News in the Channel - issue #16

CRADLEPOINT’S CHANNEL STRATEGY

Q How do you see the market developing over the coming years? TR: “The market holds immense potential in the current landscape. Traditional connectivity via public 5G is continuing to grow and connect the previously unconnected. We are also witnessing an acceleration in IoT deployment, and it's projected that by 2030, more than 50% of global data will be generated from these devices. Organisations must ensure real-time data transmission and viewing capabilities to unlock the unique use-cases IoT can offer. That's where 5G connectivity comes in with its high speeds, ample bandwidth and low latency, enabling seamless support for many devices. “Organisations are also now seeking suppliers that offer added value beyond just connectivity. Features like SD-WAN, zero trust networks and cloud-based management software empower IT teams to manage networks more effectively. As we move forward, these enhancements will play a significant role in shaping the market and delivering exceptional solutions to meet the evolving demands of businesses.” Q Which sectors are of the most interest? TR: “There is significant potential in almost every sector right now. However, there are a few that really catch our attention. For instance, manufacturing stands to benefit greatly from significant IoT deployments, allowing manufacturers to closely monitor machine operations and digitise previously analogue systems and processes. Many sectors, from shipping ports to utility companies, use these devices to run processes more efficiently. For example, many meter readings are still analogue; attaching a device that can digitise these readings saves huge amounts of time instead of waiting for an engineer to go round and check manually. Outside of industrial organisations, enterprises are also beginning to adopt 5G connectivity to unlock new and innovate ways to differentiate in the market and optimise business operations.” SR-G: “The public sector also has a lot of potential. Rapid digitisation within police forces requires support for in-car Wi-Fi, video data transmission from bodycams, and secure connectivity for evidence from crime scenes. These critical applications demand secure and reliable connectivity solutions, and we are eager to meet these needs in the public sector.”

with minimal latency, catering to diverse use cases, both remote and on-premise.”

SR-G: “We are also seeing demand from end users for simplified management systems, which is where our NetCloud platform adds value. The ability to manage multiple routers remotely means small teams can more effectively manage huge IT estates. For example, Cradlepoint has one client with routers in 1,300 vehicles across the UK. Manually updating and managing these would be impossible, but NetCloud allows the team to ensure their network is secure while enjoying connectivity on the move.” Q How has Softcat evolved to accommodate that? TR: “We recognised Softcat needed to adapt its offering to meet this new demand. Recently we decided to rebuild our networking and connectivity portfolio from scratch and introduce innovative technologies and services that meet customer challenges and unlock their ability to innovate. Areas such as secure 4G/5G connectivity, starting with Cradlepoint, were one of the newer technologies in the portfolio. This proactive step means Softcat remains at the forefront of the industry and can cater effectively to customers’ shifting requirements as we continue our value-added focus customer first approach.” Q Why did Softcat choose Cradlepoint to partner with? TR: “The decision rested on Cradlepoint’s unwavering commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction and clear understanding of the industry vertical outcomes their technology can help achieve. This decision was further reenforced by the strong partnership Cradlepoint has with Ericsson enabling solution coverage across public and private 5G technologies. The team at Cradlepoint supports Softcat’s sales teams, valuing their feedback and promptly adjusting training as needed. It is this collaboration that ensures a strong partnership. “Furthermore, Cradlepoint stands out from other alternatives due to its genuine enterprise-grade 5G solution. Unlike off-the- shelf devices, their product ensures superior connectivity performance alongside additional enterprise grade tooling, such as SD-WAN and security functionality, making it a perfect fit for Softcat's customers.”

Thomas Rowley

softcat.com

We are also witnessing an acceleration in IoT deployment, and it's projected that by 2030, more than 50% of global data will be generated from these devices. “

”