Khipu gobbles up food services deal

Reseller helps JJ Food Service install 156 Aruba access points after firm encountered challenges with rival Cisco

Aruba and its partner Khipu Networks have scored a victory over rival Cisco after completing the deployment of a secure wireless network for a food services firm.

Khipu helped JJ Food Service install 156 Aruba AP-92 and AP-93 access points and dual Aruba 3600 mobility controllers in its warehouse stores. The project is designed to facilitate bring your own device for its 850 employees, as well as customers and guests.

The network is critical in supporting the applications JJ Food Service employees use for checking stock, Aruba said. It also enables wire-like performance of Microsoft Lync Server 2010, which the firm recently deployed.

Guest workers can use the network without the need for any technical assistance, while customers can also gain secure access to it via wireless terminals, Aruba said.

Rif Kiamil, chief information officer at JJ Food Service, said his firm had had "some challenges" with Cisco, adding that Aruba offered more flexibility.

"Aruba has enabled us to boost the operational efficiency of our warehouse stores –both for our employees and customers," he said. "With one master controller located in a datacentre, there is minimal risk of any downtime, meaning that our services run without interruption at all times and with improved and more reliable performance."

Bob Vickers, UK director at Aruba, added: "JJ Food Service is a fantastic example of how our wireless technology can improve the services of companies in the retail sector – as workers, guests and customers all experience significant benefits."