Aruba Networks is targeting more defence contracts after its wireless LAN technology became the first to be awarded Manual Y compliance for use in the UK Defence Network.

Aruba and IT services firm Logica supplied the Ministry of Defence Trading Fund’s Defence Support Group (DSG) with a wireless network at one of its workshops in Donnington. The installation will allow workers to switch to handheld devices.

Aruba’s EMEA director of marketing Roger Hockaday said: “Defence organisations have been careful in their deployments of wireless networks. Five years ago most networks were insecure and vulnerable to attack, but they are much more secure now.

This is more proof that wireless networks are as secure, if not more so, than wired.” Hockaday indicated he hoped the project would pave the way for further defence contracts. “The fact that we have the manual Y compliance in one project makes us a good choice for defence,” he said.

Martin Smith, head of the DSG’s information systems, told CRN: “As a supplier of vehicle and equipment services to our Armed Forces, we are always looking at ways to make our organisation run more efficiently. The benefits of wireless are well documented in warehousing environments.”