John Paul College, a school in South East Queensland, recently conducted a comprehensive review to better understand the needs of its staff and students. The findings highlighted a need for enhanced digital capabilities, world-facing cameras for STEM, and increased computing power to support new learning streams.
In partnership with Data#3, John Paul College utilised Data#3’s Device as a Service to equip the school with the multi-feature HP ProBook, specifically designed to support its growing curriculum requirements. The integration of this new technology into classrooms has since enabled students at John Paul College to work more efficiently and fully embrace the digital classroom.
“By adopting the latest HP devices, we are ensuring that our students and staff have access to the best tools available, supporting our goal of being a leader in digital learning and innovation,” said Nicholas Burton, Network and Systems Manager at John Paul College.
In this video, discover how John Paul College has incorporated multi-feature HP devices and Microsoft Intune to empower and enhance student learning.
With over three decades of expertise in the Education industry, Data#3 is well equipped to provide educational clients with the tools they need for success, offering a range of cutting-edge technology services and solutions that enhance and empower classroom learning. Through this approach, Data#3 enables schools to create a modern, flexible, and secure digital classroom that fosters greater engagement, productivity, and innovation in the learning process.
This year’s APJC leg of Cisco Live drew an eager crowd of thousands to Melbourne to hear about Cisco’s latest innovations. As always, there was an incredible buzz in the expo hall and the 4-day agenda was packed with announcements, leaving no doubt about the AI-powered direction the industry is heading.
Here are the standout announcements that captured my attention:
First up, and deservedly so, is HyperFabric – a prime example of Cisco using a single solution to address two major data centre challenges – cabling complexity and the configuration of advanced network architectures.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with Cisco’s product lead and experience the end-to-end process of designing and deploying switches with HyperFabric. I can confidently say this platform would have saved me countless weeks – if not months – of stress back in my engineering days!
Cabling is a common pain point in data centres, and I didn’t expect Cisco to tackle it, but they have. With an easy click-and-drag interface to design your data centre switch fabric, HyperFabric generates the necessary cabling plan and highlights any errors as you connect the switches. Even junior engineers will be able to instantly identify and fix misconnected cables.
Once everything is correctly connected, switches are automatically configured into stacks, and connectivity is optimised. Cable diagrams are auto-generated, making patching straightforward for anyone, and eliminating many hours of troubleshooting.
Even better, Cisco has embedded much of the value of its Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) software fabric into an AI-driven workflow. While engineers still assign traditional VLANs through an intuitive graphical interface, HyperFabric works behind the scenes to construct a robust fabric switching architecture.
This architecture sets the stage for upcoming enhancements such as micro-segmentation and identity-based access. While customers appreciated the promise of Cisco ACI, many customers found its complexity daunting due to the skills and resources required. HyperFabric simplifies this entirely, creating a foundation for data centre networks that are more secure, higher performing, and far easier to manage.
Innovative solutions can redefine the game, and the newly launched HyperShield is no exception. With organisations navigating emerging vulnerabilities, tighter patch windows, and complex change management, it’s no surprise that Cisco’s HyperShield has quickly gained the attention of leading players in finance, retail, and government sectors.
HyperShield’s standout feature is its ability to embed traffic filtering directly into the network fabric, potentially reducing or eliminating the reliance on standalone firewalls. For example, in a scenario where a critical vulnerability emerges, HyperShield allows organisations to mitigate threats by leveraging server firmware and enhanced switch capabilities, even before a patch can be deployed.
For those wary of network updates, HyperShield’s dual data plane provides peace of mind. It enables automated testing and seamless upgrades while ensuring any unforeseen issues can be rolled back without disruption. By simplifying these traditionally risky processes, HyperShield helps organisations maintain uptime while staying secure.
In essence, HyperShield will give your organisation more proactive threat mitigation, streamline updates, and provide a network architecture designed to adapt to modern security challenges.
This was an update many have been waiting for – how Cisco will be integrating Splunk into its portfolio. This integration combines Splunk’s powerful data analytics and security tools with Cisco’s networking and telemetry expertise, giving customers a unified view of their networks, applications, and security systems.
With Splunk’s analytics combined with Cisco’s data and telemetry, organisations can detect and resolve issues significantly faster – sometimes in minutes rather than hours or days. Machine learning further enhances this by predicting potential problems before they occur, reducing downtime and improving the overall user experience.
Cisco has further enhanced its security offerings by integrating Splunk with its Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform. In this case, it delivers advanced threat detection and faster response times, bolstering overall security. Additionally, the integration of Splunk with Cisco ThousandEyes enhances observability across networks and applications, providing organisations with comprehensive insights into network performance and user experience. In short, customers will experience faster and more effective issue resolution, even in complex environments.
