one, cloud-managed router for small businesses, teleworkers, and managed service providers. The high-performance appliance combines blazing fast WiFi 6 speeds and best-in-class threat management to provide an easy-to-manage, high-speed, secure networking solution that addresses the connectivity requirements of today’s ever-changing business landscape.
Equipped with Zyxel’s Smart Mesh technology, USG LITE 60AX automatically forms dynamic wireless links between Nebula access points, such as NWA50AX PRO AX3000 WiFi 6 Dual-Radio NebulaFlex Access Point and WAX655E AX5400 WiFi 6 Dual-Radio NebulaFlex Pro Outdoor Access Point to provide fast, reliable connectivity throughout the home or office. This intuitive mesh system reduces the need for complex wiring by enabling wireless connectivity between USG LITE 60AX and access points to provide extended coverage and flexible deployment.
Benefits and Features of USG LITE 60AX AX6000 WiFi 6 Security Router:
“Studies have reported that by 2025 more than 20 percent of Americans will work remotely and the majority of Fortune 500 companies plan to continue remote work flexibility,” stated Tri Nguyen, Channel Sales and Product Manager at Zyxel Networks. “USG LITE 60AX is a secure, easy-to-deploy, business-class router that provides remote workers with secure access to the office network, ensuring maximum productivity and network security in hybrid and remote office environments.”
Zyxel USG LITE 60AX AX6000 WiFi 6 Security Router carries a limited lifetime warranty and is available now at a street price of $217 through Amazon and the following distributors: D&H, IngramMicro, TD Synnex, Target, and Wav.
For more information about Zyxel and its connectivity solutions, visit www.zyxel.com/us and follow us on Facebook, X(formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.
About Zyxel:
Zyxel Networks is a technology provider with over 30 years of experience, specializing in delivering solutions for small to medium-sized businesses and the enterprise-edge in partnership with VARs, MSPs and System Integrators. We enable network professionals to connect and protect organizations with greater ease by bringing together intuitive, scalable and secure cloud management with a complete portfolio of network devices.
In-depth AutoTest provides unmatched visibility for Ethernet cable and network link validation and troubleshooting.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – June 3, 2024 – Today at the Cisco Live! event, NetAlly announced the availability of its next-generation LinkRunner® AT network and cable testers, continuing a twenty-plus year legacy of innovative troubleshooting tools for network engineers and technicians.
The LinkRunner AT 3000 delivers fast and comprehensive validation of copper and fiber network links with powerful network connectivity troubleshooting. While offering the same core functions of its predecessors (LinkRunner AT 1000 and 2000 models), the LinkRunner AT 3000 features a large touchscreen and a more in-depth AutoTest that provides deeper network visibility on Ethernet links from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps – all at the same price as the AT 2000.
With the addition of network discovery, path analysis, and packet capture, the LinkRunner AT 4000 provides deeper visibility and diagnostics, enabling network professionals to quickly resolve issues impacting single or multiple devices and network segments. Automated topology mapping in Link-Live, NetAlly’s collaboration, reporting and analysis platform, delivers ‘up-to-the-minute’ accurate networks maps for easy documentation.
“The LRAT 4000 has proven to be an exceptional addition to our toolbox,” said Paul Sutherland, engineer at Hallbeck IT. “It has significantly reduced the time and cost associated with the troubleshooting process. This tool has enhanced our ability to quickly identify active network faults, a task that would have been much more time-consuming with conventional methods.”
“The venerable LinkRunner has served IT professionals for over two decades as the most popular connectivity tester in existence,” said James Kahkoska, NetAlly Chief Technology Officer. “Implementing our AllyWare™ common technology platform on LinkRunner AT has enabled the complete transformation of these instruments with functionalities present in NetAlly’s more advanced testers while providing a familiar user experience, both on the testers as well as in Link-Live.”
Lee Badman, wireless network architect at Wirednot, said, “The latest LinkRunner AT from NetAlly upgrades this very handy product line in all the right ways – from support for the latest PoE standards and switch interfaces to rework of the user interface for ultra-effectiveness, the reasons to invest or upgrade are many.”
The new LinkRunner AT models are available from NetAlly’s authorized channel partners across North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information: https://www.netally.com/linkrunner-ethernet-testers/
AFC is a spectrum usage coordination system that manages spectrum use in the 6 GHz frequency band, particularly for unlicensed use by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points, or APs. Our video series, 3 for 3, provides 3 answers for 3 pressing questions about trends in wireless test. In this video, Yuka Muto explores what AFC is, why it is important, and how it is deployed.
