Verizon and Motorola increase support for retailers 
ConvergenceAsia staff
13/01/2010

Communications and IT solutions company Verizon Business, in conjunction with Motorola, have unveiled a managed wireless security service that will be offered via Verizon’s Framework for Retail, a new technology platform that Verizon Business is designing to help retailers improve their IT performance and enhance their business processes.

The new managed service and framework, announced at the National Retail Federation (NRF) BIG Show at the Javits Center, are a key part of Verizon Business’ initiative to increase its support for retailers, an important segment of the enterprise market. Verizon Business also recently created Verizon Retail, a retail practice group serving retailers and their specific needs.

“Interoperability is a huge issue for retailers,” said Ravi Bagal, vice president and global managing director – retail, Verizon Business. “Unfortunately, retailers are plagued with a mishmash of applications that often do not integrate with each other and can be disruptive to their business. The new Verizon Framework for Retail solves the interoperability challenge by seamlessly connecting disparate applications and allowing retailers to put technology to work for them.”

Verizon Business’ managed security offering consists of a range of solutions employing Motorola AirDefense wireless security products, which are specifically designed to protect 802.11 wireless local area networks (LANs) against a wide range of threats and unauthorised devices.

The offering, which Verizon Business can monitor or fully manage, will also help retailers comply with PCI (Payment Card Industry) Data Security Standard requirements and more effectively monitor performance and troubleshoot problems.

“Adoption of wireless LAN technologies, fueled by the recent ratification of the 802.11n standard and the performance benefits it offers, continues to rapidly expand in the retail sector and along with it targeted security threats,” said Mark Kroh, vice president of North America Channels, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. “By leveraging Motorola AirDefense’s industry-leading wireless security technologies, Verizon is providing retailers a safe, mobile in-store experience with 24-by-7 management of their wireless networks.”

Verizon plans to deliver the retail framework in three phases. The first phase focuses on selling and managing hosted applications and devices from technology partners such as Motorola, allowing Verizon to seamlessly integrate them across the platform. In phase two, the framework will become available as a service, integrating various solutions using the Verizon network. In the final phase, the framework services will be delivered in the cloud (via the Internet), enabling retailers to turn up or turn down service as needed.

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