NETGEAR has announced a fresh strategic direction aimed at addressing the growing demand for seamless, scalable, and secure network connectivity among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The initiative, branded as NETGEAR for Business, seeks to provide next-generation networking products that emphasize simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, while leveraging the company’s extensive expertise in networking technology.

CJ Prober, the Chief Executive Officer of NETGEAR, elaborated on this transformation, stating, “For nearly 30 years, NETGEAR has been the trusted force behind the world’s most critical connections—powering businesses, ideas, and experiences across the globe. But the business world is evolving quickly and so are we. Networking is no longer just about being online; it’s about leveraging that connection to drive innovation, collaboration and experiences.”

In discussion of the new strategy, Prober added that NETGEAR aims to “strip away complexity, remove friction, and reimagine what business networking can be so that our customers don’t just keep up with change, they lead it.”

The strategic shift is under the leadership of Pramod Badjate, who serves as the President and General Manager of NETGEAR for Business. Joining the company nine months ago, Badjate brings prior experience from notable networking firms like Arista, Ruckus, and Cisco. Under his guidance, NETGEAR is positioning itself as an essential partner for SMBs navigating an increasingly digital landscape. Last quarter, the company reported over 15% revenue growth in this segment and anticipates continued double-digit growth into 2025.

A significant aspect of the new strategy involves increased investment in product development, with NETGEAR planning to enhance its research and development funding over the next three years. This will include the acquisition of VAAG Systems, a Chennai-based company known for its embedded and cloud software expertise. The acquisition aims to establish NETGEAR’s new Software Development Centre in Chennai, where a team with past experience from Qualcomm, HP, Cisco, and MaxLinear will focus on integrating artificial intelligence to simplify networking tasks for SMBs.

Badjate emphasised the motivation behind these initiatives, stating, “Current networking solutions don’t meet the needs of small and medium enterprises. They’re stuck with either complex, overpriced systems meant for larger companies or fragmented solutions that don’t integrate well and lack proper support.” He further articulated NETGEAR’s goal of offering an integrated solution that is easier to deploy and manage, recognising the vital role of reliable networking in business operations.

In addition to this strategic revamp, NETGEAR has made strides in AV-over-IP technology, responding to the rising need for seamless video integration in contemporary workplaces. The company’s AV division has fostered a partnership network exceeding 400 industry participants, delivering a portfolio of preconfigured AV solutions and support services. Looking ahead, Badjate’s leadership will aim to further enhance this segment’s offerings for commercial, broadcast, and residential clients, solidifying NETGEAR’s significant position at the intersection of AV and IT.

Commenting on the advancements in the AV business, Badjate stated, “From concert halls and command & control centres to stadiums and boardrooms, NETGEAR AV powers the world’s most impactful audio-visual experiences. There has never been a more exciting time to be a partner or customer of NETGEAR. We are delivering plug and play AV solutions that just work by deleting the complexity of an AV over IP network. Our partners, in turn, realise huge savings in labor costs compared to traditional solutions.”

As part of its commitment to enhancing the experience for business customers, NETGEAR plans to unveil additional products, programs, and partnerships in the upcoming months, all focused on providing greater simplicity, AI-driven improvements, scalability, and technical support.

Source: Noah Wire Services