RETAIL SOLUTIONS BRIEF By Julie Ritzer Ross
Constant Connectivity
Network requirements for capacity, security and management are expanding quickly
I
ntent on both catering to the savvy new shopper who wants what
she wants when she wants it and
enhancing productivity throughout the store, retailers’ appetite
for greater connectivity and increased
network capacity continues to expand.
Mobility is a major driving force.
Among respondents to the 2012 RIS
Store Systems Study, 63% deemed “mobile for store associates” a priority, and
such major players as Home Depot,
Nordstrom, Lowe’s and many others
have been rolling out hundreds of thousands of devices to their stores. Just over
half (52%) of retailers said they planned
to equip employees with tablets within
the next 12 months, and 25% plan to do
so within two years’ time.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg.
The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
movement shows no signs of waning
and is in fact picking up steam. In addition, having customers use their own
mobile devices to receive promotional
messages and coupons, access product
information, scan barcodes and QR
codes and even complete transactions
is also on the rise; 48% of retailers responding to the Store Systems study
identify it as a priority.
Compounding all the digital “traffic”
being generated by mobile devices and
the pressure they place on store networks are other store technologies, including customer-facing kiosks and interactive digital signage, which are fast
becoming the norm in a variety of retail
sectors. Effectively handling the connectivity needs brought to bear by the
new breeds of these devices and tech-
“The rapidly increasing numbers of mobile
users, devices, and applications in enterprises
are correspondingly driving demand for
bandwidth expansion on wireless LAN
networks.” – Craig Mathias, principal, Farpoint Group
nologies necessitates a multi-faceted
approach to network management.
Seeking Security
That approach starts with ensuring
wireless network security. For retailers,
this means insisting on solutions with
features including wireless intrusion
protection, which prevents unauthorized access to the network infrastructure and private data by automatically scanning the area to detect and
neutralize threats.
Multiple layers of wireless LAN se-
curity to aid in the achievement of PCI
compliance, including PCI monitoring,
wireless IDS, and wireless IDS with
role-based access control are highly
desirable. So too are solutions wherein
security policy enforcement can be customized by criteria like location, device,
or configuration.
Monitoring and Control
Effective network management does not
stop with the security layer. Rather, in
the wake of ever-more-complex hacking
schemes and other new threats, it has
RIS NEWS.COM DECEMBER 2012
27_rsb_1212_v4.indd 1
27
11/28/12 2:38 PM
RETAIL SOLUTIONS BRIEF
also come to entail continual monitoring.
Similarly, the growing number of mobile devices being deployed by retailers
themselves brings to bear the task of establishing and maintaining tight control
over how many and which devices are
found in each store. Knowing to whom
such devices have been assigned and
whether employees are using them for
authorized purposes or for unauthorized
ones, such as accessing personal Facebook accounts, is imperative.
Failure to pay sufficient attention to
these issues opens the door to a wide variety of problems, from loss of employee
productivity and unauthorized use of
privileged information to widespread
data security breaches.
To remain proactive on all fronts,
savvy retailers are migrating to sophisticated network monitoring and tracking solutions. In addition to detecting application-specific attacks, these
solutions facilitate the enforcement
of application-specific granular usage
and security policies for inbound and
outbound traffic alike. Also being embraced, especially given the movement
toward virtualization and into the cloud,
are unified threat management firewalls
that offer application intelligence along
with such security enhancement capabilities as gateway content filtering,
anti-spam, anti-virus, anti-spyware and
intrusion protection.
Experts advocate the adoption of
comprehensive solutions. “It is very difficult to gain a true end-to-end view of
the movement of information, pinpoint
bottlenecks, and manage the network to
optimize throughput,” says Jim Rapoza,
an analyst with Aberdeen Group. “A collection of tools can be used to reveal
activity on each layer. However, without
a unified platform to consolidate the information coming from those analysis
tools, the IT administrator has a very
difficult time gaining a holistic picture
and making sense of the data.
“For this reason, IT administrators
28
DECEMBER 2012
27_rsb_1212_v4.indd 2
security tracking of mobile devices. The
module supports Apple iPhone, iPad and
all Android smartphones and tablets. It
is sold as a stand-alone application that
can also be integrated with other applications in the vendor’s framework.
Capacity Considerations
To remain proactive
on all fronts, savvy
retailers are migrating
to sophisticated
network monitoring
and tracking
solutions.
who already use application performance solutions for their internal and
cloud infrastructures have or plan to
adopt unified tools to help them manage more holistically,” he adds. “In a
dynamic and increasingly complex environment, only the fully armed IT manager will be able to keep pace with user
demand, manage cost, and maintain or
improve overall quality of service.”
Some solutions, for instance, SonicWALL’s Next-Generation Firewall,
afford network administrators an up-tothe-minute view not only of ingress and
egress bandwidth consumed but of who is
consuming it and with what application.
Policy can then be enforced in real time.
