Your IoT Applications Need The Right Managed Connectivity Solution

When companies partner with Sierra Wireless, they’re able to move past the confusion and complexity of deploying IoT applications and effectively tap into new revenue streams, new services and new business models, enabling more choices for customers and additional value for businesses.

Bring your innovations to market faster and at a lower cost. Sierra Wireless provides a fully integrated solution comprised of embedded solutions, gateway solutions and cloud and connectivity services that empowers organizations.

SIERRA WIRELESS MANAGED CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS

Sierra Wireless offers the broadest array of services to connect to the mobile network, manage devices and power IoT services. Their AirVantage® IoT platform combined with their unique ability to provide an end-to-end IoT platform that integrates with our eUICC-based Smart SIM and connectivity service provide all of the IoT infrastructure to create, deploy and manage IoT solutions. 

Their eUICC solution is one of the first to market that conforms to the latest GSMA specification, ensuring global interoperability across hardware vendors, SIM vendors and operators. eUICC is a game-changer for cellular IoT connectivity, because it allows customers to select and change service provider profiles over the air based on the criteria or business rules of their choosing—without physically accessing the SIM card.

Your connectivity deserves:

• The most ubiquitous wireless coverage throughout North America
• Managed connectivity for mission critical applications on a temporary, permanent or backup basis
• High speed connectivity for locations beyond the reach of cable, DSL and other wires

Solutions To Accelerate, Streamline, And Manage Your IoT Services

                    AirVantage IoT Platform

AirVantage is a cloud-based IoT platform that uniquely provides all of the services you need to create, deploy and manage wireless IoT solutions. It provides all of the building blocks including wireless connectivity management, wireless device management and application enablement services for you to connect your machines to the mobile network, and to build innovative solutions.

Smart SIMs And Connectivity

IoT deployments are fundamentally different than roaming smartphones, so why continue to use SIMs and connectivity services that leave your service disconnected with expensive resolution costs?

Learn how the multi-operator Sierra Wireless Smart SIM and Connectivity Service can deliver a superior connectivity service for your IoT application.

Managed Connectivity Solutions

Enterprises requiring mission critical connectivity choose our fully managed connectivity solution to keep their businesses connected and IoT devices online 24/7.

Our managed connectivity solution bundles the best hardware, multi-operator connectivity and a 99.9% uptime and performance SLA guarantee into a single monthly service. Standardized deployments, continuous monitoring, and 24/7 live support enable distributed enterprises to focus on their customer experience not their IoT infrastructure.

SECURITY

AirVantage protects your data from the connected devices to the cloud. 

 Secure device-to-cloud communication

AirVantage is the first commercial IoT platform to have implemented the Lightweight M2M (LWM2M) protocol. This standard protocol offers a secure solution by allowing the encryption of data end-to-end between the device in the field and and the application hosted in the network. 

The IoT platform also secures data in transit with additional measures including mutual authentication, secure download and device-initiated communication to prevent unauthorized control or access from an external source. For applications with sensitive data, users can add an optional VPN tunnel to extend their private operator network security to AirVantage.

 Security in the Cloud

To protect data at rest, Sierra Wireless has assigned a dedicated team to continuously monitor our data storage operation. Our storage infrastructure is highly available in each region, and is constantly upgraded to guarantee optimum security. 

 Secure cloud-to-enterprise communication

To protect data in transit on the server side, AirVantage applies HTTPS secure browser access only. All software attempting to access data in AirVantage will have to be authenticated using the secure OAuth 2.0 authentication protocol, using one of the 3 authentication flows proposed. Account administrator can review and revoke the API clients any time on the AirVantage operations console, and keep the account access control up-to-date.

To tighten the user access control, account administrators can enable the security options any time including the 2-factor authentication with a one-time SMS password and IP address filtering.

To learn more about all the options available to you for managing your IoT deployment, applications, and network from Sierra Wireless...simply ask us at the following link.  It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

IoT Network Management 

What You Should Know About Fixed Wireless Broadband Access

Fixed wireless is a method of transmission of high speed data traffic via a wireless connection between two fixed points. Subscriber service consists of a microwave antenna and radio on customer's rooftop for transmitting and receiving RF signals. The customer's antenna points to the service provider's RF transceiver (Access Point) located on the radio tower or tall building. Fixed wireless connection with customer has clear Line of Sight (LOS) to the Access Point can reach distance up to 50 miles and data rate up to hundreds of Mbps.

