Aruba targets SMBs with new wi-fi kit

Aruba has launched a range of wi-fi products aimed at small and medium businesses called Instant On, and enabled its channel to take the new devices to market.

The range includes indoor and outdoor wi-fi access points featuring Aruba’s business-grade 802.11ac Wave 2 technology. The devices also feature "Smart Mesh", a tool Aruba offers to add new access points to a network.

Aruba channel sales manager for south pacific Deke Rayner-Harvey said the new products mean Aruba and its partners can now target smaller clients.

“By taking on board the feedback from our global and local SMB customers, we’ve redesigned our existing, cloud-managed Wi-Fi offering into a simple solution that's a great fit for our channel partners who cater to smaller businesses,” Rayner-Harvey said.

Rayner-Harvey told CRN the vendor wants the channel to get the product range to its intended audience, by collaborating with its Aussie distributors and by securing the right partners, as well as investing in “various” digital marketing campaigns.

“There’s a significant opportunity for tier two retailers and e-tailers in Australia through their e-commerce platforms to get that reach into small business,” Rayner-Harvey told CRN.

“We’re also focusing on our traditional resellers that really serve the SMB marketplace through complementary offerings to look at the network as an add-on, but also get some of our distributors to have new conversations with new resellers in that e-commerce, tier two retailer/e-tailer space.”

Aruba will start shipping the Instant On range to Australia this month, with wi-fi products starting at $136 RRP.

The Instant On range uses a mobile app for setup and management, compliance with the WPA2/WPA3 authentication protocols. The product line also offers ceiling and wall mount options, plus desktop units to suit various small business environments.

Execs from Aruba’s Australian distributors Dicker Data and Ingram Micro also commented on how the Instant On range will meet the networking needs of SMBs. Arrow ECS ANZ also has a distribution agreement with the vendor.

“The Aruba Instant On range will enable us to help solve the problems and challenges SMBs face by simplifying the process of implementing digital strategies,” Dicker Data business manager for networks Tony Tran said.

“At Dicker Data we believe that it is these kinds of simple and cost-effective solutions that will allow SMBs in Australia and New Zealand to roll out and monitor a secure network.”

“Small businesses in Australia are continually challenged with outdated IT infrastructure, increases in IT spending and security issues. At Ingram Micro we believe the Aruba Instant On portfolio will alleviate these problems due to the hassle-free set-up and management, best in class security and unmatched user experience and support,” Ingram Micro director for advanced solutions Brett Armstrong said.

“We are excited to bring this SMB wireless solution to our valued business partners, so they can grow their customer base, incorporate value-added services and build strong relationships through this end-to-end small business network solution.”