Cloud-Based Hotspot and Analytics Offering Now Available to Cisco-Dedicated Resellers Across EMEA
Cirencester, UK, June 18, 2014 – Westcon Group, a value-added distributor of category-leading unified communications, network infrastructure, data center and security solutions with a global network of specialty resellers, today announced that the company’s Comstor business practice has signed an agreement with cloud-based hotspot provider Purple WiFi. Purple’s integrated Wi-Fi and location analysis solution – based on Cisco mobility technologies – is now available to channel partners in the UK. The deal empowers businesses with enterprise guest hotspots to more effectively identify and communicate with customers.
Purple is utilizing Comstor’s deep expertise across the full line of Cisco products as well as comprehensive consultancy, design, implementation, training, and support services for single, multisite, and multinational environments. Helping partners generate new revenue streams based on Cisco solutions, Comstor enables companies like Purple to dramatically expand regional footprints while making use of a tightly integrated, global infrastructure.
Purple WiFi is fully integrated with Cisco on-premise WLAN and Cisco cloud networking/Meraki. Both existing and new deployments of Cisco wireless infrastructure (on-premise and cloud managed) can be enhanced with Guest Wireless and Location analytics from Purple WiFi.
“Purple is a visionary in Internet connectivity, offering the perfect solution for customers to launch critical Wi-Fi hotspots across their business. Backed by powerful analytics, the tool also helps them more effectively identify and communicate with target customers,” said Jeremy Butt, Executive Vice President, EMEA, Westcon Group. “The company’s unique focus on Cisco technology makes them a perfect match for us. I fully expect partners across the region to take advantage of this great solution and collaboration.”
Purple WiFi’s legally compliant, enterprise guest hotspot software offers rich analytical information concerning key guest demographics – including age, gender, frequency of visits, and length of time online. Users simply log in to the secure hotspot system using social media authentication, including Facebook or Twitter, or a by completing a short form. This process generates valuable, segmented data for the business — and a powerful engagement tool for promoting relevant offers to users and the broader social community.
Gavin Wheeldon, CEO at Purple WiFi, said: “Comstor has a vast network of resellers, enabling us to immediately increase our global reach. Their inherent knowledge of Cisco and excellent reputation globally means we’re a natural, strategic addition to their portfolio. Our own strategy is focused on selecting trusted, reputable names to ensure Wi-Fi users can access reliable and free Wi-Fi while the brand owners get something back in return. This deal fits these criteria perfectly.”
For more than 25 years, Comstor has dedicated itself to helping reseller partners worldwide accelerate their businesses utilizing Cisco solutions across a range of networking, collaboration and datacenter technologies. The new agreement is the next stage in the companies’ dedicated partnership – and is based on the depth and breadth of Comstor’s unmatched expertise of Cisco technology.
“With Cisco enterprise networking and cloud managed solutions, Purple WiFi is providing additional layers of intelligence and applications around location-based services and analytics,” said Philip Wright, Director of Partner Operations Sales at Cisco. “The combination of Purple WiFi provisioning with Cisco’s technology and Comstor’s expertise provides channel partners with a proven and compelling mobility solution for end customers.”