Fixed Wireless has two configurations, point-to-point (PtP) or point-to-multipoint (PtMP). PtP networking connects two locations by using two radios and two antennas dedicated to only each other. PtMP networking refers to communications between one access point and multiple customer radios. Fixed wireless can use frequency either in licensed band or unlicensed band. Unlicensed band frequencies of 900MHz (902-928), 2.4GHz, 5.3GHz, 5.4GHz, 5.8GHz, 24GHz, and 60GHz are exempt from FCC licensing requirement. Unlicensed wireless systems, although quick to deploy, do not promise exclusive use of the band and are susceptible to potential interference. Licensed microwave wireless systems operate within parts of the radio spectrum (VHF, 900MHz, 2GHz, 3.65GHz, 4.9GHz, 6GHz, 7GHz, 11GHz, 13GHz, 18GHz, 23GHz, and 80GHz) designated by the FCC. To operate a licensed microwave fixed wireless radio system, one must apply for a license from the FCC. Licensed operators are permitted exclusive use of part of the band over an assigned geographic area.

Fixed Wireless Broadband is designed to emulate coaxial cable connection and support both TDM and packet traffic such as T1, T3, frame relay, Ethernet and ATM. High-capacity carrier-grade wireless backhaul radio combines TDM with Ethernet to provide smooth evolution to advanced, packet-based radio performance and facilitating cost effective, risk-free migration to IP/Ethernet. Enhanced Fixed Wireless can deliver Internet, Voice and MPLS, all with guaranteed Service Level Agreements. The advantages of fixed wireless include lower costs, greater flexibility, and faster deployment. Reliability is on a par with wireline networks and can be engineered to achieve 99.999% availability. Service carriers go to great lengths to ensure secure data transmission through the use of high-gain directional antennas tightly focusing the signal and directing it precisely at the customer's CPE. Fixed Wireless Broadband transmits and receives encrypted signals from specific, authenticated devices only. It employs the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which is the standard adopted by the U.S. government to protect its data. Hence, fixed-wireless data transmission using AES are as secure as any transmission in the world.

Latest technology innovation has made fixed wireless a competitive mode of broadband delivery in increasingly high density environments such as the suburban, urban, and enterprise customers. Multiple Input Multiple Output or MIMO technology has enabled the rapid growth in bandwidth capacity by continually improving spectrum efficiency with the addition of more and more MIMO streams and smart antenna array technologies. Antenna beamforming is a crucial technology enabling the spectrum used by an access point to be reused by multiple clients simultaneously. Beamforming uses precise geoposition information from each wireless client to focus wireless antenna transmit signals towards each unique client, achieving improved focused wireless signals, and significantly reducing interference in the spectrum. Because beamforming isolates client signals, it creates spatial opportunities in the spectrum for additional MIMO streams to be used simultaneously using SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access). This is called Multi-User (MU-) MIMO. When downstream traffic arrives for multiple clients, the access point identifies geolocation based beamforming opportunities to service those clients simultaneously, drastically improves the capacity of the radios. MU-MINO enables fixed wireless to deliver fiberlike broadband connectivity at a fraction of the cost of traditional wireline solutions, in any environment, from low-density rural broadband to high-capacity, high-reliability business connectivity for the enterprise.

Paul Ngai, P.E. is a telecom consultant specialized in RF and Fiber Optic Networks. He is also the principal of Network Systems Technologies LLC http://www.nstecs.net, a telecommunications consulting firm provides planning, analysis, design, testing and operation support services.

By Paul Ngai 

To take advantage of FREE real time quotes and support for voice and/or data networks...comparing 200+ providers...simply ask at the following link.  It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Free Network Design Support

TERAGO WILL GUIDE YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY TO THE CLOUD

TeraGo has been in business for over twenty years; with them, your systems are safe, your data secure, and your business connected. With TeraGo, you will get enterprise-class solutions; they will guide you on your journey to the cloud.

Take a look below for an overview of TeraGo’s Hybrid IT Products and Services.

