Cisco simplifies home networking with Network Magic 5.0
Newest version of award-winning home networking software helps consumers easily setup, manage and secure their home network
Irvine, Calif. - October 16, 2008 - Cisco® today released Network Magic 5.0, a suite of network management software that allows consumers to easily setup, manage, and secure their networks like an IT professional.
A powerful set of tools to streamline home networking is included in Network Magic. The software is designed to provide users the capability to:
- Connect and share content or a printer across a network
- Manage, monitor and control how computers on the network access the Internet
- Diagnose and repair connection and performance problems
- Optimize performance and reliability
- Track network history and usage through reporting capabilities
- Manage active connections and get status updates
- Control user access and help secure the network from intruders
"Network Magic makes home networking simple, easy and more secure by empowering the consumer and freeing them from the hassles of technology" said Peder Ulander, director, software platform applications, Cisco Consumer Business Group. "It also provides monitoring tools and a new level of visibility into what users are doing on the network, helping parents to achieve the peace of mind that comes from a safer Internet for their children."
Network Magic Versions
The software is available in three versions. Network Magic Essentials is built for users who only require the basic functionality of the software, such as connecting two or three PCs to a share a network connection, files or a printer. Network Magic Pro provides a broader set of capabilities for managing and securing the network with point and click ease. Network Magic for Mac is an add-on to Network Magic Pro or Essentials that simplifies the complex task of wirelessly connecting a Mac and PC to share a printer or files between the computers.
Network Magic 5.0 Enhancements
Network Magic 5.0 includes a fresh look, new interactive network map and enhanced in-product wizards to make it even easier and faster for consumers to accomplish what they need to with their networks. The new version of the software also offers additional security with improvements to the Network Health and Security Alerts capabilities, increased wireless protection via encryption support for WPA and WPA2, and new tools to help parents monitor activity on computers within the network.
Parental Monitoring
The Pro version of Network Magic 5.0 includes parental monitoring features that make it easy to oversee and control exactly how the Internet is being used by the whole family. With a simple point and set interface, parents can set appropriate limits for web browsing, game playing and overall Internet usage by their children. Additionally, the screenshot feature of Network Magic allows parents to keep an eye out even when they are not around, helping to provide a safe Internet experience for their children.
Pricing and availability
Network Magic 5.0 is available for download now from www.networkmagic.com, MSRP is as follows:
- Network Magic Essentials - $29.99
- Network Magic Pro - $49.99
- Network Magic for Mac Add-On - $25.00
- Network Magic Upgrades:
Network Magic 5.0 is the first product to be released by Cisco as a result of its acquisition of Pure Networks earlier this year.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate. Cisco's vision for the consumer is to enable people to live a connected life that is more personal, more social, and more visual. More information about Cisco and its line of consumer products can be found at www.cisco.com/consumer and www.linksys.com.
# # #