Streamlining IT Administration with KikNavi
In a significant move to lighten the workload of IT administrators, Buffalo Inc. is set to release an update for its remote management service, KikNavi, this coming autumn. This upgrade will empower organizations with the capability to perform bulk configuration changes on their corporate routers, specifically the VR-U series. This advancement is a game-changer for businesses, particularly for franchises and companies managing multiple locations like convenience stores and restaurants.
What KikNavi Offers
KikNavi is a remote management service that connects NAS, corporate routers, access points, and smart switches over the internet, facilitating seamless administration without the need for specialized network setup. As long as an HTTPS environment is available, users can monitor the status of supported devices in real-time, receiving immediate notifications in case of any issues.
Key Functions:
- - Remote Monitoring & Control: Administrators can check device statuses, restart devices, gather debug logs, and execute firmware updates remotely, minimizing the need for physical maintenance visits.
- - Bulk Configuration Changes: With the upcoming update, administrators will be able to save CLI (Command Line Interface) commands as text files, which can then be uploaded to KikNavi. This will allow for the selection of routers and applying predefined settings in bulk.
- - Device Information Output: The upgrade will enable administrators to export vital information, such as hostname, serial number, and installation location of devices in CSV format, making management more efficient.
Settings Capabilities
As of May 1, 2025, the settings that will be configurable include:
- - Internet settings
- - LAN settings
- - Routing settings
- - Firewall settings
- - UTM settings
- - VPN settings
- - Network settings
- - Wi-Fi settings
- - Management settings
(Note: The functionalities might be subject to change)
Target Devices
The firmware update will be applicable to the following VR-U models:
VR-U500X
Price: ¥65,780 (excluding tax ¥59,800)
A wired VPN router rated for 10 Gigabit speeds.
VR-U300W
Price: ¥41,800 (excluding tax ¥38,000)
A wireless VPN router rated for Gigabit speeds.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency
By utilizing KikNavi, network managers can efficiently handle multiple branch sites without being physically present, effectively reducing their operational burden. The zero-touch cloud model for access points allows for easy onboarding without unboxing, automatically reflecting settings for newly deployed devices while still in the installation phase.
This update comes at a critical time where IT efficiency and remote management capabilities are paramount, especially as businesses expand geographically. With remote management becoming an integral aspect of modern IT administration, Buffalo’s commitment to innovation through KikNavi illustrates their understanding of market needs.
For more information about the corporate router lineup and the KikNavi remote management service, please visit our related pages. Note that the pricing listed reflects suggested retail prices and is subject to change without notice. Furthermore, the product is designed for the Japanese domestic market, and availability may vary outside of Japan.
This update reinforces Buffalo’s position as a leader in providing advanced technology that simplifies and streamlines network management for businesses, ensuring they can focus on growth without administrative headaches.