Upgrades

Upgrades in the context of network management and security solutions are not merely about adding new features or improving performance; they are about keeping systems current with the latest security patches, performance enhancements, and technological innovations. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and networks become more complex, it’s critical for organizations to stay proactive with their upgrade strategies.

Level Up Your IT

Why Upgrades Matter

The primary reason for upgrading Cisco and Meraki solutions is to ensure that the infrastructure is secure, stable, and capable of meeting evolving business needs. As security threats continue to grow in complexity, older network configurations or security protocols may not be able to withstand the latest types of cyberattacks. Regular upgrades ensure that the necessary security patches, performance optimizations, and new features are incorporated into the network, reducing vulnerabilities and improving system resilience.

For organizations that rely heavily on cloud-based applications, upgrading networking solutions becomes even more critical. The cloud has dramatically changed how businesses store, access, and manage data. With this shift comes the need for modern, scalable, and efficient networking and security tools. Cisco and Meraki both recognize this demand and continuously release updates to improve the performance of their networking devices, enhance security measures, and provide more flexibility in the face of growing technological requirements. By upgrading their systems, businesses can ensure that they can keep up with the increasing demands of modern applications and systems.

We only partner with the industry leaders

As a Managed Service Provider we have been long-term partners with industry leaders such as Microsoft, Cisco, Meraki and have a reliable and trusted partner network. Our business ethics ensure we pick our partners solely based on the benefits for our clients, reviewing the modern IT solutions and partners on an annual basis.

Cisco Upgrade Process: Customization and Control

For larger enterprises that require highly customizable and complex network configurations, Cisco provides a comprehensive upgrade path through its suite of network management tools like Cisco DNA Center. Cisco offers robust, enterprise-grade solutions designed to handle large-scale networks, and keeping these solutions up to date is crucial for maintaining seamless operations. Cisco’s upgrade process often involves a more tailored approach due to the wide variety of devices and services available in their portfolio.

When upgrading Cisco solutions, businesses need to consider a number of factors, such as the compatibility of the new software or hardware with their existing infrastructure, any required training for IT staff, and the potential impact on ongoing operations. Cisco typically offers a staged upgrade process, where businesses can first test the new version of the software in a lab environment before deploying it across their entire network. This allows for smoother integration and minimizes the risk of network downtime or disruptions.

Upgrades for Cisco products often include new features related to network automation, security, and analytics. Cisco’s SecureX platform, for example, regularly receives updates that enhance threat detection and security event management, helping businesses stay ahead of the latest security challenges. As new security threats emerge, Cisco also releases security patches to protect against vulnerabilities that could otherwise expose sensitive data or disrupt network operations.

Furthermore, Cisco’s solutions typically support backward compatibility, which allows businesses to upgrade their devices and software incrementally. This is an essential feature for large organizations that may have a variety of devices from different generations. This incremental upgrade approach allows businesses to modernize their infrastructure at their own pace without needing to replace their entire network at once.

Meraki Upgrade Process: Simplicity and Speed

Meraki’s cloud-managed approach to networking and security offers a significantly simpler and faster upgrade process compared to traditional on-premise systems. Meraki’s solutions, which include security appliances, wireless access points, and network switches, are all centrally managed through the Meraki Dashboard, making upgrades more streamlined. Because Meraki’s network devices are cloud-managed, upgrades can often be performed remotely without needing significant on-site involvement.

The Meraki upgrade process is designed to be intuitive and non-disruptive. When new firmware or software updates are released, devices connected to the cloud are automatically notified and can be upgraded with minimal user input. Meraki’s Zero-Touch Provisioning feature means that network devices can be upgraded or configured without manual intervention, simplifying the deployment and upgrade process.

Unlike Cisco’s more manual, hands-on upgrade process for large enterprises, Meraki’s upgrade process is largely automated and is less likely to cause disruptions to business operations. Meraki users can also take advantage of cloud-based backups, which ensure that data configurations and settings are safely stored, reducing the risk of data loss during upgrades.

Another significant advantage of upgrading Meraki systems is the ease of testing new firmware versions. Meraki allows administrators to review release notes, test new features in a sandbox environment, and apply updates during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting business activities. This “set it and forget it” model makes Meraki particularly appealing for small to medium-sized businesses that lack dedicated IT resources for managing network upgrades.

Key Considerations for Both Cisco and Meraki Upgrades

Regardless of whether an organization is upgrading Cisco or Meraki solutions, several key factors must be considered to ensure the upgrade process is successful and doesn’t disrupt business operations.

First, businesses should evaluate the impact of the upgrade on existing systems. This includes considering whether new updates might require additional hardware, affect system performance, or necessitate changes to existing network configurations. In many cases, upgrades introduce new features or security patches that may require adjustments to how the network is configured or monitored.

Second, the timing of the upgrade is important. While both Cisco and Meraki offer tools to minimize downtime during upgrades, scheduling updates during off-peak hours or during a planned maintenance window can help ensure minimal disruption to day-to-day business operations. Planning ahead ensures that the upgrade doesn’t negatively impact business continuity or user productivity.

Another consideration is training and support. For Cisco users, particularly those using advanced solutions like Cisco DNA Center, ongoing training may be required to ensure that IT staff can effectively manage and leverage new features introduced through upgrades. Meraki, with its user-friendly interface, is generally easier for IT teams to manage without significant additional training. However, businesses should still ensure that they are familiar with the new features and best practices for leveraging updated Meraki devices.

Finally, businesses should ensure they have a robust backup and recovery plan before initiating an upgrade. While both Cisco and Meraki solutions are designed to be resilient, unforeseen issues can arise during the upgrade process. Having backups of configurations and critical data can help organizations quickly recover if something goes wrong during the upgrade.

Conclusion

Upgrading Cisco and Meraki solutions is an essential part of maintaining a secure, efficient, and scalable network infrastructure. For larger organizations with complex networks, Cisco offers highly customizable and feature-rich solutions that require careful planning and execution during upgrades. In contrast, Meraki’s cloud-managed approach offers a simpler, more automated upgrade process, making it ideal for businesses looking to minimize downtime and reduce the complexity of network management.

Whether upgrading Cisco’s advanced enterprise solutions or Meraki’s cloud-first products, organizations must prioritize careful planning, testing, and ongoing training to ensure that they can fully capitalize on the latest features and security enhancements. Regular upgrades are vital for staying ahead of evolving technology trends and emerging security threats, allowing businesses to optimize their network performance and ensure long-term operational success.