Sydney integrator wins one of the "biggest WiFi projects"

Matrix CNI and partner Aruba Networks has landed a multimillion-dollar WiFi deployment deal that is being described as one of the biggest in the world.

The systems integrator replaced incumbent Cisco with the deployment of 802.11ac to 39 secondary schools managed by the Catholic Education Office in Sydney.

The company also deployed ClearPass Access Management single sign on technology designed to improve network security by authenticating users while lowering IT and help desk resources.

Aruba Networks marketing director Roy Brady told CRN the multimillion-dollar contract was a prime example of wireless 802.11ac adoption in the education market.

"It consists of 2,500 access points with more than 30,000 end users. The deal is one of the largest and earliest of its kind."

The integrators faced challenges to roll out the solution during the two-week school holidays.

Systems integrator Matrix CNI helped deploy the solution to all 39 schools and the Catholic Education Office's HQ within 15 days.

Brady commended Matrix CNI for its role. "Matrix CNI is a close partner. They worked with the Catholic Education Office and performed effectively. The speed with which [Aruba Networks and Matrix CNI] can install the system is one of the reasons why we were selected."

Aruba Networks awarded Matrix CNI as its Partner of the Year in 2012.

The rapid uptake of wireless 802.11ac has contributed to Aruba Networks' significant growth spike. Brady said Aruba Networks had recently completed five similar contracts which involved work on universities and retailers.

"We've grown 60 percent year-over-year in this half of the year. We're growing faster than the market."