Hospitality focused brand WorldVue continues international expansion bringing innovative opportunities to provide service and support to properties around the world.
HOUSTON, TX (July 1, 2024) – WorldVue, a trusted provider of in-room entertainment, TV content, guest internet access, associate safety and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announces progress in the company’s recent international expansion to serve Europe and the UK.
WorldVue, which began operations in the United States in 1975, now serves over 8,000 properties and 980,000 rooms. The announcement of WorldVue’s international expansion comes with signed agreements with 7 properties and over 1600 rooms in Ireland, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
WorldVue offers design, installation, service and support for in-room entertainment, known as WorldVue HUB™, WiFi & Networking Systems, Network Design & Installation, End-User Technical Support, and Managed WiFI & LAN, through WorldVue’s Power of One philosophy to become the properties trusted consultant and advisor on their technology requirements.
“Expanding WorldVue services into new markets allows us to serve our current hospitality brand customers throughout their hotel footprint globally,” said Chris Coles, Chief Business Development Officer, WorldVue. “We are following our objective to cover the world with property technology and local teams to better service our customers.”
Continuing to progress and focus on growth in several areas to complement the accomplishments of WorldVue’s core hospitality business started in North America. WorldVue’s international team led by Coles, has added several new team members.
Dean Wood, Senior Director of Sales & Channel Partners is the most recent addition joining the team, based in London. Dean is a seasoned hospitality veteran, who most recently worked for Peloton leading their international sales expansion into the hospitality and corporate sectors, as well as previously holding senior positions with Acentic & Hoist Group.
Wood joins Julian Daniel, VP of EMEA Operations, and his team:
WorldVue believes the best way to serve its customers is to champion its employees and trusted contractors. We are customer-centric, through employee engagement. Our team is our differentiator. To stay updated on future announcements and learn more about WorldVue, visit https://www.worldvue.com/international/
ABOUT WORLDVUE
WorldVue® is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises across the world. With a dedication to customer service, WorldVue is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WorldVue is a single point of contact for all property technology needs.
Founded in 1975, WorldVue is a privately held company headquartered in the United States with offices in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore and Australia. The company serves over 8,000 properties and over 980,000 rooms.
Media Contacts:
Sydney Holsclaw
678.654.4683
Ella Steele
713.425.8343
In an era where fan experience is shaped by technology and modern stadiums have become destinations themselves, RUCKUS Networks is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking AI-driven, Wi-Fi 7 underseat solution, tailored specifically for large public venues such as sports stadiums and arenas.

This innovative solution sets a new standard for fan connectivity and technology integration to modern venues. Specifically speaking, the RUCKUS® T670, the industry’s first AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 solution, also happens to be the industry’s first FCC 6GHz standard power certified outdoor Wi-Fi 7 solution.
Revolutionizing Connectivity in Large Public Venues
As the first solution of its kind to feature Wi-Fi 7 technology, RUCKUS Networks’ underseat Wi-Fi® solution addresses the unique challenges of providing reliable, high-speed internet access in crowded environments, while seamlessly integrating to the venue normal operational routine, allowing minimal aesthetic impact, concealing cables, protecting the radios from spillage, pressure washing and the elements. With the increasing demand for seamless connectivity, especially in venues that host thousands of attendees, this solution is designed to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability.
Key Features of the Wi-Fi 7 underseat solution

Benefits for Sports Stadiums and Arenas
Sports stadiums and arenas are among the most demanding environments for wireless connectivity. The RUCKUS Wi-Fi 7 underseat solution is tailored to meet these challenges, providing several key benefits:
About the RUCKUS T670
The RUCKUS T670 is a high-density, high throughput, low latency tri-band AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 outdoor AP engineered to meet the demands of the most challenging environments, providing unprecedented performance in high-density settings such as stadiums, public venues, and smart cities. In countries like the US and Canada, where the 6GHz band is permitted for outdoor access points, the T670 enables innovative applications, including mesh backhaul utilizing Wi-Fi 7 in the 6GHz band. T670 can be easily managed by RUCKUS One, our AI-driven converged network assurance and business intelligence platform, as well as RUCKUS SmartZone™ based on-premises solutions.
