How Stratus Team Helped Standard Supply Optimize Their Cisco Meraki Investment
What began as a routine Meraki license renewal for Standard Supply evolved into a transformative IT strategy. Standard Supply, a rapidly growing distribution company based in Dallas, TX, initially sought a straightforward renewal of their Cisco Meraki subscriptions. However, upon closer evaluation of their needs, Stratus Informational Systems uncovered a significant opportunity to optimize their licensing, enhance security, and cut operational costs.
Rather than simply renewing their existing agreements, we introduced Cisco’s Enterprise Agreement (EA)—a comprehensive approach that consolidated all Cisco investments into a single, streamlined subscription. This strategic shift enabled Standard Supply to simplify IT management, increase network security, and position their infrastructure for long-term scalability. Here’s how our experts helped Standard Supply turn a routine renewal into a high-impact IT optimization strategy.
The Challenge Was a Complex and Costly Licensing Structure
Standard Supply approached us with a simple request: renew their Meraki licenses to maintain their existing IT operations. However, after a detailed assessment of their IT environment and licensing structure, Stratus’ Sales Director, Eric Gotthelf, identified inefficiencies that were leading to excessive costs and administrative burdens.
Key Challenges Faced:
- Disorganized Licensing Structure – Managing multiple Meraki licenses across different business units resulted in unnecessary complexity.
- Rising Costs – Standard Supply was locked into repeated renewals with no clear path to long-term savings.
- Operational Inefficiencies – IT teams faced increased overhead in tracking and managing individual licenses across various locations.
- Scaling Limitations – Their growing infrastructure required a flexible, future-proofed security and networking solution.
Rather than continuing with a fragmented licensing model, we proposed a comprehensive Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA), allowing Standard Supply to centralize all Cisco solutions, improve cost efficiency, and simplify their network security management.
The Solution Was in Using Cisco’s Enterprise Agreement for Efficiency & Security
We collaborated with Cisco and Standard Supply to design a five-year Cisco Enterprise Agreement (EA) tailored to their Meraki-powered network infrastructure. This approach provided predictable costs, simplified license management, and significant security enhancements.
How Our Team Delivered a Custom Solution:
Strategic IT Consultation for Cisco EA Implementation
We took a consultative approach, conducting an in-depth review of Standard Supply’s IT framework. Instead of treating the engagement as a routine renewal, our team identified key pain points and developed a custom strategy to maximize cost efficiency while enhancing security.
Integrating Cisco Umbrella & Secure Connect for Enhanced Security
To fortify Standard Supply’s network security, our team engaged Cisco’s security specialists to deploy:
- Cisco Umbrella – Providing cloud-delivered security that proactively blocks threats before they reach the network.
- Cisco Secure Connect – Ensuring secure and seamless access for remote employees and branch locations.
- Advanced Threat Detection – Strengthening Meraki switch security through intelligent threat analysis.
Testing Solutions with Proof-Of-Concept Trials
To ensure that the Enterprise Agreement (EA) aligned with Standard Supply’s operational needs, we facilitated product trials for:
- Cisco Umbrella – Validating its ability to block cyber threats efficiently.
- Meraki Security Configurations – Optimizing Meraki switch settings for improved security.
- Cisco AnyConnect – Testing remote access solutions for seamless workforce connectivity.
This hands-on evaluation gave Standard Supply confidence in the strategic move to an EA model, ensuring a seamless transition with no unexpected disruptions.
Seamless Deployment & Meraki Integration
Our team used its experience in Meraki switch configurations, VLAN structuring, and security policy deployment to implement the EA model without downtime or operational risks. The migration was completed smoothly, allowing IT teams to immediately benefit from centralized security controls and simplified license management.
The Result Is a Stronger, More Cost-Effective IT Infrastructure
By adopting a Cisco Enterprise Agreement, Standard Supply unlocked critical advantages that would have been unattainable with a traditional Meraki license renewal.
Cost Savings Through a Consolidated Licensing Model
Switching to a Cisco EA allowed Standard Supply to eliminate individual license renewals, consolidate spending, and take advantage of bulk pricing discounts. The new licensing model provided predictable costs, helping the company reduce IT expenses while optimizing their budget for future growth.
Strengthened Security & Compliance
By integrating Cisco Umbrella and Secure Connect, Standard Supply gained enterprise-grade security, ensuring:
- Proactive threat protection for devices and remote locations.
- Improved network traffic filtering to block malicious activity.
- Compliance with industry security standards, mitigating cyber risks.
Simplified License & Subscription Management
Through the Meraki Dashboard, Standard Supply’s IT team gained a single, centralized view of all Cisco Meraki licenses. This eliminated the complexity of managing separate agreements, drastically reducing administrative overhead and making license renewals effortless.
4. Long-Term Scalability & Future-Proofing
The five-year Cisco EA positioned Standard Supply for sustained growth, enabling them to:
- Seamlessly add new Cisco Meraki devices without worrying about licensing.
- Scale network security solutions as their business expands.
- Reduce future IT disruptions by maintaining a flexible and scalable IT strategy.
Why Businesses Should Consider a Cisco Enterprise Agreement
Standard Supply’s success highlights how businesses can transform IT operations by strategically approaching renewals. Many companies treat Meraki license renewals as routine tasks, but this case demonstrates how a proactive approach can:
- Reduce IT costs through smarter licensing.
- Enhance security with cloud-managed solutions.
- Improve efficiency with a unified Cisco EA model.
Rather than simply renewing licenses, businesses should explore strategic IT investment opportunities that drive long-term value.
Let Stratus Help You Optimize Your Cisco Meraki Investment
Through expert consultation, Stratus Informational Systems helped Standard Supply transform a simple renewal into a strategic IT overhaul. With Cisco’s Enterprise Agreement, Standard Supply now enjoys cost savings, streamlined security, and scalable IT infrastructure.
If your organization is approaching a Meraki license renewal, don’t just renew—rethink your IT strategy. Let Stratus help you explore how a Cisco Enterprise Agreement can enhance your network security, simplify licensing, and optimize IT costs.
Contact Stratus Informational Systems and start building a smarter, more efficient IT future.
