Connectivity services provider Cradlepoint has updated its managed service provider programme in the UK and Ireland, to address MSPs’ “evolving needs”.
Cradlepoint offers its NetCloud Service and portfolio of fixed sites, mobile, and IoT cellular routers.
Jisc and Sky Business have already taken advantage of the programme to extend the trusted eduroam service to off-campus sites through 4G and 5G cellular technology using mobile data backhaul. Cradlepoint has helped enable eduroam to deliver connectivity beyond existing fibre infrastructure, and allowing students and staff in further and higher education to securely access learning resources at home, hospitals, sports facilities, and even on public transportation.
“5G is an essential WAN infrastructure, and we are seeing first-hand how our partners are leveraging the technology to enable agile and secure connectivity for their customers while creating new market opportunities for their own business,” said Ross Hockey, director EMEA of managed service partners/solution service providers at Cradlepoint.
“We are ‘all channel, all the time’, meaning our partners are an extension of our company. As our channel programme has grown globally, we have listened and worked with our partners to evolve and enhance our programmes, including this very important step of supporting their managed service offerings,” said Hockey.
"This new initiative from Cradlepoint has enabled us to work with Sky Business and Cradlepoint to offer a more inclusive eduroam service to the education sector. Cellular connectivity has become increasingly integral to educational institutions at all levels, and with this new programme we can further expand our support for our members," said Simon Farr, director of innovation and IT at Jisc.
"This programme strengthens Jisc’s managed solutions, allowing our customers to simplify processes, reduce costs, and prioritise their core business activities. By using Cradlepoint’s enhanced MSP Partner Programme, we are poised to better serve the evolving needs of our education and research community in locations where internet connections are unavailable, unreliable, or unauthenticated. Transforming the learning experience, and bringing digital equity a step closer.”
Hugo Mills, director of mid-market and enterprise at Sky Business, added: “Cradlepoint's new partner programme significantly enhances and extends our service offerings within the education sector. By uniting industry expertise, we are delighted to be creating more effective solutions for students and end-users. As we forge ahead in collaboration, we anticipate discovering even more new opportunities that can positively impact sectors beyond."
Specific new enhancements include updated benefits and requirements that align with the MSP practise, dedicated SP onboarding and marketing support, and an SP specific price list providing SKUs with pricing, packaging and functionality designed to meet the needs of MSPs and their customers.
There are also planned NetCloud Manager enhancements exclusively for MSPs, and “white glove” logistics support.