About RUCKUS underseat solution
RUCKUS underseat stadium enclosure protects RUCKUS APs mounted beneath stadium seats for high density Wi-Fi deployments in stadiums and large public venues. The enclosure is large enough to fit most RUCKUS APs, yet it is designed to fit under stadium seats without impeding foot space. The enclosure is comprised of a heavy-duty cast aluminum bottom and durable polycarbonate top cover with a protective gasket for indoor /outdoor under seat installation. The enclosure is purposely designed to be transparent to RF signals and protects from liquid/water projected from pressure washer jets/hoses. The enclosure can be floor mounted or wall mounted with a 45° or 35° tilt using the included mounting bracket. A second mounting bracket is available as an option for flat mounting (0° tilt) The enclosure does not impede the thermal performance of the enclosed AP.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the Wi-Fi 7 underseat solution by RUCKUS Networks represents a major milestone in the evolution of wireless connectivity for large public venues. As the first manufacturer to bring Wi-Fi 7 technology to this space, RUCKUS Networks reiterates its commitment to innovation and leadership in performance for the harshest RF environments.
Meet me and the RUCKUS team at SEAT2024 in Las Vegas.
If you are curious about how AI-driven Wi-Fi 7 solution is going to change the game for large public venues, join me in this panel discussion titled “WI-FI 7 Purpose Built Networks: How AI Enabled WIFI 7 Solutions will Change Connectivity in Large Venues” on June 25 from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM PDT.
“What’s the WiFi password?” has become a common question as people enter friends’ houses, restaurants or hotels. At this point, it may even come before inquiries about the family, where the refreshments (or bathroom) are located, or even a simple “hello.” As summer barbeques, graduation festivities and pool parties are in full swing, Plume IQ looks at the impact of adding devices to WiFi networks and offers advice to help hosts prepare for their guests.
Plume IQ examined data specifically from recent summer holiday and discovered that on Memorial Day (May 27, 2024), there was a 28% increase in devices joining a network for the first time as compared to the typical Monday. This could be an indicator of the type of increase expected over the coming summer holidays. Of those devices connecting on Memorial Day, 69% were smartphones. This shows that holidays and gatherings can increase the pressure on you as a host to provide an optimal experience – but also on your network.

There are two things to consider when preparing your WiFi network for this influx of guests over the summer. The first is their ease in joining the network. The second is their connected experience.
For too long, adding someone new on a guest network had to come with some less-than-elegant effort. It entailed either reciting a password simple enough to repeat and remember but that would be weak for security, having to look on the back of a router for a confusing string or – even worse – handing the guest an old sticky note that’s been in a drawer for years. What great host wants to spend all week prepping the house, shopping for the best food and stocking the fridge with the coolest drinks only to have their guest’s first experience involve being handed a dirty note stuck to an old cable bill? 
Avoiding such scenarios involves being prepared – much like a host might start marinating the kabobs the night before the guests arrive. If there’s a small group coming that includes close friends and family, set up individual guest profiles and make the WiFi password their phone number, dog’s name or favorite sports team. A comprehensive WiFi management app (such as HomePass) should even ensure that your guests have internet access but cannot see other devices connected to your network. If there is a large group on the way, use that app to generate a QR code and have it printed out and framed near the entrance to your party so your guests do not even have to ask for a password.
Before your guests arrive, make sure that you and your network are ready. Check the locations of access points and consider adding more in areas that may have an increase in traffic. Making the WiFi experience as seamless as possible will let everyone focus on the celebration.
Have a great summer!
OpenSync Summit Recap
This year’s OpenSync Summit announced an expanded new roadmap for OpenSync Release 6 while OpenSync founder Plume unveiled an aggressive new go-to-market model for distributors and ODMs: ‘Plume PxO’ (Powered by ODM) enables partners to bundle Plume ‘HomePass’ and ‘Frontline’ service subscriptions into hardware sales. OpenSync is now backed by more than 30 CPE manufacturers and 400 service providers, the organisation says. The tagline for the event was “easier, faster, more valuable.”
News Roundup
“We are a society that both supports corporate social responsibility and has some skepticism about it. However, Plume Design, Inc. has demonstrated how to launch initiatives that involve and excite entire teams, and that can bring concrete benefits beyond their community.
Jasna Mihelj Coustaury, General Manager of European Operations for Plume Design, Inc., in Slovenia joined us recently to share their story.”
