BANGALORE, INDIA: Wireless LAN leader Aruba Networks has launched its new Virtual Branch Network (VBN) solution that can transparently and securely connect remote users with enterprise applications and resources.

The solution not only help simplify process of managing branch offices, clinics, home offices, and tele-workers but can also help minimize the networking costs.

The entire software for the Remote Access Point (RAP), which will be responsible for virtualizing network services, and substantial software for other Series-600 control equipment, was developed at the  India based lab of Aruba.

Further, the full Aruba 600 series has also been recently adjudged the best product in the wireless and mobility category at the Interop conference and exhibition held in Las Vegas.

Alok Kothari, managing director, Aruba Networks India Pvt. Ltd. talks about the advantages that the VBN can bring in to enterprises in an interview given to Sharath Kumar of CIOL Excerpts:

CIOL: What are the plus points of the new Virtual Branch Network (VBN) solution ?

Alok Kothari: The Virtual Branch Network has RAPs that can operate anywhere a network connection is available - public Internet, leased line, DSL, cable, or cellular. This flexibility makes remote network setup a plug-and-play event.
 
The solutions helps in virtualizing the branch into the data center and extend the network out. The solution is easier to deploy and can be managed at a lower cost.
 
CIOL: What is the market potential for this kind of new solutions? Who are your potential customers?

AK: The target customer would be large enterprises (Global 5000) with lots of remote locations/people/countries. The applications are built for corporate point of presence/branch, branch in branch, store in store, partner access, work at home, telemedicine – monitoring/doc access, machine to machine, temporary networks and more.
 
CIOl: What are the advantages that VBN networks can bring over the traditional remote networking solutions?

AK: The traditional remote network allows single user, data-only access, device-dependent, user-initiated sessions and software.

In case, if we need voice and video at the branch we need to build the network at each site with multiple devices. However, Aruba Networks lets enterprises leverage existing investments in network and security infrastructure rather than repurchasing and rebuilding those services at every site. 

The VBN provides a secure LAN extension that gives full data center connectivity – including voice, video, and data applications – anywhere your users are working.  Applications just work because the remote user experience is the same as the HQ experience.

CIOL: How easy is it to integrate the RAP on the network ?

AK: Remote Access Points can work anywhere that an Ethernet/IP connection or USB 3G connection is available. Just by selecting  the connection that is available and deploying the simplest device possible, one can connect to the cloud.

CIOL: What about the family of VBN and their affability ?

AK: The VBN family includes RAP-2, an approximately $100 device for 1 to 5 users and the RAP-5 for 50 users as well as series 600 branch office controllers. The RAP-2 is smaller than a pack of cards and when connected even from a hotel room's Ethernet port to a broadband link, it wirelessly transforms your laptop into your office desktop and office phone.
 
The attractive pricing of the RAP-2 ($ 112 equivalent in India) will make it an very good value proposition for small enterprises in India; even the RAP-5 is  only priced around $ 600.