VBN reduces TCO by several times compared to traditional solutions

How significant is the recently launched VBN for WLAN space in India?

Through a series of seminars in Asia Pacific region, we have introduced a
new Virtual Branch Network (VBN) solution. VBN is similar to the concept of
virtualization of servers at the core rather than distributed servers at the
branches. With VBN, the intelligence and security are now centralized in the
core network at the headquarters. At the branches, it is the enterprise class
wired/wireless access point, that replaces traditional branch VPN router, thus
drastically reducing capex and opex in all branches. Moreover, VBN reduces TCO
several times lower compared to traditional solutions.

Are Indian enterprises enthusiastic about implementing WLAN?

The pattern of work is changing in the world. Surveys show that there will
be 1 bn mobile workers in the world by 2010. Most companies have already
realized that there are lots of benefits in converting the edge network into
mobile (WLAN). They are more convinced now that there are three major concerns
to be addressed-security, speed, and performance. For the first time, WLAN spend
surplus the wired speed of 10/100Mb. We expect the Indian enterprises to follow
the worldwide mobility trend soon and go beyond the conference room and
implement WLAN. It is only a matter of time that Indian enterprises will realize
the true benefits of implementing WLAN. Aruba has over 7,000 customers worldwide
including more than ninety in India and they cover every verticals.

Do you think Indian enterprises would use Internet telephony via WLAN?

Internet telephony is unpredictable, but it does improve with Aruba's QoS
for voice. Our system recognizes the importance of voice package and gives it a
priority. Within the enterprise's network over private leased line or LAN, voice
quality over Aruba WLAN is equal to toll quality. Several other Aruba's unique
features such as call admission control, load balancing, and voice aware RF
management contribute to the toll quality voice. We even have the feature to
extend the battery life of a Wi-Fi phone.

Is the fear over security of WLAN unfounded?

This fear is true if one is talking about traditional WLAN. But Aruba's
secured mobility solution provides more security than the wired network. Aruba's
solution ensures that user data continues to be encrypted through public,
private network, and LAN. Moreover, data decryption at the Aruba Controller sits
deep in the core network. We are more secure than a wired network, because
usually wired network within an office premises is not encrypted.

Kannan K

kannan@cybermedia.co.in