Calix, Inc. has announced major updates to its SmartBiz™ solution, designed to assist broadband providers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The enhancements aim to streamline the deployment, onboarding, and support of high-quality broadband services for small businesses, thereby driving growth and efficiency.
SmartBiz, a comprehensive solution tailored for small businesses, allows broadband service providers (BSPs) to offer essential services such as managed Wi-Fi, network security, and operational tools. The updated version of SmartBiz introduces several new features that enhance its functionality and benefits for both service providers and their small business clients.
One key update is the introduction of a secondary wired backup connection, which ensures continuity for critical equipment and transactions. Additionally, the solution now supports retaining the existing primary SSID during onboarding, minimising business disruption and reducing setup time.
The new updates also provide deeper market insights through Calix Engagement Cloud. These insights help BSPs identify and target high-potential small business prospects more effectively. The enhancements include new data lenses that track SmartBiz growth trends and optimise marketing campaigns by providing a clearer view of market share and subscriber engagement.
In terms of support, Calix Service Cloud now offers extended capabilities for SmartBiz, improving the management of small business accounts. BSP customer service representatives can remotely set up staff time limits and secondary Ethernet WAN connections, facilitating easier troubleshooting and modifications.
The Smart Start programme, part of Calix’s Customer Success Services, aids BSPs in planning, launching, and scaling SmartBiz. This initiative has already seen notable successes, with DirectLink expected to double its SmartBiz subscribers in Oregon by March, Smithville launching the service in Indiana within two months, and Connexin expanding its market share in Hull, UK.
Alex Yeung, cofounder of Connexin, highlighted the advantages of SmartBiz for small businesses, which often face limited options in broadband services. “SmartBiz fills a gap in the market, offering flexibility and security essential for day-to-day business operations,” Yeung said.
Michael Weening, president and CEO of Calix, praised the continued success of SmartBiz. “Our BSP customers are experiencing tremendous growth with SmartBiz. The solution, compatible with all Calix GigaSpire® BLAST systems, addresses nearly every business scenario with minimal operational complexity. It provides a reliable, secure, and customisable broadband experience, crucial for the success of small businesses.”
These updates reflect Calix’s commitment to enhancing broadband services for small businesses, aiming to deliver greater value and support to communities worldwide.