Similarly, Kaseya has a Mobile Device Management module that handles
audit, back-up, e-mail configuration and
Moreover, while addressing issues pertaining to mobile technology is a critical step in preparing the network for the
new shopper, retailers doing so must
simultaneously consider and accommodate the need to increase overall network
capacity and resiliency. As many retailers
have no doubt discovered, insufficient
network capacity and resiliency impedes
uptime and, in certain instances, can
bring systems down entirely.
Upping the bandwidth requirement
ante are the myriad technologies being
deployed by retailers to attain higher
levels of customer engagement. Delivered to fixed or mobile in-store devices,
these bandwidth-hungry technologies
include interactive digital signage using gamification; rich, high-resolution
customer-facing images, audio files, and
video clips; and sophisticated traffic/
customer counting applications.
“The rapidly increasing numbers
of mobile users, devices, and applications…in enterprises are correspondingly driving demand for bandwidth expansion on wireless LAN networks,” says
Craig Mathias, a principal with wireless and mobile advisory firm Farpoint
Group. “Capacity must be increased
across the board, as user productivity
and organizational mission now depend
upon reliable, secure, and high-performance wireless connectivity.”
A number of solutions designed
to address changing network capacity
needs and enhance network resiliency
have recently been introduced. Aerohive
Networks deployed a WLAN solution at
the Dutch supermarket chain Hoogvliet
that supports 4,000-plus self-scan terminals and 62 discount terminals de-
RIS NEWS.COM
11/28/12 2:39 PM
INDU ST RY P E R SP E C T I VE Q
A D V E RTO RI A L
Cloud Apps Drive Need for
100% Network Uptime
3G/4G networking accelerates mobile commerce and business continuity in retail
How are 3G/4G wireless networks enabling retailers to deploy
solutions to improve the customer experience, reduce costs
and drive revenue?
Retailers are actively exploring various strategies to create
new purchase paths, better engage their customers, create
positive experiences, and drive more revenue. Secure, wireless networks enable retailers to do all of this without the
cost, delay or construction required for new wired line networks. For example, in-store product information or vending
kiosks increase sales by enabling customers to make purchase decisions or make a purchase altogether. Similarly,
digital signage enables retailers to deliver targeted messaging and wireless surveillance cameras can prevent theft or
provide retail analytics. Wireless networks also give retailers
the flexibility to implement their own or third party solutions without having to tap into the corporate network.
Wireless or wired? How should retailers go about determining
which network infrastructure is best for them?
The question is when to use wired or wireless. Most retailers
need both. For their core network, which handles credit card
processing and cloud-based enterprise applications, they use
both wired and wireless connectivity at the same time for
redundancy. A redundant wireless line can improve uptime
for a DSL connection from 98% availability to 99.99. That
translates into a significant increase in revenue, which was
lost to downtime. For some applications like digital signage,
kiosks, surveillance cameras, or temporary pop-up stores, a
standalone wireless network allows for easy deployment and
the flexibility to move these solutions in-store without the
hassle or cost of running a wired line.
How does PCI compliance factor into making a decision about
network infrastructure?
PCI Compliance is table stakes in the retail industry for any
purchase of networking equipment. Retailers are not willing
to risk the fines or processing disruption associated with being out of compliance. Nor are they willing to accept the li-
ability in both dollars and goodwill associated with a breach
of their customer’s credit card data. One of our largest retail
kiosk customers told us that it is more important to maintain
PCI Compliance than it is to actually have product stocked
in the kiosk. As a result, we invest significantly in PCI penetration testing of our solutions to make sure that there are
no surprises during the deployment and certification phase.
With the rise of mobile technology, how do retailers ensure
their networks are built to engage and meet the needs of mobile consumers?
The explosion of smart mobile devices has created an opportunity for retailers to engage their customer with their own
messaging through customer WiFi. As employees have begun
bringing their own devices (BYOD), many retailers have begun using tablets to empower sales associates to engage with
customers and increase conversions. Retailers need to ensure
that the network is reliable and secure. Segmentation of the
network into a private network for employees and public network for customer WiFi is critical for PCI compliance. Quality
of Service (QoS) is also an important feature that retailers can
use to ensure certain applications are not sucking too much
bandwidth and undermining mission critical applications.
What are some key best practices for retailers as they expand/
upgrade their network infrastructure?
New applications are forcing a technology refresh cycle
ahead of the normal 7 year standard. Cloud-based applications, mobile payments and digital receipts require network
availability. Customer WiFi requires new access points and
network segmentation. Digital signage and product information kiosks often require separate networks. All of this needs
to be implemented in a cohesive manner and within a tight
budget, without sacrifices in security and PCI Compliance.
If you are a retailer embarking on this technology refresh,
ensure that you have a common consolidated list of requirements from both your marketing organization as well as your
IT department to make sure you’re not missing anything.
CradlePoint is the global leader in 3G/4G networking solutions providing business grade, secure connectivity to distributed
enterprise. Specializing in Failover, Machine-to-Machine (M2M), and Primary Connect solutions for Retail, our solutions are
purpose built for PCI compliant networks. As the first to pioneer and fully enable high-speed LTE in our solutions, we maximize the potential of the cloud for businesses.
