Cisco backtracks on Connect Cloud update

WiFi routers after a firestorm of complaints from customers about automatic firmware updates and the service's terms of service, ComputerWorld reports.

The default method for managing the high-end Linksys routers has been changed to traditional set-up and management over the local network, Cisco said in a blog entry, posted on Thursday. When the company brought Cisco Connect Cloud online last week, it made the Internet-based administration service into the default tool for the routers.

According to eWeek, users' negative reactions began soon after Cisco Cloud Connect launched on 27 July. The service is designed to enable consumers to easily connect their multiple mobile devices to their WiFi networks, and to manage those networks remotely via the mobile devices. Cisco officials said the service deals with many of the tasks involved with setting up and connecting devices to the network.

Those users with Linksys EA2700, EA3500 and EA4500 routers soon found that automated updates had been pushed to their hardware, and that rather than being able to log onto the routers as they had been doing and getting access to traditional management tools, they were being brought to a page through which they could sign up for Cisco Cloud Connect.

The service had some strongly worded terms of conditions, outlawing porn and advertising e-mail, etc, Business Insider writes.

People feared that Cisco was spying on them and would cut them off from the Internet if they violated Cisco's terms.