Networking vendor Zyxel launches Nebula cloud platform

Cloud-based Nebula platform will manage Zyxel's wireless, switching and security devices

Networking vendor Zyxel has launched a new cloud solution for managing wireless, switching and security devices that it claims will allow its partners to expand geographically.

Zyxel's head of UK channel Peter Hannah told CRN that the vendor's Nebula solution will give smaller partners an opportunity to use the cloud for networking, adding that they have previously been priced out of the market by more expensive alternatives.

"This is really an offering that Zyxel are bringing to market that enables that cloud management of wireless solutions for the SMB and mid-market, which isn't really serviced that well from other potential expensive solutions," he said.

Along with being cheaper than other alternatives, Hannah claimed that Nebula being completely cloud based will enable smaller Zyxel partners to expand their managed services because they will not be restricted geographically.

The Nebula platform is managed through one interface - the Nebula Control Centre - which Hannah said eradicates the need to send out an engineer every time an issue occurs.

"For our existing partners it's a fantastic opportunity to build their managed service portfolio," he said.

"Equally for those MSPs that are selling into enterprise and mid-market and walking away from business because the solutions they're currently selling are too expensive for the vast majority of customers' budgets - Nebula gives them a fantastic opportunity to sell to customers they'd have to walk away from today."

Damian Keogh, CTO at Zyxel partner Accurro, praised Zyxel for its channel commitment, claiming that some resellers have been reluctant to move cloud solutions because other vendors take the opportunity to handle licensing and support themselves once an end user moves to the cloud.

"It protects and supports the channel," he said.

"A lot of other vendors with their cloud offerings are sidestepping the channel and after you've sold the initial hardware, all the licensing, support and everything goes directly to the vendor.

"With the Zyxel offering everything still happens through the channel."

Hannah joined Zyxel in September to lead a rebranding and channel overhaul, with a new partner programme set to launch in Q1 next year.

He also set Zyxel the target of increasing its 2,500-strong partner base by 20 per cent when he joined - a target which he said it is on course to achieving.