Cisco and Splunk have clearly shown the power of a strong strategic partnership, combining technologies to deliver a more robust data platform that converts raw information into practical, data-driven insights.
As people return to offices, the need to seamlessly merge the digital and physical worlds has become increasingly relevant. Cisco Spaces isn’t new, but with Jeetu Patel now driving Cisco’s product strategy, integrations seem to be happening at an impressive pace.
Given Cisco’s huge range of video devices, handsets, wireless access points, and environmental monitors, they’re effectively one of the biggest sensor companies on the planet. Cisco Spaces has taken this to the next level by adding digital intelligence to physical workplaces.
From what I’ve seen, facility managers can really leverage this data to fine-tune office layouts, keep an eye on occupancy levels, and even save on energy costs by tweaking lighting and temperature based on actual usage. Employees and visitors get perks like indoor navigation, alerts when a workspace frees up, and friction-free setups for meetings and collaborations.
Safety and well-being are also front and centre. Cisco Spaces monitors factors such as air quality and noise levels, which goes a long way toward making the office a more pleasant place to be. This focus on blending operational efficiency with user comfort is perhaps what truly differentiates Cisco Spaces from other platforms.
By bridging the gap between physical spaces and digital insights, Cisco Spaces is again transforming workplaces into environments that boost productivity, collaboration, and employee comfort.
What struck me most at Cisco Live this year wasn’t just the technology itself— although it was, at times, quite impressive. Rather, it was the way Cisco is tackling real-life problems with simplicity and pragmatism. Whether it’s making data centres less painful to manage, securing networks without adding complexity, or turning office buildings into intelligent, responsive environments, the focus was squarely on technology that fits into how people and businesses actually operate. It’s an exciting time to be part of this industry!
If you want to know more about Cisco’s AI advancements, check out our Security Minutes videos with Cisco – AI Edition. Richard Dornhart, Data#3’s Security Practice Manager, sits down with Carl Solder, Cisco’s Chief Technology Officer ANZ, to discuss the role of AI in cyber security – from Cisco’s latest AI-powered solutions to the challenges of adversarial AI.
November 01, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has been awarded two Cisco awards; APJC Reimagine Work Partner of the Year at the 2024 Webex Partner Awards held at WebexOne and APJC Collaboration Partner of the Year at Cisco Partner Summit 2024.
These prestigious awards recognise Data#3 for enabling companies to deliver best-in-class collaborative experiences. Data#3’s deep understanding of modern workplace needs and innovative solutions earned them these awards, recognising their exceptional use of Cisco technology to boost customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Data#3 Chief Technology Officer, Graham Robinson, commented on the achievements: “We are honoured to receive these awards from Cisco. This double recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in delivering innovative modern workplace solutions that drive business and technology outcomes.”
“Our innovative solutions, combined with our unique lifecycle approach, ensures that our customers realise the business value of their collaboration investments. We look forward to continuing our incredible partnership with Cisco as we harness the power of people and technology for a better future.”
The nature of work has transformed across all industries. It’s no longer defined by location but by action, spanning from homes to global frontiers. Enabling secure, flexible connectivity and collaboration isn’t just advantageous—it’s a business imperative.
Data#3 has deep expertise in Cisco’s collaboration products and holds the highest certification in the region. It provides secure, high-quality implementation, integration, adoption, and ongoing support services, ensuring customers maximise the value they get from Cisco technology.
October 31, 2024; Brisbane, Australia: Leading Australian technology services and solutions provider, Data#3, is proud to announce that it has been named Customer Experience Partner of the Year for APJC at Cisco Partner Summit 2024. Cisco Partner Awards recognise top-performing partners demonstrating service excellence and innovation in delivering solutions that help our customers succeed.
Data#3 Chief Customer Officer, John Tan, commented, “Winning this prestigious award for the second consecutive year reaffirms our customer-centric approach. In partnership with Cisco, we’re not just meeting expectations—we’re empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age, driving strategic transformation and innovation that ensures agility, security, and resilience.”
Data#3 National Manager for Annuity and Customer Success, Amanda Toogood, was delighted to accept the Cisco Customer Experience Partner of the Year for the second year running, “Receiving this award for the second consecutive year underscores our commitment to guiding customers through every stage of the technology lifecycle. Our approach ensures customers maximise their benefits from tech , and we’re eager to continue partnering with Cisco to shape the digital future.”
