ÜberWi supports enterprise Wi-Fi management, customer engagement
With an eye on turning Wi-Fi from an expense to a revenue driver, Annapolis, Md.-based AllCity Wireless on April 22, announced its new cloud-based Wi-Fi network management solution called ÜberWi.
Plans are to start shipping the new product in the second quarter. The ÜberWi connects to the Internet and existing access points to provide central management functionality as well as a platform to directly engage customers with advertisements, special offers and other promotions.
“Today, businesses typically deploy Wi-Fi networks and offer connectivity to customers at an expense without realizing the potential strategic benefits to the business,” AllCity President and CEO Phil McQuade said.
He explained that, with the right tools, Wi-Fi can shift from a recurring expense into a new stream of revenue.
“The addition of ÜberWi to the AllCity portfolio of solutions allows us to meet the varying needs of network owners as they look to unlock the value that ubiquitous Wi-Fi can provide from both a monetization and management perspective.”
In an interview with RCR Wireless News, McQuade stressed the affordability of ÜberWi in comparison to other cloud-based Wi-Fi management platforms.
Many existing solutions “are cost prohibitive,” McQuade said. “Those are more for stadiums and high-end enterprises. That’s where ÜberWi comes in. It’s a cloud-based solution that’s inexpensive to operate. There’s no purchase required.”
McQuade said the new product allows owners to generate a network traffic report, which paves the way for monetization efforts.
“That’s a growing endeavor,” he said. “What’s happening is there’s only so much cellular spectrum so Wi-Fi is becoming more and more essential.”
AllCity is a privately held company started in 2005.
In addition to the ÜberWi, AllCity sells the WiDirect and WiClient; for more information, check out allcitywireless.com
