Aruba Instant Enterprise Streamlines WLAN
Aruba Networks Inc. isn’t waiting to jump on the wireless infrastructure bandwagon. With new wireless devices hitting the market every day — not to mention a budding base of ultrabooks invading the enterprise — wireless connectivity is as critical as hard-wired connectivity.
To build a more robust wireless infrastructure for the enterprise, the company is introducing a new addition to its Aruba Instant portfolio: Aruba Instant Enterprise. This “major new software release” is positioned to build automated wireless networks that also look over security. This “significant update” requires no physical or virtual controllers to leverage new features; it’s all automatic.
There’s more to this than new software, though. Aruba is targeting its rivals, too. The company says this solution set provides a lower total cost of ownership than comparative Cisco Systems Inc. solutions by as much as 42 percent.
Key tech specs of the Aruba Instant Enterprise platform include the following:
- Automated voice and video optimization across the network
- Integrated spectrum analysis to maintain optimal wireless connectivity
- AirPlay and AirPrint protocols automatically supported for iOS devices
- Automatic configuration of access points from remote branch offices
Aruba has also baked in a layer of security that allows for IPSec tunneling and support for encrypted application and data streams.
Also new, Aruba Activate is cloud-based provisioning portal purpose-built for value-added resellers, managed services providers and IT admins to manage and “reduce the operational expenses” that come with wide-scale distributed wireless infrastructure. Aruba believes solutions providers can leverage this management platform to build services and add value to existing customer relationships.
But MSPs and VARs can think bigger than that: Adding automated wireless infrastructure capabilities to infrastructure portfolios can help service providers deliver better and more advanced solutions. If a company is considering a WLAN installation for the first time, or simply upgrading from a previous one, this can warrant a conversation about a bring-your-own-device or mobile device management package.
Ideally, Aruba believes this solution set can keep mission-critical wireless networks humming. Currently, Aruba Instant Enterprise, in addition to Aruba Activate, is available now and free to download for existing Aruba Instant users.
Not quite sold on the need for more wireless infrastructure? Check out IDC’s latest report on how vertical markets alone are driving up demand.
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