Aruba Network Switches New to Instant On Portfolio

Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, today added Aruba network switches to its Instant On portfolio. The latest addition to the portfolio signals the vendor’s commitment to the small business market.

The Aruba Instant On 1930 Series of switches are smart-managed devices that integrate with Aruba’s Instant On wireless access points. The devices can be centrally managed with the Instant On mobile app. Aruba launched Instant On, its SMB business unit and initiative, a year ago.

Aruba’s Amol Mitra

“Small businesses play a critical role in our communities and, for those that provide essential services, staying connected with their customers has now become a necessity,” said Amol Mitra, vice president and general manager of global small and medium business at Aruba. “For those who are looking for a simple, hassle-free networking solution that provides secure, high-performance, enterprise-like connectivity, that solution exists today with Aruba Instant On.”

A Closer Look

The Aruba Instant On 1930 switch series, an out-of-the box network solution, offers several key features:

• Smart-managed layer 2+ Ethernet switch series ready to deploy in 8-, 24- and 48-port for non-PoE and Class 4 PoE (i.e. PoE+) models.
• PoE to power access points and IoT devices, such as IP phones, surveillance cameras and door locks.
• Two dedicated 1G SFP fiber ports on 8-port models. Also, four dedicated 1G/10G SFP+ fiber ports on 24-/48-port models to eliminate network bottlenecks.
• Security controls to protect against unauthorized access.
• Mobile app and web-based GUI for set up, management and troubleshooting.

The company says its new Aruba network switches are tailor-made for SMBs. Aruba is creating awareness for the Instant On portfolio through distributors and channel partners.

“We want partners to be aware of the value proposition that we have which is simple, smart and secure networking using the Aruba Instant On brand. And, the Instant On promise of the product turning on as soon as you plug it in,” Mitra said in an HPE interview.

The switches will be available on June 1. Aruba Atmosphere, now a digital event called ATM Digital, begins on June 9.

Rival Cisco on Aruba’s Tail

Aruba competitor Cisco on Wednesday announced plans to unveil new Cisco business switches to support small business customers next week at the Cisco Live digital event. In addition to new switches, Cisco plans to announce other products for small businesses. Upcoming products and services include Webex Work and enhanced email security, as well as a Cisco business dashboard. Also expect to see Clsco Meraki Network Assurance for monitoring and troubleshooting network infrastructure in the cloud.

Earlier this month, Cisco expanded its Designed for Business portfolio with new Meraki Wi-Fi 6 access points.

Not too long after Aruba announced its SMB business unit and market strategy, Cisco launched its small business market initiative. Last November, the vendor introduced its Cisco Designed for Business strategy, including sales coverage and partner programs.

In its 2019 Tech Buying Trends Among Small- and Medium-Size Businesses, CompTIA found that 64% of SMBs indicate technology is a primary factor in pursuing their business objectives.