As an existing Aruba customer, Maxim had previously deployed the company’s wireless solutions including the Aruba Instant controller-less APs to deliver cost-effective access to its numerous locations around the globe. Since that initial deployment, Maxim has seen an increase in the number and type of mobile devices that employees, contractors, and guests are bringing into Maxim’s facilities, greater demand for voice and video communications, and a desire for more collaboration as indicated by the 100+ conference and meeting rooms Maxim maintains at its headquarters alone.
According to Dennis Tsao, Manager of Global IT Infrastructure, the combination of Aruba and HPE should bring even more cohesiveness and functionality to Maxim’s network upgrade.
“We were customers of Aruba’s wireless solutions and HPE’s campus switches previously but now that the companies are one, we can leverage a more collaborative sales and support organization, and enhanced product compatibility,” Tsao said.
For the network upgrade, Maxim is moving to 802.11ac, deploying a combination of Aruba Instant controller-less access points for remote sites, and controller-based APs for some of the larger locations such as its headquarters and manufacturing buildings. For the initial upgrade, Tsao said Maxim is using 802.11ac Wave 1, but is considering Wave 2 for the latter part of the overhaul. A key consideration for the upgrade is Maxim’s desire to use Microsoft Skype for Business to deliver on employees’ need for collaboration over the wireless network. Maxim is currently piloting Skype for Business in a single location, but plans to expand the application company-wide within the next six to twelve months.
Maxim is also continuing to use Aruba AirWave for network management and ClearPass Guest to deliver easy, secure guest access and BYOD for employees.
As a long-time HPE switching customer, Maxim recently upgraded the company’s existing switches to the HPE campus core switches, utilizing a mix of the 5500, 5800, 5900 and 10500 models across the organization. Maxim found that HPE offered the best performance and value for the features they needed at a lower cost, as well as an excellent hardware warranty.
Tsao says that with more and more employees using the wireless network for primary connectivity during their workday, each using multiple mobile devices and demanding anytime, anywhere access to collaborative applications, the infrastructure is mission-critical.
“As we see more reliance on the wireless network, the user experience must be positive. Our employees expect fast, reliable coverage wherever they are and the combined Aruba/HPE infrastructure will help ensure that we can continue to meet these requirements as our company grows.”
