Wireless networking vendor Ruckus Wireless has launched a new range of WiFi access points which it claims outperforms market leader Cisco (CSCO) at up to twice the performance, in some like for like comparisons, at half the cost.
Ruckus, which uses a patented smart antenna technology, has used open source tools and recent comparative reviews at respected test houses like Tom's Hardware to validate its claims.
The new ZoneFlex 7300 series uses the 802.11n standard and offers high-end features such as Mesh support and WISPr in an enterprise class access point which is priced at similar level to its other arch rival Aruba Networks (ARUN) but with, it claims, higher available bandwidth and better range.
Verticals
Ruckus, which originally developed its smart antenna technology for moving high bandwidth television signals from CPE to set top boxes, sold more than 1.5m units in Europe primarily to big service providers like Deutsche Telekom and Belgacom. Since 2007, the firm has been active in the business space, although James Calderbank , director of enterprise sales for EMEA says, “We are not going after the fortune 500 companies,” claiming this is a market dominated by brand recognition. Instead the firm is targeting smaller sites, education and hospitality.
“In the current climate, if a school is told it will cost £50,000 to upgrade its network but with Ruckus it will cost £25,000 for a better solution, it’s not a hard choice,” he says.
Distributors
The new range will be distributed through Computerlinks (CPX.DE) and Selcoms to an active channel base of around 50 partners. However, Ruckus is planning to actively recruit new partners with a number of initiatives, including offering a vendor specific and not for resale version of AirMagnet, the wireless network planning tool, for around £150 to help new partners generate better proposals around the firm’s technology.
Later this year, Ruckus will also announce a new channel programme which is likely to include deal registration, specialisation tracks, better defined accreditation tiers and more training opportunities.
Although lounging sixth in the overall ranking of wireless vendors, a position that probably equates to less than five percent market share, Calderbank still believes its strong technology and the relative immaturity of the 802.11n market gives it a good position to grow from. “We are going after verticals with good partners …and later this year, we will be announcing what is likely to be the world’s largest 802.11n network built on Ruckus technology,” he adds.
