A Farewell to Mark Bickerstaffe & What’s Next at Netformx

A Message from the Netformx CEO

I want to take a moment to share some news—Mark Bickerstaffe has officially retired from Netformx. We’re incredibly grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in this next chapter.

Since joining Netformx as CEO 16 months ago, I’ve been working with our team to modernize the way we support Cisco partners. That journey led to AssetXpert, our streamlined, cloud-based tool that’s already helping many of you deliver deeper, data-driven assessments.

Now, we’re turning our focus to Cisco 360. As always, our goal is to simplify Cisco programs and provide guidance as changes roll out. Our experts are already preparing to help you navigate what’s ahead—starting with smarter customer conversations, which AssetXpert can help with today.

Cisco 360 Work Starts Now!

This newsletter includes helpful reads on Docker security, Wi-Fi 7, and how to get even more from AssetXpert as part of your Cisco 360 transition.

Thanks for being part of our community.

Warm regards,
Gilad Hellerman
CEO, Netformx

The Safety of using the Netformx Docker

A Blog by Mike Johnson, Head of Customer Success at Netformx

When it comes to network discovery and assessment, security and reliability are critical — which is why we built the Netformx Docker container differently.

In his latest blog, Mike shares how we engineered a purpose-built, lightweight container designed for secure, easy deployment in enterprise environments — without the risks of typical all-in-one images.

Whether you’re familiar with Docker or new to containers, you’ll find it simple to run yourself or share with your customer’s IT team, backed by clear documentation and support.

Read the full blog to see how our container makes network assessments safer, easier, and more valuable with Netformx AssetXpert.

Understanding Netformx AssetXpert Dashboard Columns

Netformx AssetXpert is a robust tool designed to deliver in-depth network assessments, with a strong focus on Cisco devices. One of its key strengths is its ability to enhance discovered device data with vital lifecycle insights—such as End-of-Life (EOL) milestones and other essential details.

To help you make the most of the platform, AssetXpert allows you to customize your dashboard by selecting the columns that matter most to your workflow.

We’ve created a helpful PDF that defines each of the many available columns, clarifying which data points come directly from Discovery and which are added after the data is moved to Inventory. This information is also available in the website Product Updates.

Take full advantage of AssetXpert by understanding exactly what each column delivers.

Why Wi-Fi 7 Should Be Part of Your Next Tech Refresh

A Blog by Jacob Ukelson, D.Sc., CTO at Netformx

Wi-Fi is often overlooked during technology refreshes — but with Wi-Fi 7, it shouldn’t be. Offering faster speeds, lower latency, better reliability, and smarter energy use, Wi-Fi 7 is built for hybrid work, real-time apps, and the future of connectivity.

Jacob’s blog shares how Netformx helps Cisco partners and IT teams assess current networks to spot aging Access Points (APs) and identify where Wi-Fi 7 upgrades can make the biggest impact. With tools like Netformx AssetXpert, you’ll get the insights needed to modernize customer networks efficiently and securely.

Ready to future-proof your customer’s network? Contact us at sales@netformx.com.

Plus, check out Cisco’s insights on Wi-Fi 7 opportunities here.

Cisco End-of-Life Milestones Explained

Netformx AssetXpert is a powerful tool used to perform deep network assessments, specifically focusing on Cisco devices. It enriches device data with critical lifecycle information, including End-of-Life (EOL) milestones. Understanding these milestones is essential for proactive network planning, risk management, and budgeting.

Cisco defines several key stages in a product’s lifecycle. AssetXpert maps and enriches these stages to provide actionable insights. Visit the FAQ on our website or download the PDF of Cisco’s standard EOL milestones.

How Many Devices Are Really on the Network?

One of the first questions we ask during an assessment—or when setting up managed services—is: How many devices are on your network?

It may seem like a simple question, but the reality is that most organizations don’t have an accurate device count. That’s where you can add real value. By conducting a network assessment, you provide a clearer picture of the environment, including the number of devices, their health, software status, and configuration details.

To help clarify what counts as a device during an AssetXpert assessment, here’s a quick guide:

Devices That Are Counted:

• Routers
• Switches
• Hubs
• Firewalls
• Access Points*

*Note: Access Points (APs) connected to a cloud service or controller are counted by the number of cloud or controller instances, not by the number of individual APs. Standalone APs (not connected to a cloud or controller) are counted individually.

Devices That Are NOT Counted:

• Endpoints like servers, computers, laptops, phones, and similar devices

Please note: Netformx AssetXpert is a powerful discovery tool and may detect additional items beyond those listed above. However, Netformx doesn’t include them in the device count.

For future reference, you can always find this information on the FAQ Page of our website.

Trouble Installing Netformx DesignXpert?

If you’re encountering a 404 error when clicking the DesignXpert installation link, you’re not alone. Some users have experienced issues accessing the executable file, but there are a few simple workarounds you can try:

Tips to Resolve the Issue:

• Try a different browser.
  • Microsoft Edge and Firefox typically work without any problems.
• Using Chrome?
  • Try replacing https:// with http:// in the link.
  • If a pop-up appears, click “Keep” to proceed with the download.

We’re working to ensure a smoother experience moving forward. We recommend visiting our website FAQ for future issues.

Still need help? Reach out to us at support@netformx.com and we’ll be happy to assist.

Is using Docker safe?