R I S N E W S . C O M d ecem b er 2 0 1 2
31.RSBqa_CradlePoint_1212_v2.indd 1
29
11/29/12 11:00 AM
RETAIL SOLUTIONS BRIEF
ployed across its stores throughout the
Netherlands. Aerohive implemented its
APs (access points) across the retailer’s
62 stores and the WLAN now supports
4,000 Motorola MC17 terminals, 62
Motorola MC5s, 62 Zebra printers and
more than 50 computers.
Meru Networks now offers the AP332,
a three-stream 802.11n access point designed to meet the capacity needs of
dense WiFi and high multimedia usage
environments. The access point is said
to deliver up to 50% higher capacity than
two-stream dual-radio access points.
CradlePoint recently expanded its
ARC and COR series solutions for
AT&T’s 4G networks. The CradlePoint
ARC MBR1400 Mobile Broadband
Router is a networking solution for dis-
work that can scale to thousands of access points (with central policy management). The vendor’s NX 9000 Integrated
Services Controller supports as many as
10,000 WiNG 5 APs.
Adaptive Radio Management (ARM)
from Aruba Networks works in tandem with the company’s RFProtect
Spectrum Analyzer to optimize WiFi
client behavior and keep its APs clear
of interference. A band-steering function guides 802.11 clients to the best
available wireless channel. Spectrum
load-balancing dynamically shifts WiFi
clients to available 802.11 channels instead of individual access point radios,
in turn preventing degraded network
performance due to oversubscription of
802.11 channels.
Bandwidth-hungry technologies include
interactive digital signage using gamification; rich, high-resolution customer-facing
images, audio files, and video clips; and
sophisticated traffic/customer counting
applications.
tributed enterprises and retail branch
locations providing wireless backup/
failover and primary network connectivity. The COR series, designed for the
machine-to-machine market, has a small
form factor for high-bandwidth applications such as kiosks, digital signage,
ATMs, vehicles and video surveillance.
Motorola Solutions has launched the
WiNG 5 WLAN solution, which leverages intelligent traffic forwarding and
load-sharing capabilities to bolster the
capacity and resilience of 802.11n networks. A feature called SMART RF also
contributes to network resiliency, while a
flexible architecture enables retailers to
utilize a combination of virtual, local site,
and/or remote NOC wireless controller
deployments in a single distributed net-
30
DECEMBER 2012
27_rsb_1212_v4.indd 3
Calculating the MNS ROI
Not surprisingly, the complexity of the
many issues with which retailers grapple when it comes to ongoing network
management at the enterprise and store
levels has led many players to turn to
Managed Network Services (MNS) providers to handle maintenance, access
control, security and other needs.
In determining whether migrating to
an MNS model is in their best interest,
the degree to which a potential service
provider’s fees might be recouped in
lower broadband rates and increased
availability merits detailed analysis; by
some estimates, any retailer with 50 or
more stores should see rapid payback
from adopting an MNS model.
However, not all MNS providers
are created equal; the importance of
exercising due diligence in assessing
potential MNS partners cannot be emphasized enough. Given the broadness
of the MNS marketplace, criteria used
in evaluating candidates should run the
gamut, from prospects’ qualifications
and resources to their particular service approach. In most cases, retailers
should limit their provider short lists to
vendor-agnostic players whose menu of
services can be adjusted to suit their requirements.
Just as significantly, retailers must
ascertain that any MNS in the running
has the resources to monitor, manage,
and service their entire spectrum of
network endpoints, at the present time
and in the future. The unique needs of
retail networks – for instance, those associated with mobile retail applications
– render retail experience as essential as
networking experience here.
MNS providers are consistently
broadening the range of network management service options available to
retailers and other entities. Spacenet
Inc., a subsidiary of Gilat Satellite
Networks Ltd., earlier this year unveiled
a tiered set of managed services dubbed
the Connect Series that includes four
distinct levels of coverage. These range
from packages offering the basics of
circuit provisioning and day-to-day
maintenance all the way to solution
design that includes a complete review
of business, security and bandwidth
requirements.
In the short and long term alike,
shoppers are certain to increase their
expectations of retailers, whether for
stellar in-store service, unceasingly unimpeded access to merchandise from
multiple sources, multiple payment options or other “perks.” Those that manage their networks with an eye toward
reliability, resilience, security and functionality will remain at the forefront of
their segments, and their stores will remain at the top of customers’ list of preferred shopping destinations. RIS
RIS NEWS.COM
11/28/12 2:39 PM
PLUG IN.
ROAM ON.
STOCK UP.
CHECK OUT.
WiFi. Wired. Cloud. Branch On-Demand.
Connecting and unwiring multiple retail stores while
maintaining PCI compliance has never been easier.
Elasticity. Simplicity. User-Centricity.
Get started with your
free evaluation at
aerohive.com/retail
Hive on.
RIS_CGT_Temp.indd 1
11/13/12 1:49 PM