Amer Networks and PowerCloud Systems Collaborate to Deliver the World's First Cloud-Managed Wireless Networking Solution Designed Specifically for the Education Market

TORONTO, Ontario and PALO ALTO, Calif., April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Amer Networks, a manufacturer and global distributor of networking, storage and security products, in collaboration with PowerCloud™ Systems, creator of the world's first cloud-based management platform for networking OEM companies, today announces the launch of the first cloud-managed Wi-Fi solution designed specifically to meet the connectivity, budgetary, and ease-of-use needs of the education market. 

Amer's Wi-Fi solution, the WAP223NC Access Point and Managed Software, empowers school districts and individual campuses to quickly deploy and easily manage robust 802.11n wireless environments that provide enterprise-class functionality but cost only a fraction of traditional enterprise solutions.  The WAP223NC is powered by CloudCommand™, a proprietary networking platform developed by PowerCloud Systems that radically reduces total cost of ownership by managing networking equipment and resources through an Internet-based virtualized controller.

"By combining enterprise-class features with unprecedented affordability, Amer delivers a game-changing Wi-Fi solution to the education market," said Wai Lee, chief executive officer of Amer Networks.  "Schools desperately need robust Wi-Fi networks, but cash-strapped school districts have struggled to afford appropriate solutions.  Now the low-cost WAP223NC makes reliable, easy-to-use Wi-Fi a reality.  For nearly 15 years, Amer has supported thousands of education customers in this dynamic sector, and we're thrilled to collaborate with PowerCloud Systems to digitize the classroom."

"Amer Networks thoroughly understands the diverse needs of the education space, and we're excited that they chose CloudCommand," said Jeff Abramowitz, president and chief executive officer of PowerCloud Systems. "With the proliferation of handheld wireless devices in schools, digital textbooks, 1:1 laptop initiatives and the increasing need to support high-bandwidth applications such as streaming video, schools are making Wi-Fi a critical part of their educational infrastructure.  Amer is perfectly positioned to take the lead in the 802.11n Wi-Fi adoption trend."  

The WAP223NC provides administrators with a single tool to remotely manage wireless networks in one or more locations and is ideal for K-12 school districts that require reliable connectivity across multiple buildings, enhanced security, reporting features, and safe guest Internet access.  The solution works equally well for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and is particularly suited for the retail, hospitality and healthcare markets.  

Benefits of the WAP223NC Access Point and Managed Software include the ability for network administrators of all expertise levels to:

• Deploy multiple, self-configuring access points in minutes
• Concurrently and remotely configure and manage all access points via a simple browser with no additional hardware required on site
• Automatically secure laptops and other devices with two-factor authentication
• Allow connected users to securely roam across buildings or networks
• Respond quickly to real-time alerts about network issues
• Monitor use and generate reports and network statistics

About PowerCloud Systems

PowerCloud Systems delivers cloud-based software that OEMs integrate with their business networking products. The CloudCommand online platform makes networking equipment and resources dramatically easier to deploy, configure, secure and manage - all at a very low cost. Based in Palo Alto, Calif., PowerCloud Systems is a spin-out from PARC that is funded by PARC, Walden Venture Capital and Javelin Venture Partners.  For more information, visit www.powercloudsystems.com.

About Amer Networks

Amer is a manufacturer and global distributor of networking, storage and security products.  Since its founding in 1997 in the education enterprise sector, it has earned the reputation as a provider of reliable hardware backed by the most comprehensive support and customer-appropriate product warranties on the market.  Through it growing reseller network, Amer is expanding into the SOHO/SME market with a growing line of innovative, value-laden products that enhance productivity and improve efficiency – anywhere and everywhere that people connect.   For more information, visit www.amer.com.

For More Information, Contact:
Ian Hassard
Amer Networks
[email protected]
+1.800.262.9703

Brian D. Johnson
PowerCloud Systems, Inc.
+1.925.337.8911
[email protected]

SOURCE PowerCloud Systems