700-750 Cisco Small and Medium Business Engineer (SMBE) Questions and Answers

Cisco is leveling the playing field between virtual and in-person workers by providing an inclusive collaboration suite. This suite includes technologies and tools that support work from anywhere, which is essential for a hybrid workforce. The suite enables employees to participate fully, regardless of their location, language preference, personality type, or familiarity with technology. By focusing on inclusivity and connectedness, Cisco ensures that all employees, whether remote or in-person, have equal opportunities to engage and contribute to their teams1. References := Cisco Global Hybrid Work Study 2022

A hybrid SMB technology solution must prioritize security, especially in a landscape where remote work is prevalent. Zero trust identity-based access is a security model that requires all users, whether inside or outside the organization’s network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. This approach aligns with the modern needs of SMBs to provide secure access to their resources in a hybrid environment, where users are accessing systems both on-premises and remotely. It ensures that only authenticated and authorized users and devices can access applications and data, thereby reducing the attack surface and providing a more secure IT environment.

References: = Insights from the Spiceworks article on the importance of hybrid cloud for SMBs1, and Cisco’s discussion on hybrid workforce solutions for SMBs, which emphasizes the need for secure access in a hybrid work environment2.

Meraki offers a key feature for managing hybrid workforces by providing APIs that allow developers to save time through the platform’s implementation. This feature is crucial for hybrid work environments where seamless integration and automation are necessary. The APIs enable rapid development and deployment of custom solutions that can enhance productivity and ensure consistent access to networks and data, regardless of the employee’s location. This aligns with the need for a flexible and adaptable network infrastructure that supports a distributed workforce, which is a hallmark of the hybrid work model12. References :=

•Hybrid Workforce | The New Hybrid Workplace | Cisco Meraki1.

•Hybrid Workforce, United Experience - Cisco Meraki2. =========================

Video surveillance technology is currently undergoing a transformation similar to the one that revolutionized telephones 20 years ago. The shift from analog to digital, the integration of Internet Protocol (IP) technology, and the use of artificial intelligence for facial recognition and behavior analysis are all part of this transformation. This evolution mirrors the transition telephones experienced with the advent of mobile technology and smart devices, which turned simple voice transmission tools into multifunctional devices with capabilities far beyond making calls.

References: = An article on the evolution of telephone technology that discusses the significant changes over the years1, and a report on the pace of technology transformation that highlights the rapid changes in communication technology2.

Partners use Business Value Demonstrations (BVD) to demo the SMB Experiences provided by Cisco. BVDs are interactive tools that allow partners to showcase the value of Cisco solutions in a tangible and engaging way. They help in illustrating the potential benefits and operational efficiencies that Cisco’s solutions can bring to small and medium-sized businesses. By using BVDs, partners can effectively demonstrate how Cisco’s products and services can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the SMB market.

References:

•Cisco’s official exam overview, which includes a section on understanding Business Value Demonstrations1.

•Information on the Cisco Business Dashboard, which is another tool for managing Cisco solutions but not specifically for SMB Experiences demonstrations2.

•Blog post discussing the SMB Experience Explorer tool, which helps SMB customers find the right Cisco solutions3.

•Sign up page for learning more about the Cisco Experience Explorer, which is a lead generation tool for partners4.

Cisco Webex is the product that enables video conferencing and communication. It is designed to provide a conferencing experience that rivals in-person collaboration, with features such as real-time translations, meeting recordings, and a secure platform for remote work. Webex offers an all-in-one app to call, meet, message, and get work done, supporting a hybrid work environment with enterprise-grade security. References :=

https://www.cisco.com/c/en_in/solutions/collaboration/video-collaboration/index.html

Cisco Networking Cloud is an integrated platform designed to provide connectivity to and between applications and workloads across various environments, including clouds, cloud services, on-premises data centers, and edge networks. It is crucial for the performance, security, and efficient management of hybrid cloud and multicloud environments. This platform facilitates the simplification of lifecycle management, assures user-experience, reduces time to market for service rollout, lowers operational costs, and minimizes risk for applications and data.

References: = You can find more details about Cisco Networking Cloud and its benefits on Cisco’s official page on cloud networking1.

Cisco Meraki cameras are designed to provide enhanced security and business insights for SMBs. They do not record room temperature, as their primary function is not environmental monitoring. While they do record videos, this is a standard feature of most security cameras and not unique to the smart SMB experience. Scheduling policies for recording is also a feature, but it is not highlighted as a key performance aspect in the context of smart SMB experience. The distinguishing feature of Meraki cameras in a smart SMB setup is their ability to count people1. This is part of the advanced analytics capabilities that Meraki cameras offer, which include motion heatmaps, historical person tracking, and intelligent motion indexing. These features are particularly useful for businesses to gain insights into customer behavior, occupancy, and usage patterns.

References :=

•Smart Cameras | Cisco Meraki

•MV - Smart Cameras - Cisco Meraki Documentation

•Cisco Smart Office Technology Solutions for SMBs

•Third Generation MV Cameras: Overview and Specifications

•Smart Cameras Introduction - The Meraki Community

Meraki cameras contribute to the smart SMB experience by building smarter workspaces. These intelligent cameras not only enhance security by providing high-quality video surveillance but also incorporate advanced analytics that can help businesses understand space utilization, optimize office layouts, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Features such as motion detection, people counting, and heat maps offer valuable insights into how spaces are used, enabling SMBs to make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency, productivity, and employee well-being. This goes beyond traditional security roles, as Meraki cameras can also support operational improvements and contribute to creating a more connected and intelligent workplace environment.

References: Cisco Meraki

A proactive security strategy is essential for reducing the number of cyberattacks and breaches an organization experiences. This approach involves anticipating potential security threats and implementing measures to prevent them before they occur. According to research conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit, organizations that adopt a proactive security strategy, supported by a fully engaged C-suite and board of directors, experience 53% fewer cyberattacks and breaches compared to those that do not. This strategy includes active monitoring of external threats and mobilizing the entire workforce to defend against attacks, combining the latest security technology with new business processes.

References: = The Economist Intelligence Unit report on data security, which provides insights into how a proactive security strategy can significantly reduce cyber risks1.

The percentage of cyberattacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is significant. According to the latest data, 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at SMBs1. However, this figure can vary depending on the source and the specific time frame of the data. For instance, other studies have shown that the number can be as high as 61%2. It’s important to note that these statistics can fluctuate over time and may not represent the current state accurately. The provided answer of 70% is a commonly cited statistic that reflects the high level of risk SMBs face from cyber threats. References := 1, 2

https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics

To be truly smart, SMBs need to optimize customer and employee experiences by providing an environment that meets modern expectations. This involves leveraging technology to create a seamless, efficient, and responsive experience for both customers and employees. A smart SMB utilizes integrated solutions that enhance collaboration, productivity, and security, enabling the business to adapt quickly to market changes and customer needs. By focusing on the user experience, SMBs can drive innovation and growth, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape1. References :=

•Cisco Smart Services for Small and Medium Business2.

•Investing in your success scaling SMB sales like never before1. =========================