Aruba Networks securely delivers networks to users, wherever they work or roam, using a combination of award-winning solutions:

- Adaptive 802.11n Wi-Fi networks optimize themselves to ensure that users are always within reach of mission-critical information. Rightsizing expensive wired LANs by replacing them with high-speed 802.11n Wi-Fi reduces both capital and operating expenses;

- Identity-based security assigns access policies to users, enforcing those policies whenever and wherever a network is accessed;

- Remote networking solutions for branch offices, fixed telecommuters, and satellite facilities ensures uninterrupted remote access to applications;

- Multi-vendor network management provides a single point of control while managing both legacy and new wireless networks from Aruba and its competitors.

Two notable solutions from the company include the AirWave Wireless Management Suite 6.3 and the Virtual Branch Networking (VBN) solution.

AirWave Wireless, a division of Aruba Networks, is a leading provider of specialized tools to centrally manage large, multi-vendor wireless LAN, mesh, and WiMax networks. AirWave's management software is used by hundreds of IT organizations, including many Fortune 500 companies spanning education, finance, government, healthcare, hospitality, technology, manufacturing, and retail markets. AirWave provides best-in-class multi-vendor mobility management tools, as well as a vehicle for better supporting its expanding technology partner eco-system.

The AirWave Wireless Management Suite™ is the only network management software to deliver a single, easy to use console that gives the entire IT staff full visibility and control over their wireless network and its users. Network engineers, helpdesk staff, IT managers and security analysts at almost 500 enterprises and large institutions use the AirWave suite to support their wireless networks. This innovative suite of multi-vendor management tools includes:

• AirWave Management Platform (AMP)
  
• VisualRF™ Location and Mapping Module
  
• RAPIDS™ Rogue Detection Module
  
• AirWave Master Console & Failover Server

AirWave Suite 6.3 includes key features that are essential for every wireless network, yet are generally lacking in proprietary management solutions:

• Network monitoring via iPhone, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, or other Web-enabled mobile platforms to speed problem detection, diagnostics, and resolution;
  
• Real-time trending, traffic, usage, capacity, location, and status updates with just one or two mouse clicks, including the ability to rewind and replay data such as device location history;
  
• Support for multiple generations of technology, wireless standards, and vendors through a single console interface;
  
• Comprehensive reporting including assistance with PCI audits; and
  
• Extensive Help Desk features and interfaces to trouble ticket solutions such as BMC Remedy.

Aruba's VBN solution transparently and securely connects remote users with enterprise applications and resources, greatly simplifying the management of branch offices, clinics, home offices, and teleworkers while significantly lowering costs. The VBN solution includes software for data center-based Aruba Controllers, as well as three families of wired and wireless Remote Access Points (RAPs) and Branch Office Controllers (BOCs). The RAP-2 (below right) has a U.S. list price of just $99, making it the least expensive, centrally managed enterprise branch networking solution on the market.

Enterprise Software Roundup: Winter, 2009