GFI Software brings enterprise-class Wi-Fi management to SMBs

LONDON, UK: GFI Software today unveiled GFI WirelessSentry (GFI WiSe), a cloud-based solution designed to allow IT administrators to easily monitor, manage and secure their wireless networks, optimising performance while protecting users from wireless threats, regardless of the networking hardware deployed.

GFI WiSe uses a simple-to-deploy lightweight sensor on a local machine near each access point, in conjunction with a web-based cloud management console. After deploying the sensor, WiSe automatically identifies nearby wireless networks and access points, which can then be easily monitored and managed via an intuitive dashboard that can be accessed using a variety of browser-equipped devices.

GFI WiSe features include:

- Vendor and AP agnostic: There's no need to replace existing access points, as GFI WiSe works with any existing hardware. As a result, costs are kept low and the need for forklift upgrades of equipment are eliminated, along with vendor lock-in.

- Remote management of Wi-Fi networks: GFI WiSe's cloud-based console makes networks accessible from virtually anywhere via a web-based console.

- Wireless vulnerability assessment and detection: The GFI WiSe wireless intrusion detection system (WIDS) enhances security by detecting threats and vulnerabilities, including rogue access points in and around an organisation's wireless network, alerting IT staff to their existence.

- Bandwidth monitoring: GFI WiSe sensors monitor the wireless connections and traffic on the access point. Sensors poll into the web console on a configured interval over a secured connection. Upon check-in, the sensor sends updated device connection and usage information to the web console.

- VIP Monitoring: GFI WiSe enables the ability to mark certain devices as "VIP." This ensures admins receive instant alerts when those devices connect to the network, and indicates their location. With complete knowledge of the SSID, access point and device the VIP is using, IT staffs can ensure business continuity for executives on the move.

- Real time alerts: GFI WiSe enables IT administrators and wireless network managers to monitor their networks via the dashboard. In addition, support staff can receive real-time alerts for critical and warning events via SMS or email. The graphical reporting tool allows users to easily attain detailed network usage information and share it with stakeholders.

The growing need for powerful Wi-Fi network management and oversight in SMBs was reinforced by a recent independent survey of 1,000 employees conducted by Opinion Matters, which revealed 97 percent of respondents reported using their personal mobile device for work.

This creates the added responsibility for already resource-strapped SMB IT administrators to have to manage and secure their Wi-Fi networks to accommodate the influx of devices. In the same survey, nearly 40 percent of users surveyed admitted to using mobile devices to circumvent existing IT security and data policies in the workplace.

Furthermore, 20 percent of those surveyed had no security measures enabled on their mobile devices, including AV, PIN numbers, access passwords or remote wipe capabilities, making their devices the weakest link in a Wi-Fi network.

GFI WiSe's vendor agnostic approach makes it an ideal option for SMBs who want a centrally-managed solution that controls costs around usage monitoring while assuring their network is secured and protected from rogue access points.

GFI WiSe prining is based on an annual subscription model starting from $259 per access point.