Pronto Networks/Firetide Partner to Deploy Large-Scale Wi-Fi Hot Zones


PLEASANTON, Calif. & LOS GATOS, Calif. -May 05, 2004 /Wi-Fi Technology News/-Pronto Networks, a leading provider of carrier-class OSS solutions for large Wi-Fi hot spot networks, and Firetide, a leader in mesh networking for quickly, easily and affordably deploying large wireless networks, announced a strategic partnership to drive Wi-Fi hot zone deployments.

The combined Pronto Networks/Firetide hot zone solution will enable service providers and Wireless ISPs (WISPs) to quickly, easily and affordably provision, deploy and manage large-scale Wi-Fi networks, specifically hot zones and hot regions in areas such as airports, convention centers, hotels, and major metropolitan areas.

"Both Firetide and Pronto Networks have a shared focus on delivering simplified, plug-and-play solutions for large hot zone deployments that are both access point and radio independent," said Jasbir Singh, CEO of Pronto Networks. "By providing an open, scalable solution that works with every 802.11 standard (a, b, g, etc.) and removing the wired element from the infrastructure, hot zones can be deployed faster, cheaper and more easily."

Firetide's HotPoint(TM) Wireless Mesh Routers replace Ethernet cabling and form a Wireless Instant Network(TM), which eliminates costly and time-consuming provisioning and creates a self-configuring, self-healing mesh network. Firetide networks scale and self-configure instantly by simply plugging HotPoint routers into standard AC power outlets, providing a simple and reliable alternative to standard Ethernet cable.

Pronto's Hotspot OSS(TM) is a carrier-class Operations Support System for large-scale, public WLAN networks. Pronto's OSS is an open, standards-based Wi-Fi service delivery platform that enables rapid, cost-effective wireless broadband deployment and lowers ongoing operational costs. The OSS provides a tightly integrated platform that enables auto-provisioning of WLAN equipment, secure authentication, subscriber management, billing mediation, customer care, roaming settlement and network management, all in a modular platform for optimal efficiency. Today, Pronto's OSS is being used to manage the largest hot zone deployment in the United States.

"We see this as a win for service providers and for end users," said Bo Larsson, CEO of Firetide. "The Pronto/Firetide solution provides anytime, anywhere Internet access for consumers on all 802.11 networks without the distance limitations of wi-fi hotspots. Service providers achieve a rapid ROI due to the reduced cost and time required to install and manage wireless networks."

Pronto Networks' OSS will be on display at the NetWorld+Interop conference in Las Vegas (May 11-13) in Firetide's booth (#2831). For more information on the Pronto Networks/Firetide offering, please visit http://www.prontonetworks.com or http://www.firetide.com.

About Pronto Networks

Pronto Networks, based in Pleasanton, Calif., provides carrier-class Operations Support Systems (OSS) that enable network operators to deploy and manage large public hot spot networks. The company's software handles provisioning, configuration, authentication, access control, security, pre-paid and post-paid billing, and roaming settlement for large public WLAN networks, in addition to remotely managing and updating multi-vendor hardware and Wi-Fi switches. Pronto Networks is funded by BV Capital, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and the Intel Communications Fund. In 2003, Pronto Networks received several awards including Wired Magazine's Top 25 Wi-Fi Companies to Watch, the AlwaysOn list of Top 100 Private Companies, and Computerworld's Innovative Technology Awards. For more information about Pronto Networks, please visit http://www.prontonetworks.com.

About Firetide, Inc.

Firetide, a privately held wireless mesh technology company, develops networking equipment to deploy large Wireless Instant Networks quickly, easily and affordably. Firetide's Instant Networking solution is ideal for building out Wi-Fi networks, video surveillance, and temporary networks in a variety of environments, such as public access HotZones, airports, hotels, campus environments or other locations where wiring is difficult, disruptive, or expensive. Investors include Menlo Ventures, HMS Ventures, and Hawaiian Electric Industries. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.firetide.com.