TeraGo delivers business-grade connectivity services:
• Internet – Symmetrical, high-speed business internet connections over wireless and fiber.
• Private Connectivity – Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, and bridged Ethernet WAN connectivity.
• Cloud Connect – Secure, high-speed, private connections to Microsoft Azure and AWS.
• Wireless Failover – Increase up-time by pairing fiber or broadband with a wireless connection.

They also continue to develop the next generation of 5G Wireless Services for the Canadian business market. They are positioned to be one of the first operators to launch commercial 5G Wireless Services.

When TeraGo works with its partners, they look to build a joint go-to-market campaign.

To learn more about TeraGo and take advantage of a comparison of 100s of other cloud solution vendors ... including FREE network design and sourcing support ... simply ask at FreedomFire Communications.

The Dilemma Of Wireless Infrastructure In Cities

Wireless connectivity is an issue currently confronting cities across the country. This isn't something that is going to happen in ten years, but rather a revolution that is going on right now. No one could have predicted wireless to explode the way it has.

Do you think of wireless coverage as part of your city's infrastructure?

We need to start thinking about wireless as infrastructure - the same way we think about water and sewer systems. Four out of five Americans say mobile connectivity is a necessary part of their daily lives. Let's be clear - mobile internet access is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Time and again, studies after study on this topic, multiple sources all say the same thing: internet connectivity NOW is an essential element of modern life. Connectivity is a critical part of private enterprise, home life and effective governance. We should be doing everything we can in our cities to encourage deployment of wireless infrastructure.

The pressing need for robust wireless infrastructure is only going to increase. It's hard to keep up with the demand for additional wireless infrastructure to serve business and residents in our communities, but the demand is going to increase further. When you think of wireless, do you just think about mobile phones? It's really much more than that. It includes water meters, gas meters, every electric meter. Just about every new car being delivered today has a cellular enabled modem on board. Traffic lights, street lights, iPhones, even iWatches.

In less than 12 months, the major carriers will start rolling out 5G in select American cities, including California. Most of us have heard of 5G. While the exact specifications still haven't been released, the overarching idea is to provide mobile data at the same speed as today's residential broadband connections. This means wireless internet on our mobile devices at just about the same speed as we have at home. This will change EVERYTHING. This is the most important trend in modern infrastructure since the mass deployment of broadband internet. Imagine a world where having a blazing fast internet connection no longer requires a hardwired connection. The enterprise and services this infrastructure will support will revolutionize the way we collect data, conduct business and go about our daily lives.

Many of us here remember the introduction of the internet to people's homes. Initially the internet was seen as a novelty. Most businesses didn't take it very seriously. Even when we got to the point where most companies had a web page, they were fairly static and there was still a lot of debate on how useful the internet was to the average person. Today, I think there is no doubt it's a critical component of modern life. Now the vast majority of companies don't just have a website, they have mobile versions of their websites with Ecommerce built in. Billions are sold through the Internet. Applications are optimized to work on mobile devices straight out of the gate. In January 2018, an incredible 95 percent of active Facebook users accessed their account through mobile devices at least once. There are dozens of similar pressures on mobile data driving the need for expanded wireless infrastructure.

Mobile video is a huge component of this demand. Video streaming is already more than 75% of total data consumption. People who are near or below the poverty line are much more likely than middle- and high-income Americans to only have one source of access to the internet.

That source is almost always a mobile phone. For them, lack of quality data coverage isn't just inconvenient, it can be the barrier between them and critical health, banking, job searching and government services. We really need to spend more time thinking how wireless infrastructure plays a key role in serving the low-income residents who live in our cities.

80% of 9-1-1 calls are made from mobile phones. Can you imagine if it was as challenging to make that emergency call as it is to send a picture from a crowded stadium? Investing in wireless infrastructure is more than just a revenue opportunity. Cities should be incentivizing its proliferation. Robust wireless infrastructure supports public safety and can saves lives.

Cities can take advantage of private sector investment to build the best wireless infrastructure at no cost to the taxpayers. This is where it takes leadership. Cities need to adapt to the world of connectivity to meet the needs of the community.

After nearly a decade of work in this arena, we still can't tell you what all the right and wrong answers are because every city has a unique profile and needs. However, what I can tell you is cities should be exploring every opportunity to provide your constituents with the infrastructure they need to improve the economy, public safety and our quality of life.

