Mojo Networks has launched what it calls “an industry-first business model for WiFi that will empower customers with enterprise-grade networking innovation at a fraction of the cost of traditional WiFi vendors.” The company reports it is now making all of its 802.11ac Wave 1 and Wave 2 access points available to the market “without the traditionally expensive hardware markup.” The company’s access points are now available directly from its hardware supply chain partners with Mojo’s access point software pre-loaded. This direct-to-market model results in significant cost savings for the end user of up to 50 percent over traditional vendors who add markups on access point hardware, according to the company.
“We’re seeing a major industry shift in infrastructure toward open networking and standardized WiFi hardware, and Mojo Networks is paving the way for enterprises and service providers to start adopting this approach,” George Tchaparian, CEO at Edgecore Networks, says. “Following our own recent launch of open hardware designs for access points, we’re thrilled to see Mojo Networks promoting the benefits of standard designs, and eventually open-source hardware designs. The wide availability of these hardware platforms will accelerate software innovation, lower CAPEX and give freedom of choice to the customer.”
“This new business model is a direct response to the impact of the cloud on wireless networking and where, in today’s world, access point value is actually being created,” Rick Wilmer, CEO at Mojo Networks notes. “Software and virtualized cloud-managed WiFi is fundamental to this revolution. It allows us to achieve what was previously impossible: fast scaling to meet demand, rapid enterprise-wide software updates, more flexibility for IT organizations, and better business agility for our customers. Our new business model provides Mojo’s purpose-built unified cloud, along with our leading edge access points, without markups, thus eliminating WiFi as a capital expenditure.”
Front Porch is now offering ISPs what it says is “a provable, seamless method to communicate with their customers throughout the entire process of a merger or acquisition” through its PorchLight subscriber engagement platform.
ISPs using the PorchLight product can reportedly reach their customers before, during and after the merger process, with messages that are formatted to individual devices. “This ensures both new and existing customers are fully aware of any changes they may experience and any actionable items they must make. This purposeful, managed customer dialogue during the transition eliminates serious revenue leakage,” the company reports.
“The last thing a provider needs during a merger or acquisition is customer unease,” Dave Salzer, VP of global sales operations at Front Porch, says. “With our patented messaging capabilities, ISPs can ensure that every subscriber on their network is well aware of what’s going on, and when called for, we facilitate easily taking any needed steps to maintain their account functionality.”
Ronan Kelly, CTO for the EMEA and APAC Regions at Adtran, was appointed president of the FTTH Council Europe. Kelly previously held the role of treasurer for the 124-member company organization and becomes the eighth president of the council since its creation in 2004.
Among other duties, Kelly will spearhead advocacy for the group, focusing on the role FTTH deployments play in Europe. Kelly also will also promote how fiber technology is enabling a new operator services in the region.