Cradlepoint’s NetCloud is an integrated platform that connects modern enterprises from the Edge to the cloud to ensure pervasive connectivity and greater availability. It combines advanced Enterprise Software-Defined Network (SDN) and Software-Defined Perimeter (SD-P) technologies that enable dynamic connectivity and network management of fixed branch locations, vehicles, and M2M/IoT deployments within one pane of glass platform.
I use Ericsson, the parent company of Cradlepoint, to provide solutions for wireless WAN technology. Customers are seeking connectivity in nontraditional places or mobile applications.
Ericsson's product line supports these connectivity solutions from a wireless WAN perspective. Additionally, Ericsson is involved in private cellular, including private 5G and 4G LTE services, offering complete product suites to design, build, and deploy these.
Cradlepoint provides real value in its focus on wireless WAN connectivity. As more major carriers in the United States are building out their 5G networks, Cradlepoint supports the option for wireless to be a primary means of connectivity, rather than just a backup. This is due to the growing prevalence of 5G fixed wireless offerings. Furthermore, Cradlepoint products support an evolution in customers looking at wireless connectivity as a primary means of connectivity.
There are areas for improvement, particularly at the lower end of the medium enterprise market. Cradlepoint's portfolio is lacking budget-friendly options. The company realizes that there's a need for affordable connectivity products, especially for lower-end medium enterprises or larger small enterprises, and is working on developing entry-level products in terms of functionality and pricing.
I have been familiar with and working with Cradlepoint products probably for the better part of five to ten years now.
Cradlepoint products support scalability very well in medium to large enterprise environments. Having one or two dedicated Cradlepoint support people with knowledge of the NetCloud management can effectively manage, monitor, and report on performance.
I have worked very closely with Cradlepoint for several years and would rate their customer service as being among the best, scoring them a nine or ten.
Positive
The initial setup of Cradlepoint products is a strong point. Everything is managed through NetCloud Manager, which, although requiring some familiarity, is intuitive and facilitates easy configuration, management, monitoring, and reporting.
For smaller enterprises, having one or two people knowledgeable about the NetCloud management environment suffices. They can efficiently configure, provision, and deploy devices, analyze network issues, and generate performance reports.
For networking equipment like Cradlepoint offers, tracking tangible ROI can be challenging. However, the efficiency they provide by ensuring a smooth-running operation without requiring extensive engineering resources offers substantial value.
Cradlepoint's pricing is viewed as market competitive, offering good value for the money invested. While some customers are price sensitive, others recognize the efficiency and smooth operation as valuable.
I recommend Cradlepoint to others. Overall, I rate Cradlepoint very highly, especially in providing wireless WAN connectivity products. With Ericsson backing them, Cradlepoint stands strong in the market.
I rate the overall solution as ten out of ten.
