Domotz, developer of a network management solution for Internet of Things hardware, quietly rolled out a topology mapping feature a few weeks ago, the first part of a multiphase rollout that will include additional capabilities in the months ahead.
“We’ve used the term ‘automatic network mapping’ in our terminology, but now we have a graphical representation of what the network looks like,” explains J.B. Fowler (pictured, left), Domotz chief revenue officer. “What it means for service providers or integrators and installers is they can put a Domotz agent into the network, and then physically see how each device, from an endpoint perspective, is connected all the way back up to the cloud through the network.”
Fowler says upcoming capabilities will help MSPs understand “the logical layers, so VLANs, and determining what’s going on there inside this map. We also will have things like the power distribution units, and how devices are connected to the PDUs. So we’re pretty excited about some of those features that are coming.”
In addition, Domotz will be rolling out what it calls “VPN on demand” in the next few weeks. This will enable MSPs to use the Domotz cloud and secure connectivity to gain access to customers’ networks, Fowler explains. “The benefit of this is that you don’t need an enterprise VPN system in order to securely connect,” explaining that MSPs will be able to leverage “things like two-factor authentication, using our high level of encryption, but it’s actually placing your laptop that is sitting remotely onto that network.”
He adds, “We think it will help a lot of these service providers [and] commercial integrators that are trying to remotely program devices. It’ll be much easier for them.”
Finally, expect more strategic partner announcements toward the end of the year, according to Seth Rubenstein (pictured, right), who heads up partner engagement.” I fully expect that we’ll have two to three alliances to be able to talk about with you, and they’re other software companies.”
These are coming on the heels of Domotz’s June announcement of Crestron as a new strategic partner in the AV residential space. Under that agreement, the Domotz and Crestron solution includes the Domotz Pro Mobile app, Domotz Cloud, and Domotz Network Agent. It’s a win-win strategically, Rubenstein says. “We can now focus our outgoing efforts on new channels in other spaces, because [Crestron] is now carrying our product with our brand and selling our service. They’re not just selling the little box, they’re selling one-, two-, and five-year plans.”
Photo: Audrey McCann Photography