For more information visit: https://madaffer.com/5gwirelessinfrastructure/

By Sania Victor

Wireless Point Of Sale Systems Are The Untethered Future Of Retail Technology

There’s no such thing as a brick-and-mortar store anymore. Or, rather, no store can be only brick-and-mortar. Connected technology is now a key part of the retail experience, whether you’re a boutique gift store or a multinational consumer products manufacturer. Connectivity saves money, gives you better control of inventory, and—by arming employees with more data—improves and humanizes the customer experience. But stores implementing wireless solutions also need a guaranteed connection, as any outage can quickly spiral into financial disaster. 

When retail stores have network downtime, the cost can average $4700 a minute. And even occasional slowdowns can add up, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars of lost revenue per year. With 33% of retail businesses reporting monthly slowdowns and downtime, this is no small matter.

These retailers need more than great primary providers. They need strong backups to ensure that core-function systems like point of sale (POS) trackers continue to stay online. Especially for retail chains scaling up—spread over wide regions and dependent on seamless logistics between warehouse and store—powerful connectivity can be a life-saver. 

With a 99.9%-uptime guaranteed service level agreement (SLA), Sierra Wireless provides this connectivity to some of the United States’ largest retailers, helping transform companies that are trying to keep up with a quickly changing retail market. 

Point of Sale Systems and the Need for Connectivity

Companies with operations spread across many regions have complicated logistics in order to link manufacturing and distribution centers with retail storefronts. Inventory has to be shipped in a way that guarantees stores always have what they need but aren’t sitting on a surplus of goods. And when a customer orders a product that has to be shipped, any location must be able to follow through and deliver it in a timely manner.

Modern Point of Sales (POS) systems can manage sales, inventory, and delivery. The problem, of course, is that the system relies on connectivity and is vulnerable to downtime. When a company’s whole business model is based around data-driven customer service and connected logistics, loss of connectivity is more than an inconvenience. It undercuts the foundations of the business itself. And terrestrial data systems can be unreliable. If there is a cut fiber, a short, or any issue with the cables (even in a redundant ecosystem), the entire network can go down.

Wireless Backup and the Virtue of Redundancy in Retail

Retail stores need a data backup plan that maintains connectivity no matter what—and a service level agreement to guarantee it. Sierra Wireless is the only company to offer a 99.9% SLA, thanks to its patented Maestro smart antenna system . 

By adapting to each store’s unique RF environment, Sierra Wireless’ system is able to provide the fastest data rates, highest availability, and lowest latency across fixed 3G and 4G cellular broadband networks, in whatever area the store happens to be in. Whether a suburban strip mall or a standalone exurban big box, every location has transmission challenges. Sierra Wireless’ technology can seamlessly adjust to all of them. 

A wireless backup plan means that stores not only avoid downtime but—by using a metered rate—they pay only for usage. It’s peace of mind without breaking the bank. 

Wireless Data as a Primary System

Of course, there are a number of reasons to rely on a wireless, rate-based system for primary use. It can be a valuable tool for retail stores during initial construction—before all the cables are laid and while systems are being tested. And the system flexibility also makes it ideal for other aspects of a changing retail market. 

Take the pop-up store trend: even a temporary location will need connectivity. It still has to be plugged into the main warehousing and inventory network. But using the possibly unreliable network that comes with a temporary location means stores could be significantly less productive during their short lifespans. Having a flexible wireless system that is rate-based, easy to install, and available only for the days or weeks that you need it enables a much smoother operation.

By adapting to varying challenges in the RF environment, wireless systems can also be a good option for retailers in airport storefronts, carts at outdoor fests, kiosks in crowded malls, food trucks, or other traditionally difficult locations.

Wireless Connectivity Creates the Human Touch in a Changing Retail Market

Sixty malls across the US are on the brink of closing. Macy’s is shuttering forty stores. Meanwhile, online retail grossed nearly $400 billion in 2016. 

Connectivity is key to competition. Stores have to be more personal, friendlier, and offer a better experience than consumers can find online. Websites like Amazon algorithmically understand what people want to buy, but brick-and-mortar stores can do the same—and do it with a warm, human touch. 

