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Technology giant Dell announced the expansion of its PowerConnect wireless networking platform, which is designed to help small to medium-size businesses better manage IT resources under limited budgets. The PowerConnect W-Series of access points (APs), controllers and software brings end-to-end wireless networking features and security to SMBs from the data center to small branch offices or home offices with improved security over traditional wired solutions.
The PowerConnect W-Series also enables a seamless mobile experience, and the company said the platform can be up and running in minutes with speeds of up to 300M bps per radio. Dell’s networking portfolio offers solutions and services not only for wireless but also for data center, campus/branch and storage environments as well. As a complete solution provider, Dell also delivers PowerEdge servers and storage options including PowerVault, EqualLogic and Compellent.
The PowerConnect W-Series SMB-oriented additions include high-performance, multifunction dual-radio 802.11in indoor access points. The PowerConnect W-AP134 and W-AP135 are designed to maximize performance in high-density WiFi environments and provide 50 percent more throughput than previous generations. Also included is built-in virtualized controller functionality.
The PowerConnect W-IAP92, W-IAP93 and W-IAP105 instant access points have a data rate of 300M bps per radio, which Dell said help provide affordability and simplicity of an entry-level enterprise-grade WiFi network for its SMB customers. The PowerConnect W-Series Instant Access Points will become available at the end of the month. Pricing for the IAP 92/93 is $395, while the IAP105 is listed at $695 and the AP134/135 is priced at $1,295.
“We understand that growing businesses demand quality connectivity for users wherever they work or roam. The Dell PowerConnect W-Series enables IT executives to significantly reduce network costs and increase employee productivity and mobility without compromising security,” said Tony Parkinson, vice president of consumer, small and medium business enterprise solutions for Dell.
The company recently also introduced the Vostro V131, an addition to the Vostro laptop line designed specifically for small business customers. A removable six-cell battery with 2nd generation Intel Core processors, both available as an option, will deliver up to 9.5 hours of battery life on the V131, and the notebook offers a variety of options, including WWAN, WiMax and LTE (Long-Term Evolution) (in the U.S. only), WLAN and Bluetooth 3.0. The standard fingerprint reader and Absolute LoJack security software provide security, and a full HD camera, SRS Premium Voice Pro, digital array mics and built-in Skype. In addition, the laptop offers two USB 3.0 ports, a chiclet keyboard with a backlit option and quick launch keys.
Beginning in September, all Vostro V131 systems in the United States will include solutions specifically tailored to small businesses. My Business Toolkit, available Sept. 1, is a suite of software and services designed to provide small-business customers with some additional tools. Vostro customers will receive free Website hosting from Web.com, and Ruby Receptionists will provide 30 days of virtual reception or 100 receptionist minutes, whichever comes first. Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services will provide 15 months of antivirus protection, and Dell DataSafe will provide automatic data back-ups.