On the basis of the WatchGuard Cloud, managed service providers can now offer all function modules of the WatchGuard portfolio "from a single source" including WLAN management and new Wi-Fi 6 access points.
After the successful integration of Panda's endpoint security solutions in the middle of the year, WatchGuard Technologies has once again expanded its WatchGuard Cloud security platform: From now on, WatchGuard's WLAN products can also be administered online at the same location. Last but not least, this gives managed service providers the opportunity to offer extensive security services on the basis of a centrally managed platform that integrates all WatchGuard technologies. This also includes the new generation of Wi-Fi 6-enabled Access Points (AP) devices, which are also available from today and provide users with improved connectivity, additional performance and first-class security.
Management of Wi-Fi 6-enabled access points
“The MSP market continues to grow at a rapid pace. This prompts partners to look for centralized solutions that simplify the provision and administration of the services for them, while at the same time offering the highest level of security. Thanks to 'Wi-Fi in WatchGuard Cloud' and the new access points, managed service providers can now also offer WLAN services that are based on a holistic approach of maximum security and performance. Now our complete firewall, endpoint protection, MFA and WLAN technology portfolio is truly integrated into the Unified Security Platform, ”said Andrew Young, Senior Vice President of Product Management at WatchGuard. "Since WLAN has now become indispensable in many companies, MSP has even more potential for expanding business activities while reducing costs at the same time."
With the help of WatchGuard Cloud, IT service providers can purposefully consolidate their previously different management systems in the field of IT security. A wide range of security services for your customers can be provided and managed centrally in this way. A recent survey among MSP executives showed in this context that 95 percent are of the opinion that the use of multiple security solutions, each with an individual management interface, reduces productivity and efficiency in everyday work. Wi-Fi in Watchguard Cloud and the single pane of glass experience of WatchGuard's Unified Security Platform dramatically reduce IT overhead, improve overall user experience and lower infrastructure costs at the same time.
State-of-the-art access points
WatchGuard Technologies interlinks specific security functionality and relies on cloud-based management and automation technology (Image: WatchGuard).
Future viability is also the decisive criterion for the new WiFi-6 access points from WatchGuard. These offer next-generation technology and thus lay the foundation for sustainable implementations. The models AP130, AP330 and AP430CR are being launched at a time when the availability of Wi-Fi 6-enabled devices is increasing anyway. With the support of WPA3 as the highest level of encryption and the state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6 transmission technology, the new APs are perfect for small and medium-sized companies as well as for corporate customers with distributed locations who are looking for the most modern WLAN configuration.
Some of the key benefits of WLAN integration in WatchGuard Cloud for managed service providers at a glance:
- One platform for multiple applications - the cloud platform reduces the complexity of managing multiple security services for customers without compromise. Integral components for this are simplified management options, the elimination of physical or virtual infrastructures, automated provisioning processes (onboarding) as well as the rationalization of maintenance and much more.
- Multi-tier and multi-tenant functions for MSP - administration, configuration and reporting on important performance data of WLAN connectivity can be mapped for a wide range of customers via one platform and thus one single interface. With just a few clicks of the mouse, nothing stands in the way of building up appropriate business models for recurring income, using flexible payment options and adding additional service modules as part of the FlexPay program from WatchGuard.
- Reporting and transparency - in the course of WLAN management, MSPs receive complete insight into important information on signal strength coverage, the bandwidth consumption of the wireless clients and the load on the access points and client distribution.
- Network and troubleshooting - outages, anomalies, and other connectivity issues can be seen at a glance.
- Maximum security - the guarantee of WLAN security standards at the highest level, WPA3 encryption, protected management frames, RADIUS authentication or secure VPN tunneling leave nothing to be desired.
- Provision of captive portals - portals can be implemented individually according to company specifications, with guest devices being prohibited from accessing the network until the users accept the respective terms of use.
- Optimized integration options - an interaction between WLAN functionality and all other WatchGuard product components is even easier. In addition, customer data on licenses, expiration dates and inventory in the WatchGuard Cloud can be accessed via API, which also simplifies integration with third-party management platforms.
The most important features of the new WatchGuard Access Points AP130, AP330 and AP430CR include:
- Latest WLAN security standards - OWE and WPA3 encryption are standard in all Wi-Fi 6 access points from WatchGuard.
- Next Generation Wi-Fi 6 Technology - The new AP models can significantly increase speed, performance and connectivity, reduce congestion and ensure a more secure Wi-Fi experience for corporate or remote network users. Upgrades are easy to set up using zero-touch provisioning and backward compatibility.
Of course, WatchGuard will continue to support the previous access point models. Further information on WLAN integration in WatchGuard Cloud and the new AP product range can be found on the website.
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About WatchGuard WatchGuard Technologies is one of the leading providers in the field of IT security. The extensive product portfolio ranges from highly developed UTM (Unified Threat Management) and next-generation firewall platforms to multifactor authentication and technologies for comprehensive WLAN protection and endpoint protection, as well as other specific products and intelligent services relating to IT security . More than 250.000 customers worldwide rely on the sophisticated protection mechanisms at enterprise level,