The Mako System

The Mako System is a combination of Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) and Hosted Central Management System (CMS) that work together to provide a complete network connectivity and management solution. All configuration and appliance interaction takes place via a secure website on the CMS which is accessed over any Internet connection. No configuration takes place on the CPE.

Central Management System

Most people perceive the CMS as a secure website they log into to manage their Mako CPE. A users login can give them access to all their Mako CPE around the world, providing a central place from which to manage one or many sites.

Mako Networks hosts its own globally shared Central Management System that is used mainly by the reseller channel and their customers. Mako’s larger telco/ISP customers will typically install their own Mako Management System (Node) for their customers that may or may not be part of Mako’s global system.

Mako Appliances (CPE)

Mako end-user appliances are currently based on three hardware platforms (6500, 6086 and 7550) and offer the choice of multiple WAN interfaces including 3G, Ethernet and ADSL2+ across the range. A major feature of the solution is that these appliances ship directly from manufacturing to warehouse to end-user without the need for on-box configuration. The appliances ship with patented proprietary software incorporating a default configuration enabling them to connect to the Internet, communicate with the central command platform and retrieve their unique configuration.

Once online, appliances regularly communicate with the Management System using a patented communication method. All traffic connects directly to the Internet, the CMS communication is used for command and control only.

Patented Communication Method

The Mako communication method makes it possible to have a hosted, internet-based management system and for that system to receive traffic information from individual sites and in turn analyse, interpret and react to that information. It is the communication method that makes it possible for there to be no on-box configuration, with authenticated users accessing the online management system via https from anywhere in the world to interact with their appliances. Essentially it is this communication method that drives all the efficiencies of the Mako System.

Unlike traditional vendor options, the Mako CPE initiates communication with the management system negating the need for static IP addresses and individually pre-configured appliances. Every two minutes each appliance checks with the management system if there is a need for configuration changes or firmware updates. The appliances also transmit their raw traffic logs to the Central Management System for automatic interpretation and analysis.

Pro-active Alerts

Because the management system has automated responses to the interpreted data from the appliances, pro-active alerts are sent when necessary.

Pro-active alerts include extraordinary usage, worm detection, intrusion detection and hardware triggers such as fan speed and CPU temperature. The management system also sends monthly PDF reports on usage, intrusion attempts and even an easy to read company-wide summaries for end-users with more than one Mako-protected site.

Automatic Updates

The automated software and firmware upgrades mean that new services and increased functionality are added to the platform on an ongoing basis. This allows new chargeable services or free upgrades to be provided to the end-user ensuring the longest possible revenue cycle.

Diagnostics

Mako Diagnostics continues the Mako zero-touch philosophy giving support personnel the ability to remotely resolve network and connectivity issues without the need for onsite visits or technically competent end-users. With Mako Diagnostics, help desks can receive real time feedback from Mako appliances simply by clicking buttons on the Central Management System website.

Diagnostics include:

ADSL data
Line noise
LAN connectivity
VPN connectivity
ARP lookups
ISP connection information

Mako Diagnostics reduce support costs and increase customer preference by empowering the help desk to very quickly identify and resolve problems.

Mako Licences

Mako licences provide users with the functionality of the Mako System, the ability to receive automatic updates and complete visibility and management of their network.

All licences are available for purchase for either 12, 24, or 36 month periods.

Mako Service Licence

System access for configuration, monitoring, maintenance, diagnostics and reporting.

PCI Compliance Enforcement

Centrally controlled PCI compliance template and enforcement system. Requires Mako Service Licence.

Mako Guardian

Complete centrally controlled content filtering using URL blacklist, phraseological, categorical and customisable restriction and enablement.

Mako Mail Sanitisation

Fully customisable email sanitisation.

Mako PCI QSA Website

Mako QSA website access to help merchants and banks with documentation, and ongoing management of compliance.

Tier One Support