Seamless backup allows retailers to embrace technology without worrying about what will happen if that technology fails, paving the way for innovations like:

• Easy employee access to data. Imagine if every worker on the floor had a reliable tablet that allowed them to answer any customer question instantly. The only improvement would be a system that pulled up the customer’s existing preferences so that the employee could personalize the interaction. And that might soon be possible with…
• App-based loyalty and location programs. When a customer walks into a store, their phone can use app-based push notifications to alert them to relevant sales based on purchase history. But the app can also be connected to the cloud, giving employees access to this data so that they can learn about a customer’s preferences and shopping habits before approaching them.
• Analytics. What did the customer buy? What did they look at? Where did they stop? These same apps can generate customer data by using purchasing patterns and individual and aggregate heat maps. This data can then be used to improve your store’s layout—and your customers’ overall shopping experience. 

Whether a retailer is scaling up and building new locations across the world, necessitating POS logistics that maximize profit, or competing with online retailers in niche markets, they need consistent connectivity. The changing face of retail and the pressures of online competition demand speed and flexibility, and any downtime is a lost opportunity. 

At Sierra Wireless, our primary, backup, and temporary services are helping retail stores compete in this challenging new environment. To learn more about how our innovative solutions can help your business stay connected....simply ask us at the following link.  It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Retail Network Management 

by SierraWireless

MANAGED MOBILITY SERVICES MADE EASY

Wireless Watchdogs works with companies in a range of sizes and industries because we know optimized mobile systems are critical, whether you are building houses, taking care of patients, or trading stocks. Mobility is one of the most significant opportunities for cost savings right now. When it comes to Managed Mobility Services, the cost of managing in-house compared to outsourcing looks like this:

It is important to ask customers how they feel about Managed Mobility Services, and what you’ll find out is that most of the time they are frustrated when it comes to this topic because of the following:

• It takes up too much of their time.
• It’s always changing, which causes confusion and ends up frustrating them.
• It leads to uncontrollable cost, lack of efficiency, and control.
• Data Overage/Data usage going through the roof, International usage, time being spend on help desk/support issues, ordering & provisioning mobile devices.

Wireless Watchdogs is an outsourced Mobility Management Service company with a promised and proven method to reduce mobile device expenses and the complexity of managing mobile devices for your clients without switching their current mobile carrier(s), disrupting their current service, spending any additional money or asking them to use their devices differently. Wireless Watchdogs is winning across all verticals. If you’re wondering what their value propositions are:

Simplified Mobile Management which includes:

1. Staging, Kitting & Provisioning of Mobile Devices
2. Proactive Mobile Optimization – Cost Savings using their existing mobile providers
3. Mobile Policy Creating & Enforcement
4. Mobile Security – MDM Mobile Device Management
5. Device Usage Control
6. Cost allocation reports
7. Reporting/Analytics
8. Mobile Carrier Contract Negotiation Support
9. Mobility Task & Labor Efficiencies with their Unlimited End-User Mobile Support Desk
10. Mobile Recycling Program
11. Global On-Site Technician Services for all installs, device refreshers, etc.

Every business suffers from mobility-induced headaches; Wireless Watchdog is the aspirin for those headaches.

To learn more about Wireless Watchdogs and take advantage of a comparison of 100s of other Mobility Management solution vendors ... including FREE network design and sourcing support ... simply ask at FreedomFire Communications.

SDWAN Solutions, Fixed Wireless DIA, & Event WiFi Services From Freewire

To learn more about what SDWAN, Fixed Wireless, and Managed WiFi options may be a good fit for your network needs...including Freewire....simply ask us at the following link. Our assistance is free...and as easy as 1, 2, 3.  Freewire Network Solutions 

Freewire keeps businesses connected. As part of a commitment to enterprise connectivity, continuity and resilience, Freewire provides a future-proof SD-WAN solution, Fixed Wireless DIA and Comprehensive Managed Services. Freewire takes pride in providing exceptional customer service, as their NOC in Portland, OR monitors and manages customer networks 24x7x365.

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DIVERSITY AND CLOUD WAN SERVICE 

A future-proof SD-WAN solution. Optimizes/aggregates any internet link(s), intelligently routes traffic on a per-packet basis utilizing an ‘active-active’ system, automatically connects locations through VPN tunnels and provides unparalleled visibility into your entire network.

• Superior Connection Optimization 
• Instant WAN 
• Unparalleled Network Visibility 
• Reliability, Redefined 

MANAGED AND EVENT WI-FI SERVICES

Freewire configures and manages an array of solutions including Wi-Fi, switching, routing and firewalling for both your enterprise and/or event. All equipment, deployment, software upgrades and 24/7 NOC monitoring are all included.

