Bringing Hope to SMB Networks

NETGEAR helps Hopemate standardize their client management platform

Hopemate is a small IT service provider located in the Greater Vancouver, Canada, area that brings IT support to small businesses in its community. Founder, Ian Chang, started as an IT freelancer and eventually decided to turn his work into a small business. Hopemate now provides IT integrations, installations and general troubleshooting services for their clients.

As Hopemate’s client base grew and expanded to managing customer networks, it became a challenge to oversee all the different sites. Chang knew the key to Hopemate’s future was to standardize the management platform. They needed a solution that was cost effective and consolidated all customer site interfaces.

Hopemate installed a variety of NETGEAR’s Insight managed devices (switches, access points and network storage devices) for four of his customers. They consist of businesses in real estate, medical and printing with 10 to 30 employees. Immediately following, Chang was able to remotely manage those networks from the Insight mobile app and web portal directly from his office.

The Insight network management app and portal have made Chang’s job easier, and more time efficient. He can initially configure his customers’ device(s) remotely and later guide his clients through the rest of the simple setup without having to allocate time traveling to different locations. Additionally, he is able to configure through a more advanced GUIs offsite.

Monitoring and troubleshooting have improved immensely for Hopemate. Before, Chang would have to wait for a call from his customers notifying him that their Wi-Fi was down, then drive over to troubleshoot. With the Insight mobile app he receives notifications when something goes wrong and can take action anywhere, anytime. Whether it’s rebooting a device, updating the firmware, or changing user access, he no longer has to be onsite to fix the simple problems.

This solution has saved hours of valuable time. Chang now uses to continue growing his business. Future Hopemate plans are to install the NETGEAR Insight Ecosystem to a few other customers this year, further expanding his MSP business.

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Richard Jonker is the Vice President SMB Product Line Management at NETGEAR.

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.