Ruckus SPoT location-based services improve wireless infrastructure RoI

NEW DELHI: Ruckus Wireless has unveiled a major expansion of its award-winning SPoT location-based service (LBS).

The expanded Ruckus LBS solution lets service providers and enterprises improve the ROI and monetization of their wireless infrastructure.

With this, organizations can now actively engage with customers through value-added business services tailored for the user online experience.

“Fundamental enhancements to the Ruckus LBS solution uniquely combine, for the first time, virtualized SPoT LBS software, calibration-free deployment, user presence and integrated support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beaconing to streamline the installation and delivery of location-based wireless services,” a statement said.

Additionally, Ruckus announced that it has entered into an alliance with Gimbal to enable effective beacon monetization and utilization of wireless networks.

All versions of the Ruckus SPoT location-based service also now include a Mapping Tool feature on the SPoT Administrative Portal.

The Mapping Tool allows for easy updating and editing of the SPoT coverage area, and Ruckus ZoneFlex access point (AP) locations and zones, so that any changes to the SPoT deployment layout can be easily made.

In addition, Ruckus SPoT service requires no new hardware and can be used with the latest Ruckus ZoneFlex indoor and outdoor 802.11ac access points, in addition to many 802.11n AP models and all new Ruckus SmartZone and existing ZoneDirector control and management platforms.

As part of the expanded Ruckus LBS solution, Ruckus ZoneFlex APs will be capable of serving as a two-way distributed management and asset and security monitoring platform for BLE beacons. The new Ruckus ZoneFlex R710 indoor access point and ZoneFlex H500 Wall Switch now support Gimbal as well as iBeacon technology with Ruckus SmartZone and ZoneDirector controllers.

Under a new alliance with Gimbal, a leader in location and proximity-based mobile engagement, Ruckus ZoneFlex APs can now run Gimbal’s proprietary firmware, helping to ensure the highest security for beacon proximity networks via Gimbal’s unique, rolling encrypted IDs.

Ruckus APs with Gimbal technology will help enable retailers, hotels, venues, advertisers and out-of-home (OOH) networks to monetize their wireless networks by securely sharing access to their beacon networks with business partners, sponsors or digital ad networks.

Ruckus ZoneFlex APs incorporate Gimbal technology and are powered via Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating the need for batteries and serving as a detector for all nearby beacons.

Within education environments, the Ruckus LBS solution can be used to track high value assets that are issued by a school as well as to further transform the educational experience to inspire new modes of learning. Throughout the campus, content can be made accessible based on location and time of day. Students can also be located via mobile devices in the case of an emergency.

For retailers, the Ruckus LBS solution provides valuable insights into customer footfall and behavior, plus allows the mapping of data against sales records, and the ability to proactively engage with customers with targeted content that creates a unique shopping experience.

For cities and transportation hubs, such as train stations and airports, the Ruckus LBS solution enables real-time monitoring of foot traffic to optimize schedules, improve staff services, reduce congestion and gridlock, and improve safety.

Available now worldwide, Ruckus SPoT Point is a subscription-based service that can be purchased on either a one, three or five year basis for $25 (USD) per Ruckus access point per month.

Ruckus SPoT Presence is scheduled to be available by July 2015, with a lower price point to meet the needs of smaller stores and outdoor deployments. Ruckus virtual SPoT location-based service is available now for a one-time fee of $995 for the per-instance license and $100 per Ruckus ZoneFlex access point.