Name: Cradlepoint NetCloud Engine
Rating: 9.9 (8 reviews)
Author: Cradlepoint

Operating Systems

Unspecified

Mobile Application

August 24, 2021

Cradlepoint NetCloud Hits Mark for Managing Remote Devices

Verified User

Manager in Information Technology

Information Technology & Services Company, 201-500 employees

Score 9 out of 10

Vetted Review

Verified User

Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We currently use Cradlepoint NetCloud to manage devices at approximately 20 remote locations. The product allows us to remotely modify device properties, create and restore settings backups, perform firmware upgrades, and monitor device use. NetCloud has saved lots of time by removing travel to remote, rural locations. In addition, it allows us to remotely monitor device status, such as whether a device is offline.

Pros and Cons

Remote monitoring.
Remote configuration.
Remote firmware upgrades.
Push updates and settings to groups of devices.
Remote configuration backups.
Statistics on device/cellular use.

Group management of devices could be easier.
Customized reporting would be nice.
The task scheduler is not very robust (only one task is available for scheduling).

Likelihood to Recommend

While offering integrations with other products, such as Palo Alto Prisma Access and Zscaler, the root use of this product is supporting Cradlepoint devices through a single, standard interface. By easily allowing remote management of remote Cradlepoint devices, this product is invaluable if you are tasked with maintaining numerous remote locations.

Most Important Features

Remote firmware upgrades.
Remote management and backup of configuration settings.
Alerting when remote devices go offline.

Return on Investment

It has offered a reduction in travel time.
Provides cellular use metrics to help with budgeting.
Allows a faster turn-around on firmware upgrades.

Alternatives Considered

Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series, N-able N-central (formerly Solarwinds N-Central), SolarWinds Kiwi Syslog Server, SolarWinds Service Desk (SSD), Cisco Catalyst 2960-L Series Switches, Cisco Catalyst 1000 Series Switches, Aruba Instant On AP Series Access Points, Cradlepoint Routers, Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365), Darktrace, Global Relay Archive and Barracuda Content Shield

Cradlepoint NetCloud is an integral piece of the network management puzzle.

Other Software Used

OnBase by Hyland, Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR, N-able N-central (formerly Solarwinds N-Central), Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls - PA Series

Users and Roles

Information Technology

Support Headcount Required

Two IT staff members are well-versed in using the Cradelpoint NetCloud platform. These two staff members share the management duties of the system.

Business Processes Supported

Reduces travel time.
Faster router firmware upgrades across all remote locations.
Integrates cellular data service as a viable backup connection.

Products Replaced

Key Differentiators

Product Features

Cradlepoint NetCloud allowed remote management of 20+ devices located in remote rural areas. This alone offered a great reduction in unnecessary travel time, allowing our IT staff to focus on additional tasks.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

While there are now more competing products on the market than there were when we began using Cradepoint, we continue to choose Cradelpoint as our solution moving forward.