“The theme at Partner Summit 2024 is ‘Forward as One’ and winners of the Geo Awards are fantastic examples of how we partner to achieve shared success in various regions of the world”, said Kartika Prihadi, Vice President, APJC Partner Sales at Cisco. “I am pleased to recognise Data#3 as the winner of Customer Experience Partner of the Year 2024, further underscoring their outstanding accomplishments in APJC.”
Cisco Partner Summit Geo awards reflect the top-performing partners within specific technology markets across a geographical region. Award recipients are selected by a committee of executives representing Cisco’s Global and Regional Partner Sales Organisations.
Cisco has heavily invested in ThousandEyes, expanding its powerful capabilities over the last six months. Acquired by Cisco in 2020, this all-seeing tool for tracking and troubleshooting network and application issues is a rising star across Cisco’s security portfolio.
This substantial investment in ThousandEyes is evident with a slew of new features added to the vendor-agnostic platform. Let’s take a look at what’s new, and what they mean for your organisation.
It’s a fitting name, ThousandEyes, given its extensive monitoring capabilities. The platform offers an end-to-end view of digital experiences for every user, across any application, and over any network – even those not owned by the organisation using it. With over 650 billion daily measurements from millions of vantage points around the globe, ThousandEyes offers deep insights into network paths and performance issues. Often dubbed the ‘Google Maps’ of the internet, it visually represents how data travels across networks and where problems – like traffic jams – occur.
Digital Experience Assurance (DXA)
No new enhancement announcement would be complete without some impressive new AI capabilities, and ThousandEyes doesn’t disappoint with the announcement of Digital Experience Assurance (DXA). While customers have been largely limited to monitoring their IT infrastructure for network issues in the past, this new set of AI-powered capabilities introduce the ability to automatically act on network quality issues.
DXA shifts ThousandEyes’ customers from passive monitoring with human remediation, to active, AI-driven assurance and automated remediation. It means that customers can not only detect issues faster, but also automatically address them, improving IT productivity and issue resolution times. According to a Forrester study, organisations using ThousandEyes saw a 50-80% decrease in mean time to resolution (MTTR) of issues and more than a 50% increase in IT team productivity. That’s surely music to your NetOps teams ears.
Using AI to interpret graphs and reports
Arguably, AI’s ability to turn raw data into valuable business intelligence is one of its biggest strengths. Google Cloud’s Vertex AI – a multimodal AI platform that can process both text and images – can be used to turn ThousandEyes’ data and insights into meaningful network performance analysis, allowing users to quickly grasp the implications of issues, assess their impact, and make data-led remediation decisions.
Here’s how it works:
In this demo, we walk you through how easy it is to transform raw ThousandEyes data into an easily digestible report complete with actionable insights and recommendations.
Enhanced API monitoring for improved digital services
ThousandEyes has introduced a new Application Programming Interface (API) monitoring feature to help DevOps and Network Operations teams keep a closer eye on web services and applications. If you rely heavily on APIs for your digital operations, you will find this addition particularly valuable as its understanding of API performance takes users well beyond uptime, downtime, and latency.
A user-friendly step-by-step builder guides users through setting up and managing simple API checks or more complex, multi-step API transactions. Information is then passed between steps, mimicking real-world API usage scenarios, which translates into more realistic and relevant testing.
ThousandEyes then serves up a comprehensive view of API performance, providing a detailed breakdown for each step in a transaction. Granular insight like this helps IT teams quickly identify and troubleshoot specific issues within complex API calls, a previously difficult task.
There’s also a ThousandEyes integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) API Gateway that allows businesses using these cloud services to automatically discover API endpoints and create monitoring templates. AWS users will now find it incredibly easy to implement robust API monitoring across their cloud infrastructure.
When your data and applications are sent to the cloud, it’s a bit like putting them into a box. You know your data goes in, and you know it comes out, but what happens inside that box has been a mystery. While cloud providers like AWS are able to provide some information about how your data is being handled – such as traffic flow and issues or changes, the complexity of cloud environments makes it hard to connect this information with what your users are experiencing.
Therein lies the power of Cloud Insights, it shines a light on what happens to your data when it’s in the cloud, and what it means for users. With Cloud Insights you can understand the dependencies affecting your services, see which cloud services and traffic patterns are impacting your users and monitor the overall performance and health of your applications. In essence, you finally get that complete journey of your data from start to finish. This means that your CloudOps team can now identify and resolve problems, ultimately ensuring a better experience for users everywhere.
Currently, Cloud Insights supports AWS. Over time, it’s expected to roll out to other cloud providers. Cloud Insights was in Private Preview from June 2024 – but stay tuned for the wider release.
