eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
D-Link announced the release of a business-grade, cloud-managed WiFi platform built to meet the connectivity and security needs of small to midsize businesses. The new DAP-2555 AirPremier N Dual Band, POE (Power over Ethernet) Access Point powered by CloudCommand delivers a WiFi environment with core business-grade features, designed through a strategic agreement with PowerCloud Systems, a cloud-based software provider.
The DAP-2555 AirPremier N Dual Band, POE Access Point ($399) is available through VARs and includes a one-year CloudCommand subscription. The DAP-2555 Access Point is one of many solutions within the CloudCommand family of WiFi, business-class access points. Other products include the DAP-2565 802.11n Dual Band, POE, Plenum-rated AP (available in the second quarter of 2011), and the DAP-3525 802.11n Dual Band, POE, Outdoor AP, also available 2Q 2011.
“Our cloud-managed WiFi products are breakthrough solutions that will make affordable, business-grade WiFi a reality for small businesses,” said Nick Tidd, president of D-Link. “We’re excited to collaborate with PowerCloud Systems to leverage its innovative technology and provide a robust solution for our customers. In addition, our channel partners are eager to sell this new WiFi solution because it not only meets the needs of their customers, but its integrated service capabilities will deliver better profitability and improved customer relationships.”
Tidd said the ideal business environment for DAP-2555 Access Point is an organization with five to 300 users who need an affordable, wireless network that delivers broad and reliable connectivity, strong security and guest Internet access in a user-friendly solution. “The DAP-2555 Access Point provides end users and VARs the ability to quickly and easily set up, secure and manage wireless networks with multiple access points and locations to provide thorough coverage,” he said. “In addition, VARs save significant time and resources by managing networks remotely through the cloud.”
Additional features and benefits include the ability to deploy multiple, self-configuring access points to single or multiple locations, remote-management capability, individual user management with two-factor authentication and encryption, management of multiple networks from a single interface and simultaneous configuration of all access points, intrusion detection, statistics and graphics reports, a guest network with firewall protection and the ability to receive e-mail and Short Message Service notifications.
“D-Link is the first major networking vendor to offer a cloud-based WiFi networking solution, and we’re excited they chose CloudCommand,” said Jeff Abramowitz, president and CEO of PowerCloud Systems. “For businesses needing enterprise-grade 802.11n WiFi connectivity with enhanced security capabilities across one or multiple locations, this is the most cost-effective solution in the market. As the world’s largest supplier of WiFi infrastructure products, D-Link is well-positioned to use its channel presence, manufacturing prowess and worldwide operations to drive a paradigm shift in the industry.”