What is our primary use case?
We predominantly utilize these functionalities in scenarios requiring additional intelligence, particularly in the end markets. This is especially true when we need location awareness to identify people's positions within a building or event space. We employ SAP, for precise tracking of individuals through the network. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented this solution in some areas, such as meeting rooms, to ensure compliance with occupancy limits and maintain control over crowd management.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable aspect is that they operate on small microservices, offering numerous open APIs that enhance the value of our Wi-Fi network. This flexibility allows us to optimize various aspects such as workforce planning and occupancy management.
The platform is highly open in the market, providing robust APIs for seamless integration with other tools. Currently, we leverage these capabilities at a building site, incorporating IoT sensors to gather data. The collected data is stored in a centralized location, and we plan to use AI for analysis. This analysis will include insights into peak activity times, humidity levels, temperature variations, and other relevant metrics within the building.
What needs improvement?
If there's one thing I'd like to change, it's the pricing. They are quite expensive, but honestly, it's justified by the value they provide. However, for simple Wi-Fi connectivity with basic security needs, there are alternatives in the market that offer comparable features at a more budget-friendly price.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with the solution for almost four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
In the past, troubleshooting Wi-Fi connections required manual intervention and expertise in dealing with firmware. With the introduction of artificial intelligence, the process has become significantly easier. The AI agent continuously assesses and seeks the best solutions for optimization. While we once relied on human expertise, I must say that artificial intelligence now performs this task exceptionally well.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is impressive; you can manage up to ten thousand access points in one portal. While we don't have customers with that many access points, the platform allows for flexible central management. You can organize locations by building, room, or any other criteria, making them location-aware. The AI agent ensures optimal settings for channels and beaming, as it is a self-tuning and self-learning system.
Regarding users, we currently have an installed base of around seven or eight thousand users on the customer side.
We do have plans to increase the user count, especially as we engage with government entities that aim to provide Wi-Fi across their companies and sites. Mist AI and Cloud offer an ideal solution for such requirements.
How was the initial setup?
The setup is straightforward with each IP having a QR code. Using a mobile app, you scan the QR code to activate your site, and Cisco runs on its instance. A notable feature is the excellent agent within the platform that continually monitors and optimizes the system. For instance, if there's a crowd in a large room and the agent detects congestion, it automatically redirects connections, making management more efficient and ensuring consistent quality of service.
Deployment is straightforward, but when dealing with a large number of access points, like a hundred and fifty, the registration process can be time-consuming. While the process itself is simple—you scan the QR code, place it at the location, and note the GPS coordinates on the app—handling a substantial quantity, like one hundred and fifty, does take some time.
What about the implementation team?
I wouldn't recommend doing the implementation in-house, as most of the time, it requires certified personnel to handle the setup. Purchasing SAP online without proper expertise may pose challenges in setting it up, especially considering the processes involved in configuring portals. The majority of the work revolves around portal setup and configuration. However, if you have qualified technical staff in-house, it can be managed. It's advisable to follow the manual for guidance.
When the transition to Juniper occurred from the previous team, there was initial concern. However, our technical staff successfully migrated to Juniper. The support from Juniper has been excellent.
What was our ROI?
The increased control and improved service level for end-users make it worthwhile. In the past one and a half years, we haven't encountered any issues with customers complaining about Wi-Fi connectivity. The only concern remains the pricing, which is relatively high. However, it's encouraging to see competition emerging with alternative solutions, and this often leads to a positive impact on pricing as it becomes more competitive.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The annual cost is a significant issue for us, and it notably contributes to the overall price. We have a customer with nearly fifty-eight access points in a multifunctional building, and while the setup was relatively simple, the yearly licensing cost is substantial. For the specific features we utilize, the licensing amounts to about forty thousand euros annually. This is not a trivial expense and significantly impacts the overall cost, making it quite high.
What other advice do I have?
Without considering the price, I would rate it a ten out of ten. However, taking into account pricing and overall considerations, I would give it a seven to eight due to its high cost. Despite the expense, I would recommend it to others, especially if cost is not a major concern and they have the budget for it.