Although businesses do not own AWS infrastructure or connectivity, they are still responsible for user experience and service delivery. Another way ThousandEyes is shining a light on this third-party oversight is through the deployment of Cloud Agents within various AWS Local Zones. Fully managed by ThousandEyes, these agents require no setup and can be used immediately in network tests. Using these agents supports more accurate simulation and monitoring of user experience close to your applications or users. This helps pinpoint and troubleshoot performance issues effectively.
Government use case of Cloud Agents:
Previously, government agencies faced restrictions that prevented them from effectively monitoring end-to-end performance of public-facing applications. With the availability of ThousandEyes Cloud Agents within AWS Local Zones, these restrictions are circumvented to allow for continual performance monitoring.
Take the scenario of a government department offering a mobile application for citizens to access various public services, such as filing taxes and obtaining healthcare information. The application’s frontend runs on AWS Wavelength for enhanced responsiveness, while backend services are hosted in a government-approved cloud, or an on-premises data centre. The ThousandEyes AWS Wavelength agent allows the department to monitor end-to-end performance – from the edge computing environment to the backend systems. This ensures a seamless user experience for citizens accessing government services via their mobile devices, irrespective of their location or network conditions.
AWS also enables an outside-in view, allowing government agencies to test public-facing applications like MyGov or the ATO website from the internet. This helps agencies understand how well their services are working for citizens, ensuring reliable and efficient access to public services.
As more applications leverage public cloud resources, the network paths and performance metrics become less transparent. This is because once traffic enters the cloud provider’s network, traditional monitoring tools lose visibility into the specific paths and performance details. Blind to the network realities, IT teams struggle to identify and pinpoint the location of network issues, let alone resolve them.
In late 2023, ThousandEyes introduced that much-missing visibility into AWS networks and services.
Using a combination of external monitoring and AWS-specific data, IT teams are now able to quickly identify concrete performance issues, such as those related to Global Accelerator nodes. This newly unified view of application delivery paths spells faster troubleshooting and more effective communication with AWS when addressing performance problems. Ultimately this feature will improve the overall management of cloud-based applications and services.
This new capability fits right in with ThousandEyes’ continuing vendor-agnostic approach as it sheds light on AWS networks while remaining an independent solution. Interestingly, both AWS and Microsoft actually use ThousandEyes themselves, a fact that speaks volumes about the tool’s effectiveness across different cloud setups.
Let’s face it – hiccups in digital service are bound to happen. By zeroing in on the nitty-gritty details of network experience and providing clear next steps, ThousandEyes (and all its new latest enhancements) offers a more insightful, visibility-fuelled way for IT teams to improve their digital service delivery and customer experience.
To learn more about Cisco ThousandEyes, or to request your free 15-day trial, get in touch with one of Data#3’s Cisco specialists today.
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There’s a growing consensus that legacy security and network architectures are ill-equipped to keep up with the dynamic nature of modern distributed IT systems and users. This is why Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE, has emerged as the go-to solution for converging network and security capabilities, and securing dispersed and hybrid work environments.
However, implementing SASE architectures is often too complex for internal teams to tackle alone.
In this study, commissioned by Cisco, ESG Research identified six key challenges organisations face – or expect to face – when implementing SASE. Let’s take a look ESG’s key findings (ranked in order of importance) and see how consuming SASE as a managed service through an MSP like Data#3 can smooth the journey.
How MSPs help: MSPs provide transparent communication, tailored solutions, and consensus-building across business units when devising and implementing a SASE strategy.
Before moving forward with SASE adoption, all stakeholders need to understand how the chosen strategy and its underlying decisions impact different facets of the business. Given that SASE often requires a tailored approach considering the organisation’s unique environment and challenges, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, having proven expertise to shape the solution is an invaluable first step in this process. In our role as an MSP, Data#3 can outline how SASE implementation and management will address the organisation’s concerns and meet its objectives – ultimately providing transparency and assurance around strategy and alignment.
Entrusting the responsibility to a specialised team further alleviates any uncertainties about the technical capabilities needed to see the deployment through to completion.
How MSPs help: Migrating existing security policies to a SASE framework calls for strategic vendor selection, comprehensive managed services, and a clear understanding of the broader security implications inherent in cloud-centric architectures.
Deploying SASE involves transitioning from static on-premises security controls to a unified cloud environment. This shift requires existing policies to be refined, and new ones to be developed in alignment with the SASE framework. Given the risks associated with migrating policies and the potential breadth of impact, it’s not surprising that organisations lack the confidence or internal expertise to execute effectively.
