Zen Internet has expanded its enterprise networking portfolio with the launch of Cisco Meraki services, a move that positions the Rochdale-based provider as one of the most complete SD-WAN players in the UK market.
Building on its strong heritage in MPLS, Zen’s new Meraki offering, spanning LAN, WiFi and SD-WAN, allows businesses of all sizes to benefit from simpler, cloud-managed networking combined with enterprise-grade security. Crucially, by pairing SD-WAN with lower-cost alternative network (alt-net) connectivity, Zen promises to help organisations cut costs at a time when IT budgets are under pressure, while still safeguarding against rising cyber threats.
The company argues this combination makes its SD-WAN portfolio one of the most flexible in the UK. Larger enterprises can opt for fully integrated, full-stack solutions, while mid-market firms and SMEs can adopt a more “lighter-touch” approach by upgrading just WiFi or LAN today, while keeping the option open to move towards SD-WAN in the future.
Jon Nowell, Managing Director of Zen Business, said: “Security and cost are the two big challenges facing UK businesses right now. By combining the simplicity of Meraki with the security and intelligence of SD-WAN, alongside the cost benefits of our alt-net connectivity footprint, we’re giving customers a genuine choice. They can modernise their networks without the complexity or expense that has traditionally come with enterprise-grade solutions.”
“Importantly, the Meraki launch doesn’t replace Cisco’s Catalyst SD-WAN but complements it, giving Zen the ability to support the full spectrum of business needs, from simple, cloud-managed networking through to the most advanced enterprise deployments”, added Nowell.
Businesses across the UK are reimagining how they connect people, places and applications securely to drive better outcomes for all,” says Aine Rogers, Cisco’s UK&I SMB Managing Director. “Cloud-managed solutions like Cisco Meraki enable organisations to boost productivity, improve security posture and reduce IT complexity – all while controlling costs. Through our partnership with Zen, we’re helping businesses achieve faster growth, seamless operations and secure digital transformation – whether modernising a single office or scaling their entire network.”
The launch reflects a wider shift in the UK connectivity market. As more alt-nets expand their fibre footprint, organisations are increasingly looking for ways to harness lower-cost connectivity without compromising on performance. SD-WAN technology allows businesses to securely blend connections from different providers, ensuring resilience and speed while keeping costs down.
Cisco’s Catalyst SD-WAN already caters to enterprises with complex, global operations, but the Meraki launch opens the door to a broader base of customers, particularly mid-sized businesses who may previously have been priced out of advanced networking solutions.
“Rising cybercrime, coupled with economic uncertainty, is forcing UK firms to seek “more for less” from their IT investments”, said Nowell. “At the same time, the shift to hybrid work has increased demand for reliable, secure connectivity across multiple sites.”
“Businesses are no longer asking if they should adopt SD-WAN, but when,” he adds. “With Meraki now part of our portfolio, Zen can support that journey whether it’s a simple WiFi refresh today or a full-scale SD-WAN deployment tomorrow.”
With the addition of Meraki, Zen has moved beyond its roots as an ISP to position itself as a full-service networking provider. For UK businesses grappling with rising costs, security risks and the realities of hybrid work, it’s a pitch that may resonate strongly.
