Aruba NZ: How to get rightsizing wireless right...

Help your customers rightsize right, with these tips from Richard Batchelar, Aruba New Zealand territory manager.

It’s something I've seen often in recent years – a workplace buzzing with employees, milling around the space with laptops, smartphones and tablets. In the background, there is a sea of desktop computers and landline phones sitting unused and abandoned.

With the rise of mobility in New Zealand organisations and worldwide, there has been a shift away from the ties of desk-based working and a move towards collaborating on-the-go.

This rise is being driven largely by a new generation of workers, dubbed #GenMobile, who want to work anywhere, anytime and from a device of their choosing.

Advancements in technology have enabled this new way of working to become a reality, with the ability for enterprise IT to replace nearly all end-user wired network connections with faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi at a substantial cost saving to the business.

Recent research by Aruba Networks found a traditional wireless network costs US$904 per user tethered to a desk.

By comparison, a rightsized network where workers are not tethered to a desk costs US$221/user.

Rightsizing a network

Start with an assessment Rightsizing a network begins with assessing where the wired network stands today.

Start by assessing the number of wired ports that are truly needed, and determine where wired network capacity can be offset with more cost-effective, high performance Wi-Fi coverage delivered by solutions such as the new 802.11ac wireless standard which offers faster access, stronger security and is exceptionally power efficient.

Look at common areas

Consider how many network jacks are available in shared spaces, such as conference rooms, building lobbies, printer stations or other common areas. No one hauls a desktop PC into a conference room or student lounge, so why provide so many wired connections?

Nearly all wired ports in common areas can be eliminated because users expect – and prefer – Wi-Fi.

Embrace unified communications

It’s hugely advantageous to rightsize by replacing desk phones with smartphones that have unified communication apps like Microsoft Lync.

A recent study conducted by Forrester Research examined the potential ROI enterprises may realise by deploying Microsoft Lync 2013 on premise. The study analysed the impact of Lync in five organisations across the health, education, utilities and professional services sectors.

It showed Lync significantly improved productivity across the businesses, due to better access to information and colleagues. The solution provided better support for mobile workers, enabling them to remain fully integrated into the company.

Additionally, Lync brought enhanced network reliability and performance, with organisations also enjoying a 10% decrease in both webconferencing and telephony costs.

It’s clear an organisation will reap a windfall of cost benefits by getting rid of the switch ports its phones were connected to.

The all-wireless workplace is upon us, and now more than ever technology is poised to support this transition. With mobility only cementing its place in the New Zealand workforce, the opportunity for getting wireless right is too great to ignore.

Please Note: Connector Systems is hosting an informal presentation with the latest Aruba updates, information, news and briefings in Wellington on September 10 - to register please click here