• Comprehensive Coverage 
• Reduce Cost 
• Unparalleled Confidence 
• Superior Configurations 
• Managed Switching and Routing 
• Property Owners 
• Internet at your fingertips 
• Ample bandwidth

FIXED WIRELESS SERVICE

Connect your business to the internet using a truly diverse path. Our secure microwave links include a robust SLA and deliver a symmetrical, stable connection that supports VoIP, VPN, cloud computing and streaming video.

• A Truly Diverse Route 
• Guaranteed Uptime 
• Deployment Expertise 
• Professional Connection Management

Key Benefits Of A Fully Managed Wi-Fi Solution

The rapid rise of new disruptive technology trends - cloud, social media and mobility -has added a new dimension to business operations. Connectivity is now the most critical factor for running a competitive business. How will businesses support these devices? Turning to cloud-based Wi-Fi providers is one way. With an outsourced wireless solution, you can overcome many of the challenges of providing access to an ever-increasing number of mobile devices while keeping pace with wireless technology advances.

Wi-Fi providers that offer a hosted, cloud-based WLAN serve a wide range of businesses. Migrating to an outsourced model for wireless network management makes sense for any company that needs to provide wireless. Let's understand a few benefits of a fully managed Wi-Fi solution:

Geographically Dispersed Locations

The traditional wireless network uses a physical hardware controller to direct access points. However, if your business operations are distributed across locations, the traditional controller-based configuration is less desirable. In a cloud-based model, wireless LAN services enable plug-and-play capability for devices across all locations.

Ease of Business

The first and the most noticeable benefit of outsourcing WLAN management is the hassle-free access to connectivity. The IT team no longer needs to deal with the stress of network downtime and constant demands for accessibility from users spread across the company.

The entire WLAN ecosystem is managed by the technology partner, who takes care of all the Wi-Fi requirements of the company - from analyzing enterprise requirements, designing and installing a customized WLAN system to day-to-day management and operations of the system.

Risk management

Mitigating risk is important in all areas of business, and managing a Wi-Fi network should be no different. All businesses are concerned with addressing consumer privacy; however, there are unique considerations that must be addressed as they relate to the Internet. Consumer privacy expectations are an important topic in today's news. It is considered a best practice in implementing public Wi-Fi, so that a user must agree to a Terms of Service (ToS) that usually incorporates an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). This opens them to a serious risk.

Customer engagement

Managed Wi-Fi offers business owners another way to reach their customers. Videos, promotions, surveys, and other types of content can be displayed on the page customers see when they connect to the network, serving as a digital engagement tool for a business to deliver messages. One of the biggest benefits a business receives by offering public Wi-Fi is the potential to develop deeper relationships with customers and the capacity to improve its understanding of customer interests.

Complete visibility

With a fully managed wireless network, companies gain an unprecedented level of visibility and control over the entire network. A cloud based centralized WLAN monitoring dashboard provides deep visibility of the entire WLAN infrastructure and provides application-level and user level control. Managers can control Wi-Fi usage by app category and make quick decisions with weekly or monthly reports.

Dynamic scalability

Managed WLAN services have the added advantage of being highly scalable. Organizations can rely on rapid provisioning and deployment of additional WLAN nodes to match sudden workload spikes.

IT Staffing Constraints

Many companies, especially small- and medium-sized businesses, have insufficient in-house IT resources to manage robust wireless networks. Yet, all businesses must embrace mobility to remain competitive. Service providers can provide the solution you need with access to advanced technology, tools and expertise. If you don't have sufficient in-house IT resources, you're still able to leverage critical mobility capabilities. If you do have in-house IT staff, you can refocus their efforts on other projects.

Growing Operations

A major benefit of working with service providers is the ability to scale your WLAN solution as your business grows. When network demands increase, your managed WLAN solution can scale accordingly. The ability to scale is especially critical for organizations that can't always predict demand, such as when internal staff and outside visitors require network resources for their own devices. Examples include educational institutions, health care facilities, hospitality companies, retail operations and any organization trying to manage unpredictable demand.

