Google broadband: Is there an enterprise angle?

In December 2009, Meraki announced a lifetime warranty for Meraki indoor enterprise wireless local area network (LAN) access points. In effect, a dead Meraki device is replaced without cost. The free replacement complements the included support and maintenance provided by Meraki. No special certification is required; Meraki networks are designed to be deployed and managed with basic IT skills. If true, I can begin to believe this statement: “Meraki brings all the benefits of wireless, and leaves behind the complexity.”

What are some of the downsides  Meraki’s technology? The approach is quite different from standard high-speed wireless operating procedures. Also, Meraki is based on open source with Meraki magic in its hardware and network management systems. Some organizations are not yet comfortable with open source approaches.

Let's assume that Google bundles its high-speed broadband service with the Meraki technology or an equivalent. In addition, Google includes Google Maps and Google Apps. That hypothetical bundle might appeal to organizations looking to reduce hardware, software and information technology costs.

If Google does offer high-speed wireless connectivity with bundled applications at a competitive price, a number of incumbents would be put under considerable pressure. The appeal of a lower-cost, single vendor, cloud solution might be high in some market segments. With Google pricing a “black art,” my hunch is that the company would offer more for less to disrupt incumbents.

Another likely impact is that telecommunications companies, network equipment vendors and enterprise software vendors like Microsoft, Oracle and their partners will have to respond. Increased competition is often a benefit, setting off even more innovation. Bottom line: Google, Kansas, may only be the tip of a large, virtual iceberg floating in the cloud drifting toward the enterprise.