More from California Conference for Women
“OpenSync Lite will support a somewhat reduced set of Wi-Fi management features but will retain what are arguably the most important: Cloud-based Wi-Fi optimisation and QoE delivered via Plume’s adaptive Wi-Fi. Plume’s ‘Haystack’ – featuring analysis, monitoring, and troubleshooting for CSPs – is fully supported, Plume says. For more details also see here. OpenSync Lite also enables Plume’s HomePass app for CSP subscribers to manage their network.”
#PlumeStrong
#PlumeStrong was thrilled to take part in the Big Ride event with Street Child and Liberty Global. Over two days, 800 participants cycled, ran and walked to raise funds for Street Child – Liberty Global’s NGO partner and Plume’s charity partner. Street Child’s mission is to keep children safe, in school and learning around the world. The event was the largest Big Ride to date!
#PlumeStrong sent six riders to support the ride and at the closing ceremony, Plume CEO Fahri Diner and Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries gave a joint speech encouraging the enthusiastic cycling crowd to support the upcoming #PSCC24 in September.
Bangalore, India & Paris, France – June 27, 2024 – Airties, a global leader of managed Wi-Fi solutions for broadband service providers, today announced it has opened its first office in India – a new R&D center based in Bangalore, focused on enhancing the AI, cloud, and DevOps capabilities of Airties for use in Smart Wi-Fi deployments.

Airties, headquartered in Paris, France, currently has other significant offices in Belgium, Turkey, and the United States, and employs approximately 400 people around the globe. The new center in India aims to employ around 100 specialized software engineers focused on further extending the capabilities of Airties Cloud management platform. To mark the occasion, the company recently held an official office opening ceremony in Bangalore attended by Metin Taskin, CEO and founder of Airties; Sachin Chickballapur, CTO of Airties; Mujdat Pakkan, Executive Vice President of Engineering; Siddharth Das, General Manager of Airties in India; and local dignitaries including Dr. Ashwath Narayan C. N., Honorable Member of Legislative Assembly, Karnataka, former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and Minister of Electronics, Information Technology – Biotechnology, Science and Technology, Higher Education, Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood in Government of Karnataka.


“At Airties, we recognize that our success at enabling leading ISPs to innovate and differentiate comes directly from our ongoing commitment to software R&D,” said Metin Taskin, CEO and founder of Airties. “Our new, world-class software innovation center in Bangalore aims to attract the very best engineers interested in applying their skills to enhance the broadband experience for fiber, cable, and fixed wireless providers the world over.”
“The huge talent pool in India for AI, data science, cloud-native software development, and DevOps will allow us to build an exceptional team that will address our rich feature roadmap, working closely with the other Airties teams, partners and customers worldwide,” said Sachin Chickballapur, CTO of Airties.
Airties’ unique hybrid cloud-edge software architecture leverages both the embedded intelligence in customer premises equipment and the cloud to maximize responsiveness and home Wi-Fi performance. Airties software portfolio includes Airties Edge, smart Wi-Fi software for gateways/routers/extenders, which intelligently directs consumers’ devices (laptops, tablets, phones, game consoles, IoT, smart home devices, etc.) to the best available Wi-Fi access point and frequency band based on real-time network conditions. The software, based on industry standard Wi-Fi EasyMeshTM, can also turn existing home gateways into an intelligent Wi-Fi mesh access point, improving the quality and stability of connectivity within the home. Airties Cloud helps monitor and orchestrate Wi-Fi across homes, optimizes broadband gateways and mesh extenders to ensure a better quality of experience, delivers insights on connected devices, and provides APIs to power operator’s customer facing support apps. Airties Orbit, is a continuous test automation platform for broadband service providers, customer premises equipment (CPE) manufacturers, and system-on-chip (SoC) manufacturers to support Smart Wi-Fi integrations and deployments.
Airties has been recognized with many prestigious industry awards, including: “Best Home Wi-Fi Solution Award” from Broadband World Forum; “Best Wi-Fi Service Provider Solution” and “Best Home Wi-Fi Product” awards from Wi-Fi NOW; “Best Wi-Fi Innovation” and “Best-In Home Wi-Fi Network” awards from Wireless Broadband Alliance; “Best Broadband Customer Experience” from Cable & Satellite International; and many others. Additional information about Airties can be found at: www.airties.com.