Adding to the dilemma is the fact that the effectiveness of policy migration largely depends on the chosen vendor. For example, Palo Alto Networks offers familiar firewall-centric approaches, while other vendors such as Cisco and Zscaler take a different approach that diverges from traditional firewall policies. So, in most cases, simply transplanting traditional firewall policies into the cloud will not work.
An MSP that understands the nuanced complexities of SASE and vendor offerings will deliver a far more holistic solution that goes beyond policy management. For example, at Data#3, we offer a differentiated approach by not only migrating and managing policies, but also providing incident management services, including incident detection, notification, and remediation assistance. Or if an organisation lacks the resources or expertise to establish a Security Operations Center (SOC), partnering with an MSP like Data#3 can serve as a valuable stepping-stone towards achieving SOC capabilities.
The takeaway here is that making use of the skills, knowledge, and experience of MSPs like Data#3 is the key to deploying tier 1 security solutions more effectively.
How MSPs help: MSPs guide organisations towards the adoption of zero-trust security, addressing the complexities of implementation and ongoing management while aligning policies with evolving threats and compliance requirements.
Boards, cyber insurance providers, and governments are all crying out for the adoption of zero-trust – and for good reason. But zero-trust is often misunderstood as a product rather than an architecture. In reality, zero-trust looks different for each organisation and should be adopted as a policy-based access approach, not a single vendor solution.
Implementing zero-trust security is hard. Doing it well is even harder. However, SASE as a managed service completes an important piece of the zero-trust puzzle. MSPs can help establish and oversee policies, guiding organisations towards the realisation of true zero-trust (remember, zero-trust is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time solution) with ongoing management and maintenance wrapped up in the service.
How MSPs help: MSPs deploy leading SASE solutions and back them up with continuous monitoring and rapid incident response, protecting against security threats around the clock.
Correlating security and network data, with the expertise needed to interpret various tools and datasets, enables the accurate assessment of risk and fosters a safer digital environment. However, navigating this terrain without seasoned experts increases risk. The multitude of disparate tools and data sources creates complexity, hindering the attainment of a comprehensive view and concealing vulnerabilities and potential security events.
Data#3 helps you adopt streamlined solutions that transcend traditional siloes and avoid these gaps. With right-fit SASE solutions in place, we can assess users’ activities and determine if they are venturing into potentially dangerous territories. Or we can offer management solutions that trigger incident reports for more proactive intervention. We also provide expert oversight and incident response capabilities, even during non-business hours. This proactive approach contrasts with other MSPs that may only notify of issues without providing an immediate expert response.
How MSPs help: MSPs can help you recognise and realise the benefits of consolidation, standardisation, and continuous updates offered by solutions like SASE.
With SASE, the control plane for users shifts to the cloud, consolidating potentially numerous firewalls and other perimeter security platforms into a single cloud-based interface. This is particularly helpful when it comes to simplifying policy management and ensuring consistency across the network. Instead of configuring multiple policies for each firewall, organisations can maintain a single policy that applies universally. Standardising policies like this is a big plus for compliance efforts, particularly when it comes to audits.
Consider also the “evergreen” nature of cloud-based solutions. They eliminate the need for manual patching, ensuring consistent access to the latest security features and updates. This uplifts security and reduces maintenance and operational costs while avoiding unplanned downtime through patching gone wrong.
Taking a DIY approach to replicating policies across multiple sites is not easy; we’ve seen many customers stumble when attempting it on their own. Relying on the expertise of MSPs to help you achieve an all-cloud-based solution will ensure a far more efficient implementation, seamless policy replication, and ongoing support for your cybersecurity infrastructure.
How MSPs help: MSPs support organisations to focus on the benefits of SASE without being bogged down by vendor selection choices.
While there is a relatively limited selection of traditional firewall solutions, the abundance of SASE solution options available in the market makes it hard to get cross-functional agreement. With several high-profile vendors gathering attention, and new vendor acquisitions seemingly every other week, you will want help selecting the right ones for your organisation.
Working with an MSP like Data#3 alleviates much of this decision-making burden. MSPs possess expertise across a wide range of solutions and are well-versed in simplifying the vendor selection and implementation process. They know the capabilities, functionality, and integrations you will need, and which solutions will deliver on your SASE strategy – all while taking into account your existing investments.
When it comes to Cisco solutions, Data#3’s capabilities are unmatched in Australia. We also appreciate that less tangible aspects like culture and approach are as important as technical expertise. Our customers trust us to deliver, and we prioritise earning and maintaining that trust – which is why we were awarded Cisco’s APJC Customer Experience Partner of the Year.
