CradlePoint NetCloud Essentials

With CradlePoint's new business model, all of the current routers are sold with NetCloud Essentials. NetCloud Essentials consists of 24x7 support (CradleCare), NetCloud Manager and NetCloud Perimeter. These services are included in the 'Solution Package' and are available as 1yr, 3yr or 5yr entitlements (1yr solution package is not available for IoT models). After that, the NetCloud Essentials must be renewed.

24x7 Support

CradlePoint Support consists of the following:

• Online support cases, knowledge articles, how-tos, forum discussions
• 24x5 chat
• 24x7 phone support
  • Weekdays – live support
  • Weekends – emergency only (target response time- maximum 2 hours)

AND

• Advanced Exchange: next business (or best available) day replacement
• Limited lifetime warranty for all hardware products covered under an active NetCloud Service Plan

NetCloud Manager

NetCloud Manager (NCM) is an essential tool for managing your CradlePoint devices remotely. Whether your routers are deployed in distant locations, used for digital signage installations, or just simply traveling with your field sales team, CradlePoint makes it easy to keep in touch with the edge of your 3G/4G Network.

• DEPLOYMENT – configure devices by groups or individually, and update firmware easily with a few clicks.
• MANAGEMENT – monitor device status in real-time and set proactive alerts for optimized 3G/4G data usage and network uptime.
• INTELLIGENCE – view network analytics and manage security and PCI compliance.

The initial nomenclature for NCM was STANDARD, PRIME and ENTERPRISE. These designations were consistent across all lines. If NetCloud Essentials was designated as PRIME, it was the same across all lines. PRIME was PRIME whether you were purchasing a Branch or Mobile Unit. It was easy to know what services were available by just using the STANDARD, PRIME and ENTERPRISE designation. But now there is a problem in the way CradlePoint is Marketing the NCM Service Solutions. CradlePoint markets the NCM solutions as 'Essential' and 'Advanced'. The problem is that Essentials and Advanced are not consistent across models. Even within the same model, such as the IBR600C, there is a difference in the NCM services depending on whether the 600C is purchased as an IoT unit or as a Branch (SOHO) unit. There is no consistency between the Essentials solutions across market segments. It is important to understand what services are available when making your choice for router.

NetCloud Perimeter

NetCloud Perimeter provides a software defined network for your devices. I think of it as 2 different implementations.

Implementation 1 - IoT devices behind a CradlePoint Router (Gateway)

This implementation is ideal for situations where cameras, sensors, printers, etc. are sitting behind the CradlePoint router. When NetCloud Perimeter is implemented, a virtual private network is established. Any device behind the CradlePoint is accessed by a private IP address. Access to the network is by invitation only. So, hackers are unable to access these devices because they cannot see them. These devices do not require a public IP address.

Implementation 2 - Workstations, Servers, Tablets, Cellular Phones

This implementation is ideal for businesses with a remote workforce. If a device is not sitting behind behind a CradlePoint router gateway, a client is deployed directly on IoT devices, laptops, tablets, and smartphones that run Linux, OS-X, Windows, Android, or iOS with the NetCloud Client. These devices are then invited into the 'private' network.

The installation is rather quick and simple, once you've seen it done. But with CradleCare 24x7 support, you can get assistance with the initial install and get it up and working in less than 10 minutes.

Pricing

Pricing is for an individual CradlePoint unit. For Solution Package renewals, the appropriate NetCloud Essentials renewal is necessary. They are available in 1, 3 or 5 year packages. Optional NetCloud Advanced plans are available and are purchased as an addition to the Essentials plan.

Governance Policy

For the last year, CradlePoint has been working on a Governance Policy to ensure that all routers are covered under NetCloud Essentials. The policy started to take effect September, 2019. Starting October 1, 2019, the full Policy is in effect. Click here to see the details of the Governance Policy.