Managed hot spots - the next killer app?

The rapidly growing Wi-Fi market in India and the increase in hotspots has attracted yet another solutions provider. Hughes Network Systems (HNS), a leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions now offers a complete, managed Hot Spot solution.

Hughes' DiRECWAY Wi-Fi Access is a comprehensive Hot Spot solution for the enterprise market, including hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, gas stations and convenience stores.

“DiRECWAY Wi-Fi Access is a complete, managed Hot Spot solution that has the potential to become the next killer application for enterprises. It is a compelling option for companies from the oil, retail and manufacturing industries to link their geographically dispersed offices in a reliable and cost effective manner,” said Partho Banerjee, President & CEO, Hughes Escorts Communications Ltd.

Hughes claims its DiRECWAY Wi-Fi Access solution can deliver a 99.5 percent reliable, managed, secure and redundant backbone to ensure that these Wi-Fi Hot Spots are “always-on” for service.

The continent-wide reach of DiRECWAY Wi-Fi Access means that enterprise or retailers can now offer consistent and reliable Hot Spot service to their employees at all of the company's locations. HNS will also provide a comprehensive, high quality managed solution, including equipment, installation, and back-end support services like customer billing and network management.

DiRECWAY Wi-Fi Access is available as an upgrade for existing enterprise customers of Hughes DiRECWAY broadband satellite service, and will be offered through all Hughes sales channels, including its direct sales team and value-added resellers.

According to a 2003 research report by Gartner on the market in the APAC region for Wi-Fi Hot Spots, India is the country that generates the highest average income from each hot spot, as many of its access points are located in business hotels, rather than in cafes and restaurants.