Ruckus Wireless expanded its SPoT location-based service (LBS) platform, combining virtualized SPoT LBS software, calibration-free deployment, user presence and integrated support for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beaconing.
SPoT Point detects client locations in real-time within a range of 15 to 25 feet. Spot Presence uses proximity analytics to detect the overall number of devices present in a venue at the nearest Ruckus ZoneFlex access point (AP).
In addition, a virtualized version of SPoT LBS is available, which can be managed off-site in private or hybrid data centers.
Virtual SPoT works with VMware Vsphere (version 5.0 or higher) to deliver location services from enterprise and service provider data centers. The location-based service is currently available for a one-time fee of $995 for the per-instance license and $100 per ZoneFlex access point.
SPoT Point is a subscription-based service that can be purchased on either a one-, three- or five- year basis for $25 per Ruckus access point per month. Spot Presence is scheduled to be available by July of this year, with a lower price point to target smaller businesses and outdoor deployments.
Additionally, Ruckus announced that it has entered into an alliance with Gimbal to enable effective beacon monetization and utilization of wireless networks.
The ZoneFlex R710 indoor access point and ZoneFlex H500 Wall Switch will support Gimbal as well as iBeacon technology with SmartZone and ZoneDirector controllers.
ZoneFlex APs incorporate Gimbal technology and are powered through Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, which eliminates the need for batteries and serves as a detector for all nearby beacons.
ZoneFlex APs can run Gimbal’s proprietary firmware, improving security for beacon proximity networks through Gimbal’s rolling encrypted IDs, the company said.
The partnership is designed to help businesses monetize their wireless networks by securely sharing access to their beacon networks with business partners, sponsors or digital ad networks.
As part of the expanded LBS solution, ZoneFlex APs will be able to serve as a two-way distributed management and asset and security monitoring platform for BLE beacons.
All versions of the SPoT location-based service also include a mapping tool feature on the SPoT Administrative Portal. This allows updating and editing of the SPoT coverage area and ZoneFlex AP locations and zones, so that any changes to the SPoT deployment layout can be made.
The SPoT service requires no new hardware and can be used with the latest ZoneFlex indoor and outdoor 802.11ac access points, in addition to several 802.11n AP models and the company’s SmartZone and existing ZoneDirector control and management platforms.
Other ecosystem program participants include Aislelabs for personalized, real-time, in-store marketing; Purple WiFi for hotspot log-in through Facebook, Google+ or Twitter; SkyFii for integrated analytics, and RaGaPa for WiFi monetization and targeted messaging.