Get in touch with our team to explore the agility, security and cost benefits of Cisco’s SD-WAN and SASE technologies – supported by Data#3’s highly honed managed services.
In this four-part video series, Chris Day, Data#3 Principal Consultant, joins Heath Russell, ThousandEyes Channel Technical Solutions Architect at Cisco, to explore the limitations of built-in application monitoring tools and discuss how Cisco Thousandeyes provides visibility beyond the cloud.
1. What are the challenges of Software as a Service (SaaS) monitoring and why is it important | 2. Discussing the limitations of built-in monitoring tools |
3. Learn how ThousandEyes gathers performance data | 4. Demo: Using Vertex AI to create an action plan from ThousandEyes data |
As a Cisco Gold Partner and Cisco Master Networking Specialised Partner, Data#3 can help you take your network into the future.
Experience firsthand how Cisco ThousandEyes can provide clear, actionable insights into your network’s health. Contact our team of specialists today to request a demo or free trial.
In a recent blog, we introduced the Cisco Networking Cloud. A year ago, Cisco first introduced its “multi-year vision” for the Networking Cloud, positioning a high-level software console that provides access to all its on-premises and cloud-based networks whilst also delivering predictive analytics and visibility across network domains.
The initial vision was to provide a console that would include the following:
In recent conversations that we’ve had with our customers, they raised three broad questions. This blog aims to address those to provide clarity regarding the Cisco Networking Cloud.
The Cisco Networking Cloud is a multi-year journey involving customer input to unify the various Cisco management platforms. In the image above, you can see the Cisco Networking Cloud as a high-level console view providing single sign-on access to a broadening range of Cisco on-premises and cloud-managed platforms. Consistency of user experience (UX) and user interface(UI) in the ongoing maintenance of the unified management platforms has been adopted.
The Cisco Networking Cloud will cover the following Cisco operating systems IOS-XE, IOS-XR and NX-OS, and secure access to the Meraki Dashboard, DNA Center, Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller, and the Catalyst SD-WAN Controller.
For the Cisco Catalyst switches and wireless access points listed below, monitoring within the Meraki Dashboard is supported from IOS-XE 17.12.3 and improves towards the end of 2024 with the release of IOS-XE 17.15.1. Management of these devices is still handled via a command line interface due to the varied and potentially demanding configurations supported by Catalyst devices:
Meraki devices are designed to be cloud-managed out-of-the-box and can seamlessly integrate with Cisco’s Cloud Networking solutions. All Meraki hardware models are compatible with the Meraki cloud dashboard.
A common development UI is now used for the Cisco cloud-managed applications such as the Meraki cloud-managed dashboard, Identity Service Engine (ISE) and ThousandEyes. In addition, you can log into one of the three cloud applications and, if licensed, tab between them without having to log in to each individually, which saves time and improves security and the user experience.
Cisco is a major security vendor, leveraging its strong networking heritage, significant development and acquisition resources, and Cisco Talos Intelligence Group, one of the largest commercial threat intelligence teams in the world.
The Meraki cloud-managed dashboard provides a customer-friendly integration platform that combines Cisco’s increasing native security capabilities applied across the core functional deliverables of routing, switching, wireless, CCTV, and IoT.
The Meraki cloud-managed platform leverages both on-premises and cloud-based compute models, offering a range of security functions to meet each individual organisation’s appetite for risk.
A sample of these functions includes:
The Cisco Networking Cloud aggregates network protection for organisations and end users by offering an adaptable security solution where customers specify their security policies, and Cisco applies firmware and security updates as required.
The investment and familiarity with existing Cisco toolsets can present a level of organisational inertia when it comes to changes of this magnitude. However, with network monitoring as a primary capability of Cisco Networking Cloud, it’s an incredibly low risk, high return way to test the “Power of the Platform” for yourself.
Creation of a Meraki cloud-managed dashboard account is simple and free if you don’t already have one. There is a straightforward process to add a Catalyst device to the dashboard. As noted above, if you have a DNA Essentials or DNA Advantage licence, cloud monitoring is already included, so there is no further outlay. As you develop familiarity and comfort with Cisco Networking Cloud, you can gradually add other infrastructure over any time frame you choose, and at your own pace.
Although the technology and approach are already in use and well-proven within companies around the world, for those looking to take a guided approach, Data#3 can facilitate a Proof of Concept (POC) to address any residual questions. This hands-on option enables organisations to understand how Cisco Networking Cloud would fit seamlessly with your existing management toolsets, providing layers of monitoring and management capabilities and engaging staff with a broader range of skillsets.
