Cisco Targets Small-Business Space with Low-Cost Appliances

Cisco Systems is continuing to position itself deeper into the small business space with a new line of Smart Switching appliances designed to get small businesses to “Connect and Secure” their network while also giving Cisco partners the opportunity to sell into — and profit from — the small-business space. Here’s the scoop:

Offering two parts of its “Connect, Secure and Communicate” small-business mantra, Cisco is introducing the 200 Series Smart Switches, entry-level Ethernet switches offering easy installation with QoS-level security to allow users to share files across PCs and mobile devices. Also available is the Cisco RV220W, a network security firewall for small offices that need business-class wireless security. Gigabit Ethernet is included, along with VPN capabilities with optional Cisco ProtectLink Web security services. Finally, the new NSS300 Series Smart Storage appliance works with Mozy online backup and provides a hybrid onsite/online backup solution for disaster recovery.

Channel partners working with Cisco will have the ability to sell options with the NSS300. David Tucker, Cisco’s VP of small business technology, noted many of the extra services available with the NSS300 also come with the RV220W, such as three years of extended services along with low-cost deals when partners register.

Such services are part of a larger bucket of services that Tucker believe is not being fully utilized by Cisco’s channel partners. “I’m not sure our partner community fully utilizes or understands the Small Business Support Center options,” he said. “It’s designated and designed to support [partners] in selling to our customers. Most partners don’t use the pre-sale capability, [but] the Small Business Center is a resource they can use to help configure and sell. [Partners] just think of it as post-sale, but it’s also a strong pre-sale option [and a] worldwide tool.”

The Cisco 200 Series starts at $287 MSRP, wile the RV220W (pictured) starts at $363 MSRP. Cisco Smart Storage starts at $913 MSRP and customers can choose to flip the switch on the Mozy backup themselves, which starts at $145 for 25GB for a year. These prices seem comfortable, especially coming from Cisco. Even a home business could potentially afford these solutions.

Check out the full press details here, along with some more product shots.