Modern IT environments are highly dynamic and constantly evolving, creating numerous challenges for network operations teams. With more devices connecting to networks due to IoT and hybrid work, and the need for seamless connectivity across all locations, operations teams are under pressure. I had the opportunity to sit down with Anil Varanasi, the founder of Meter, highlighting how Meter addresses these challenges with innovative solutions to optimize network operations.
The Growing Complexity of Networks
According to recent research by theCUBE Research and ZK Research, 80% of organizations find their networks are more or much more complex than just two years ago. This complexity is driven by the proliferation of devices, the amount of data being transported over a distributed environment and having to leverage multiple management tools. Whether it’s a school, a warehouse with automated robots, or an office with remote workers, networking has become a critical part of operations.
Essentially, network connectivity is as vital as any other utility in a building, such as electricity or water. However, accessing and managing great network infrastructure has traditionally been a time-consuming and capital-intensive task.
Meter: Built by Network Engineers for Network Engineers
That’s where Meter wants to make a difference. Meter provides a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform, which is designed by network engineers for network engineers. Varanasi explained this distinction ensures that the solutions they provide are powerful, intuitive, and easy to implement. The company, founded over a decade ago, began by focusing on building better hardware. While hardware is often considered a commodity, it remains a critical foundation for optimizing software performance.
Meter’s approach is highly integrated, offering a platform that consolidates network management tools such as Internet Service Provider (ISP) management, routing, switching, wireless, DNS security, SD-WAN, and VPN into a single, unified solution. Meter believes this vertical integration makes it easier for IT teams to manage networks, no matter the scale or type of business. Bringing all these components into one software platform enables end-to-end visibility, management, and ultimately, optimize network operations.
The Launch of Meter Command
A key discussion part was Meter’s latest innovation: Meter Command. Launched a few weeks ago, Meter Command is designed to address the pain points that IT and network teams face when accessing information and performing actions quickly and efficiently. As Varanasi explained, the product combines the speed and power of traditional command-line interfaces (CLI) with the user-friendliness of modern dashboards.
Historically, network engineers have relied on CLI for quick actions, but each vendor has its own set of commands, making it a steep learning curve for engineers working across multiple platforms. While dashboards offer a more intuitive, point-and-click experience, they often come at the expense of speed and flexibility. Meter Command bridges this gap by incorporating natural language processing, allowing users to simply type requests in everyday language and receive responses in seconds.
For instance, if an IT team needs to diagnose a problem with a wireless network or a particular client, they can ask Meter Command to provide specific health data for the device. Similarly, engineers can quickly configure VLANs or firewall rules through simple natural language commands. This ability to instantly access information and execute actions saves valuable time, which previously might have been spent sifting through logs or submitting feature requests that could take months to address.
Natural Language Interface and Custom Dashboards
One of the standout features of Meter Command is its use of natural language, making it accessible even to those who are not network experts. Varanasi explained that this capability allows network engineers, security teams, and executives to use the platform effectively. For example, an executive might request a custom dashboard showing uptime, firewall rules, or the status of switches, all without needing to understand complex commands.
Moreover, Meter Command takes customization to the next level for network management tools. It can generate custom dashboards on the fly based on the specific needs of the user. Whether it’s monitoring the health of certain clients, analyzing ISP performance, or ensuring security protocols are followed, the platform’s flexibility allows it to adapt to each organization’s requirements.
Varanasi stated that the platform’s ability to generate software on the fly instantly is a game changer. What typically would have taken months or even years of development and testing is now achievable in seconds. For IT teams and network engineers, this significantly reduces the time needed to address network issues and make improvements, ultimately boosting productivity and operational efficiency.
Collaboration and Role-Based Access Control
In addition to its speed and efficiency, Meter Command is built with collaboration in mind. The platform is designed to be “multiplayer,” meaning multiple team members can work within the same system simultaneously. This is especially useful when troubleshooting network issues or performing upgrades, as it allows colleagues to work together in real-time, just as they would if they were sitting side by side. This collaborative environment enhances problem-solving and reduces the likelihood of errors.
Plus, Meter Command supports role-based access control, allowing organizations to assign different access levels to different users. This feature ensures that executives, IT staff, and security teams can all access the information they need without compromising the network’s security. The platform enhances transparency and efficiency across the organization by allowing different stakeholders to access and manipulate dashboards or view real-time data.
A New Era for Network Management
By combining the speed of CLI with the simplicity of a natural language dashboard, the Meter Command platform empowers IT teams to optimize network operations with unprecedented ease. Its collaborative features and role-based access controls make it a versatile tool for organizations of all sizes, while its ability to generate custom dashboards and execute commands in real-time sets a new standard for network management software.
As organizations continue to navigate the challenges of increasingly complex networks, tools like Meter Command will play a crucial role in helping them stay ahead. With its innovative approach to network management, Meter is not just keeping pace with the demands of the modern network; it’s looking to raise the bar.
For more information on Meter Command, visit meter.com
Additional AnalystANGLEs
Gen AI and IT Infrastructure: Exploring the Impact on the Network (thecuberesearch.com)
Paris 2024 Olympics: Tech Innovation on Display – theCUBEResearch
How to Make Your Office a Magnet to Attract Employees – theCUBEResearch