As both a Cisco Security Master Specialised and a Networking Master Specialised Partner, Data#3 has one of the most mature and highly accredited teams in Australia. Working in partnership with Cisco, we have been helping our customers achieve a more connected and secure organisation for more than 25 years.
To explore how you can simplify and secure your network, talk to a Data#3 specialist today.
Morgans needed to enhance its IT services to better support its people 24/7, by progressing to a hybrid working environment, and improving its procurement and management services.
The in-house team evaluated multiple providers and performed reviews in line with their policies to deliver a series of projects for digital transformation. Morgans selected Data#3 due to its previous relationship, demonstrable experience and shared culture.
We wanted the way we were interacting to feel like our partner was just an extension of our internal resources, and for it to feel organic as we moved to a partnership model for managed services, so Data#3 was a natural fit.
Matt Neubauer – CIO, Morgans Financial Limited
Morgans is a full-service stockbroking and wealth management network, with over 500 authorised representatives and 950+ staff servicing more than 240,000 clients across Australia.
With technology playing an ever-growing role in the organisation, Morgans needed a true partner that would help them to harness their full potential. They wanted to work with someone they could trust to handle the day-to-day, while they focused on business growth activities.
From modernising and improving efficiency to providing new services, the IT team at Morgans is on a continuous quest to fulfil its role as a business enabler. For CIO, Matt Neubauer, it is important that while overcoming the everyday challenges of managing IT, that they could also see the big picture and recognise progress.
“When we first worked with Data#3 some five years ago, we were running Lotus Notes, we were developing systems in-house, we had a data centre four times the size we see today. It was very much an internal cloud environment, and cloud wasn’t a thing then.”
Rather than source technology partners for every individual project, something that would lack continuity and potentially drain time and attention, Neubauer was keen to develop a more enduring relationship. Although the right technical capability was a given, it was clear that an IT provider needed to be a strong cultural match, and to mesh well with Morgans.
“We were reliant on the skills, expertise and advice of our IT partner, and we needed them to play a role in guiding our direction from a technology perspective. Technology is a never-ending story: by the time you have finished one thing, you are already looking at something else, so it is a fast-moving space. You need to have access to trusted advice.”
As the role of IT grew and evolved in the business, and users’ needs went beyond the traditional 9-5 workday, the role of the in-house IT team adjusted to match. Rather than simply add out of hours support, Neubauer evaluated how to best use the strengths of his own team, while ensuring that the day-to-day operations were covered.
“When we were looking at our capability at that point, we decided as a business what was our strategic direction and where to invest our time, funds and resources. We decided that our internal focus should be where we can differentiate, and looked at the things we could do very well that were unique to Morgans.
“When it came to managing our data, network and servers, we looked at using a partner we could trust that not only had the capability, but also the flexibility to scale when needed.”
The IT skills shortage added weight to the decision to seek a managed services solution to fit the Morgans business environment. While 76 percent of Australian businesses are looking to hire skilled IT staff in 2024, half are finding themselves having to outsource overseas, with cyber security leading the hard-to-fill areas of expertise.
“We looked at the times we needed to cover, and we would have had to double our team to facilitate it, because we can’t cover both out of hours and business hours. We were not willing to compromise on keeping it onshore.
“We wanted all of the capabilities and resources to fit, we needed data sovereignty to remain in Australia, and we wanted company culture that matched ours. We wanted the way we were interacting to feel like our partner was just an extension of our internal resources, and for it to feel organic as we moved to a partnership model for managed services, so Data#3 was a natural fit,” explained Neubauer.
Morgans has significantly benefited from Data#3’s expertise across several business transformation projects, incorporating a suite of technology from Cisco, Microsoft, and Veritas to better support the hybrid workplace.
Leveraging the depth of knowledge and experience within this partnership, the strength and value of their relationship have become evidently invaluable. From migrating to Microsoft 365 and implementing Windows 10 to deployment of a Cisco Meraki SD-WAN and adoption of Microsoft Surface devices, the in-house IT team and Data#3 teams have worked shoulder to shoulder towards common goals.
“This gave us confidence when we were proposing a managed services partnership. We have similar values, and we are both Queensland based, so there is a lot of alignment there. The board felt very comfortable using Data#3 as a partner because they had already shown we would be in safe hands,” recalled Neubauer.
The transition to a managed services model was a process that Neubauer felt required experience and a well-designed process. As it was, the collaborative approach and tested Data#3 methodology meant that for most of the business, the managed services handover was a non-event.