The last few years have seen the corporate work culture changing drastically. Employees no longer sit for hours in front of their desktops; mobile devices and laptops allow people to move freely and work from anywhere in the building. This dynamic work culture is perfect for enhancing teamwork and nurturing innovation and an enhanced WLAN ecosystem is an essential component of this new work environment.

By Saumya Sinha

GRANITE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

 Granite is a leading communications services provider for businesses with multiple locations. Granite provides one-stop solutions for voice, data, Internet, wireless, video, and secure network options throughout the United States and Canada. Their scalability allows your business to grow with imminent demand.

Granite Mobility allows you to use the best performance-carrier according to your location.

• Geographic Perfection – Granite Mobility blends the major mobile operators into one consolidated platform to provide simpler and more cost-effective mobility solutions.
• Flexibility to Fit your Needs – Customized data plans and device options, including mobility as a service, overages protection (NOverage), and access to multiple carrier networks from a single SIM card (SIMplicity)
• Award-winning Customer Support – Ranked #1 NPS in the Telecommunication industry. Answers every call in under 10 seconds with a live voice!

Granite is great at data-only opportunities. Their Tablet as a Service (TaaS) combines multi-carrier connectivity with a wide choice of devices from Apple, Samsung, and customizable ruggedized options. It also includes full lifecycle management, plus a Mobile Device Management platform. This platform allows you to implement policies, restrictions, and the ability to lock or wipe devices if lost or stolen remotely. Granite is not limited to Tablets, as they can customize any Device as a Service.

They also offer a complete wireless solution for primary or backup connectivity to enable an always-on internet.

• End-to-End Solution (WAN Wireless Data) – Combines multi-carrier connectivity, a wide choice of leading LTE routers, full lifecycle management, staging, kitting, logistics, installation, support, and a powerful portal for remote management, monitoring, and reporting.
• Simple, Scalable, Quick Deployment – One simple MRC includes the entire package, router, multi-carrier connectivity, and a fully managed solution in one low monthly payment. Easily order, deploy, and scale customized to your business needs.
• Multiple Carriers for Geographic Perfection – Granite blends all major North American mobile operators into one consolidated platform to maximize coverage. Flexible data plans from 500MB to 200GB, with optional standby second, live Carrier SIM.

Granite Ready Fleet is a comprehensive and cost-effective fleet management solution.

• Distracted Driving Prevention – Create and manage driving policy. Track harsh braking, speeding, phone calls, and texting during drives. Driver scoring and culture tools to change driver behavior.
• Real-Time Location Tracking – Monitor and manage your vehicles in real-time from the web or smartphone. Always know where your drivers are to better manage their routes according to current traffic and schedules.
• Custom Alerts & Notifications – Easily set up custom alerts and notifications on geography, time, driving events, and other measures. Stay up-to-date in real-time all day, every day.
• Detailed Reporting – Use this data to streamline your operations, decrease fuel consumption, and ease maintenance costs. View fuel fill-ups, fuel usage, time spent idling, and vehicle efficiency.
• Vehicle Health – Easily track scheduled maintenance, battery health, engine temperature alerts, fuel levels, and diagnostic trouble codes.

Their Daily Dashboard also empowers clients to take control of their communication services.

• Simple to Manage – The ability to manage your complete wireless inventory regardless of the underlying carrier through one pane of glass.
• In-depth Analysis – Ability to utilize historical data to help understand usage trends and optimize services.
• Alerts and Notifications – Set custom alerts at the connection, pool, and account levels to mitigate any overages and flag heavy data users.
• Customizable Reports – Granite can create tailored reports to fit your company’s unique needs at no extra charge.

Mobile Device Management simplifies your technology platforms with efficient, advance, and economical solutions.

• Mobile Device Management – Mobile device management capabilities for all platforms; allows customers to manage and control all device activities through our online portal.
• Mobile Application Management – Mobile device management capabilities for all platforms; allows customers to manage and control all device activities through our online portal.
• Mobile Data Usage Control – Allows customers to drive down mobile data consumption and costs by setting data limits and restrictions on non-business sites and apps.
• Mobile Security & Policy Compliance – The solution makes it easy to protect your mobile devices against mobile threats. It also helps to enforce your organization’s policies by filtering and blocking content deemed inappropriate.

To learn more about Granite and take advantage of a comparison of 100s of other providers ... including FREE network design and sourcing support ... simply ask at FreedomFire Communications.