Cisco is targeting managed service providers with a new
offering called OnPlus, giving IT
solution providers a way to provide network assessment, management and advisory
services to SMB customers.
Cisco said it is working to integrate the service with RMM
platforms that MSPs already use.
“By enabling value added resellers (VARs) to quickly create
or expand their managed services practice, OnPlus helps to evolve the customer
relationship from reactive and tactical, to more proactive and strategic,”
Cisco said in a prepared statement.
The Cisco OnPlus Service is offered at a list price of $250,
which includes a three-year subscription to the OnPlus Service and an OnPlus
Network Agent appliance. A separate appliance and subscription service is
required for each network being managed. The service is available through
distribution to North American resellers now with expansion planned in other
countries.
Cisco says a special introductory offer is available to VARs
who want to try the service, and that they can contact their sales rep for more
details.
Here’s how it works. To monitor a customer network, VARs plug
the OnPlus Network Agent appliance into a switch or router on their customer’s
network. The OnPlus Agent then transmits information about the customer’s
network to a secure data center for access by the VAR. OnPlus performs discovery and monitoring of
anything with an IP address, regardless of the manufacturer. It also enables remote connectivity to
manageable network devices to enable troubleshooting and configuration, Cisco
said.
Cisco is offering free native applications for Apple and
Android mobile devices, available in their respective stores/markets.
Managed Services 