“With each new development in our technology journey, it was as if the business didn’t know anything had changed. Someone working in one of the branches would be none the wiser. That was exactly what we hoped for – it is like when you turn on the tap and there is no hot water, you might curse the plumber, but you don’t thank them for every day it works perfectly. It is the same with IT, it is when something is wrong that you hear about it, so when it is quiet, we are happy.”
For the in-house IT team, though, Neubauer noted there were some more noticeable outcomes, including reduced stress and more time to focus on high value business enhancement activities.
“The biggest measurable difference was a reduction in incidents, especially those caused by patching limitations. These often crop up out of hours, and with the size of our team, we didn’t have people looking at patching on weekends and early mornings. Data#3 flags those things as they occur and by the time we walk in, most are already remediated.”
“It is great to avoid that Monday morning firefighting, because that sets the tone and used to consume time. Which also meant our people sometimes had to wait to access systems they needed to do their jobs.”
Amidst an increasingly complex cyber security landscape and facing ever more sophisticated threats, this important security measure was among the improvements that Neubauer was clear should not be underestimated. Central to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Essential Eight measures, prompt patching greatly reduces vulnerabilities and cuts the window of opportunity for cyber criminals.
“It is becoming critical really in terms of the breaches we are seeing in different vertices, and once again we are very comfortable with Data#3’s security posture and the investment they are making to protect their customers’ data.”
Procurement, too, is an area where the Morgans team has welcomed Data#3’s expertise. Having access to a wealth of specialists has helped to make sure that investments are well planned and that the financial business can get the best return for its technology spend.
“We do our own research and keep a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the market, but it is so fast moving that we can’t be across it all. Another value that Data#3 has given is that they are a large business with specialists in different vertices, so we can engage and get them to do a market scan, or to do research on our behalf. We have done this a number of times when we have not known the solution but can articulate what we need to achieve,” said Neubauer.
“Then, when we have worked out the right outcome, they work with a range of vendors, and can negotiate to get us the best return on investment and manage our assets efficiently.”
For me, Data#3 is the epitome of the concept of a trusted partner. They are always someone we can call when we are looking at the next stage of growth, or when facing an emerging challenge. They will put Morgans first, give us sound advice, and recommend the appropriate path for us.
Matt Neubauer – CIO, Morgans Financial Limited
To get the optimal outcome from an ongoing relationship, especially in a managed services scenario, Neubauer said that a true partnership is necessary. That, to him, means feeling that they want Morgans to achieve a successful outcome just as much as he does, and will place that above their short-term goals.
“For me, Data#3 is the epitome of the concept of a trusted partner. They are always someone we can call when we are looking at the next stage of growth, or when facing an emerging challenge. They will put Morgans first, give us sound advice, and recommend the appropriate path for us.”
On occasion, that approach has meant that Data#3 has sometimes chosen not to take on a project, instead connecting Morgans with their extensive network of technology partners.
“There have been some instances where we haven’t used them based on the advice they have given. For example, when we have been working on a technical solution that isn’t one of their strengths or in their wheelhouse, our account manager will call out that it isn’t one of their specialities and will recommend a partner with the right specialised skills for the project. There are a lot of vendors who are keen to get whatever business they can, even if outside their skillset, which leads to subpar results.
“If Data#3 is engaging on a project, they won’t accept anything below an excellent outcome, what they commit to achieving, they will make good on that commitment.”
The true test of a partnership, concluded Neubauer, is knowing that you have an extended team of resources that are every bit as much there for you in difficult moments as they are to share in your successes.
“Data#3’s strength boils down to the definition of a solid partner, someone that you can call when things don’t go well and they’ll pick up the phone, they’ll be in your corner to make things right with a mutually agreeable outcome. They will go to bat for you.”
“Our Data#3 Account Manager has been on some internal calls for Morgans looking out for Morgans’ interests even if they are not necessarily of benefit to Data#3. They are collaborative, transparent, and they tell things as they are,” concluded Neubauer.
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At Data#3, our core purpose is to enable customer success through a company-wide strategic approach to customer experience. By aligning with world-leading vendor partners like Cisco, we enhance our ability to guide customers confidently through their technology journey, establishing a solid foundation to future-proof their digital transformation.
In this video, John Tan (Data#3 Chief Customer Officer), David Impellizzeri (Data#3 Customer Success Team Lead), and Emma Crome (Cisco Success Programs Manager) sit down to discuss how our partnership with Cisco helps drive successful outcomes for our customers.
At Data#3, our partnership with Cisco is built on a strong foundation, allowing us to deliver top-notch connectivity and security platforms that enhance user experiences. Cisco’s focus on forming enduring partnerships aligns seamlessly with our approach, enabling us to understand our customers’ needs and offer solutions that lead to their success.