The Most Innovative Networking Products Of 2017
Networking Innovators
CRN's 2017 Tech Innovator Awards honors the vendors drawing the roadmap for the future of IT and providing cutting-edge solution providers with the tools to navigate it. With countless vendor options on the market, identifying future-ready IT solutions for customers is no easy task.
The annual Tech Innovator Awards help to narrow the field, honoring groundbreaking vendors in 32 categories, with the winners and finalists chosen from among 216 applicants.
Among this year's class are 13 vendors in the networking space, brining innovation and flexibility to the enterprise network.
Here we present the winners and finalists from this year's Enterprise, Software and Voice/Data/UC Networking categories.
Networking — Enterprise
WINNER:
HPE Aruba 8400 Switch
The Aruba 8400 Core Switch, from Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Aruba Networks, brings automation and software intelligence to organizations looking for alternative options at the network core. The switch provides modern dynamic software capabilities for the enterprise network, developed specially for the changing traffic patterns created by cloud and mobile business applications. The Aruba 8400 Core Switch is powered by the new ArubaOS-CX operating system, which simplifies and automates many critical and complex network tasks. The 8400 is also fully programmable with a built-in Python interpreter and REST-based APIs for every function. Ultimately, the campus networking solution extends Aruba's advanced intelligence from the edge to the core.
Networking — Enterprise
Finalist:
128 Technology - 128T Networking Platform
The 128T Networking Platform from 128 Technology is a software-based, distributed routing solution geared toward enterprises with complex networks. The platform uses secure routing to simplify network architectures; provides end-to-end control and visibility without disrupting existing infrastructure; and enables customers to build networks that are session-based, software-defined and services-centric.
Networking — Enterprise
Finalist:
Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series Switches
With the Catalyst 9300 Series Switches, Cisco delivers enhanced security, programmability and performance via custom ASICs and software layers. The switches work in tandem with Cisco's recently introduced Network Intuitive platform, a networking system that anticipates actions, stops security threats, and continues to evolve and learn.
Networking — Enterprise
Finalist:
LogicMonitor LM Config
LM Config is LogicMonitor's offering for service providers looking to integrate configuration monitoring and management with infrastructure monitoring. The offering provides users with automated alerting on device configuration changes, for improved visibility and compliance even inside highly distributed environments.
Networking — Enterprise
Finalist:
Ruckus Multi-Gigabit Networking Solution
To address connectivity issues and maximize network access performance, Ruckus launched its Multi-Gigabit Networking Solution, which integrates a Wave 2 wireless access point and network switch with 2.5 GbE multi-gigabit connectivity. The solution is ideal for high-density environments such as enterprise and hospitality settings.
Networking - Wireless
Winner:
HPE Aruba Asset Tracking
HPE Aruba's Asset Tracking offering provides location-based tracking of assets, with major benefits around ease of use, functionality and price performance. It includes new Bluetooth Low Energy tags, an asset tag configuration application, and advancements in the ArubaOS software. Organizations can track assets -- such as chairs and IV pumps -- using either a map-based mobile app or by integrating with existing tracking solutions. The offering also includes new features for the Meridian AppMaker, such as a new SDK and APIs for third-party integration, allowing customers to create their own tracking app for iOS or Android. Notably, the offering is fully integrated into Aruba Networks' wireless infrastructure, eliminating the need for a separate network.
Networking - Wireless
Finalists:
Cradlepoint NetCloud
Cradlepoint's software-defined, cloud-delivered NetCloud platform enables enterprises to build, deploy and manage a WAN in simplified fashion. The platform powers LTE-enabled routers that are aimed at markets such as IoT, transportation and small branch locations.
Networking - Wireless
Finalists:
Datto Networking Appliance
For MSPs serving SMBs, Datto's Networking Appliance serves as a routing and firewall platform with advanced features. Along with high-performance network edge routing and firewall, capabilities include Wi-Fi, intrusion detection and prevention, traffic shaping and LTE failover.
Networking - Wireless
Finalists:
Extreme Networks WiNG AP 7612
With the WiNG AP 7612, Extreme Networks offers an enterprise-grade indoor access point with Wave 2 Wi-Fi connectivity, easy installation, and a wall plate form factor. Focused on the hospitality segment, key features include network application visibility analytics and management of bandwidth based on guest application requirements.
Networking - Wireless
Finalists:
Zyxel Wall-Plate Unified AP
Zyxel's Wall-Plate Unified AP is a Wave 2 access point that uses smart antenna and beamforming technologies to provide users with easy accessibility to fast wireless service, with data speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps. Targeted at multi-unit buildings such as offices and hotels, the access point is also designed to be low-profile with mounting options on wall plates, walls or desks.
Networking - Voice/Data/UC
Winner:
Cisco Business Edition 4000
Designed for small businesses, Cisco's Business Edition 4000 is an office IP phone system aimed at enabling easy management and savings on communications costs. The phone system is fully managed via the cloud and comes with the option of pre-configuration prior to shipment. In addition, the Business Edition 4000, which supports up to 200 devices, is typically installed by partners in less than a day. Tools for IT administrators provide simplified management for tasks such as adding new users and phones. Customers can also reuse their Cisco IP phones if their business grows and they need to upgrade to a larger Business Edition platform or migrate to Cisco Spark.
Networking - Voice/Data/UC
Finalist:
8x8 Virtual Contact Center
For organizations looking to manage a distributed team of agents, 8x8's Virtual Contact Center offering provides advanced contact center capabilities, workforce optimization, business phone and collaboration services, and unified communications. The cloud-based offering ultimately enables business continuity and customer service resiliency across locations.
Networking - Voice/Data/UC
Finalist:
Sennheiser MB 660
Sennheiser's MB 660 is a wireless, noise-canceling headset with a touchpad integrated into the right earphone. Features include the ability to halt the noise-canceling function with a double tap on the earphone. In addition, the noise cancellation automatically adjusts to the level of ambient noise that's happening around the user.