Aruba Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARUN) today announced Aruba Instant Enterprise, a major new software release that delivers the first controller-less Wi-Fi solution for best-in-class security, resiliency and scale for distributed enterprises. No physical or virtual controllers are required. Also as part of Aruba Instant Enterprise, Aruba has unveiled Aruba Activate, a cloud-based, zero-touch provisioning service that enables enterprise IT, managed service providers and resellers to dramatically reduce the operational expenses associated with large scale, distributed Wi-Fi deployments. Together, the new Instant software release and Aruba Activate combine to lower branch Wi-Fi total cost of ownership (TCO) by up to 42 percent as compared to a Cisco Wi-Fi architecture. Instant Enterprise delivers a full set of enterprise-class Wi-Fi features including voice and video optimization, integrated spectrum analysis, advanced security, layer 3 roaming for unprecedented controller-less scale, and support for Apple AirPlay and AirPrint. These innovations, pioneered by Aruba for building larger, highly resilient campus networks, are critical for all enterprise locations including branches, remote offices and smaller sites, but at an affordable cost. With this release, Aruba brings these advantages to distributed enterprise and branch environments at a significantly lower TCO. In addition to Wi-Fi performance, deployment complexity and costs are critical concerns for enterprises. To solve this significant IT challenge, Aruba is introducing Aruba Activate, a zero-touch provisioning service. With Aruba Activate, IT departments no longer need to touch every access point deployed. Aruba Instant APs can be factory-shipped to any office worldwide; subsequently, once the AP is plugged in, it automatically downloads the appropriate configuration, eliminating the need for onsite technical assistance and cutting deployment time by up to 65%. Aruba Activate can be leveraged by IT departments, as well as Value Added Resellers and system integrators, who can build service offerings for automated device provisioning, inventory management and highly scalable, automated firmware upgrades.
