SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aruba Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARUN), a leading provider of next-generation network access solutions for the mobile enterprise, today announced it is working with Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, to deliver free Wi-Fi at KFC restaurants around Australia.
KFC selected the Aruba Networks solution to drive in-store engagement and deliver highly tailored interactions with consumers via a guest access wireless network. To-date, more than 190 KFC restaurants have implemented the Aruba Networks solution, with a view to extending this to all stores nationally.
Driven by consumer demand to access Wi-Fi while dining in-store, both KFC owned and franchisee restaurants are adopting the solution as it provides a new channel to engage with consumers on a highly interactive platform.
On average, a total of 45,000 sessions were recorded on the KFC free Wi-Fi network over a four week period. These sessions consumed 1,711,132 minutes of browsing and 139,197.35MB data transferred. Devices accessing the network include iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets and laptops.
Saqib Hussnain, Enterprise Systems Manager at KFC said customer engagement was important, but the ability to deliver marketing through video ads, or discount offers was also a key driver. With links to a CRM system, these messages could be personalized.
“Following an extensive international vendor review, we approached Aruba Networks in Australia and were impressed by the technology and complete package offered. The solution has been tailor made to minimize operational impact in our stores and we don’t require any additional cabling or wiring because the access points run over the network. The technology allows us to monitor usage and report on the uptake of Wi-Fi in our stores. Feedback from store owners and customers has been very positive as they now have fast access to a high-performance Wi-Fi network,” said Mr. Hussnain.
The Aruba Networks ClearPass Access Management System has allowed KFC to deliver a customized guest user experience. This includes a KFC-branded splash page and skin developed by Aruba, security of Terms and Conditions upon launch and timed sessions with data limits. With one access point per store, ClearPass traffic is securely tunneled via the remote access points to a centralized Aruba controller, which is scanned by KFC’s content filter.
“It is important we extend the family friendly environment in our restaurants through the free Wi-Fi offered,” said Mr Hussnain. “With Aruba Networks, we have been able to incorporate a filter that works seamlessly with the technology and is in keeping with our timed sessions.”
Underpinning the Wi-Fi on-premises is Aruba Networks’ AirWave Network Management System that provides KFC with centralized monitoring and reporting. AirWave allows the KFC IT team to view the status of all remote access points and controllers. It offers the ability to set alerts in the event of device failure and gives transparency into details such as the number of users connecting, popular locations, data usage, and device types.
Steve Coad, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand for Aruba Networks, said the relationship with KFC signals a trend towards retail outlets embracing free Wi-Fi as a value-add for consumers.
“Savvy organisations such as KFC understand the need to differentiate in a highly competitive retail environment. The Aruba enterprise Wi-Fi solution provides secure mobility, improved application performance in retail environments, greater ease of integration and deployment, and cost-effective scalability. Delivering solutions such as free in-store Wi-Fi encourages consumer interaction and becomes a valuable marketing platform to an already engaged audience,” said Mr. Coad.
About Aruba Networks, Inc.
Aruba Networks is a leading provider of next-generation network access solutions for the mobile enterprise. The company’s Mobile Virtual Enterprise (MOVE) architecture unifies wired and wireless network infrastructures into one seamless access solution for corporate headquarters, mobile business professionals, remote workers and guests. This unified approach to access networks enables IT organizations and users to securely address the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) phenomenon, dramatically improving productivity and lowering capital and operational costs.
Listed on the NASDAQ and Russell 2000® Index, Aruba is based in Sunnyvale, California, and has operations throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions. To learn more, visit Aruba at http://www.arubanetworks.com. For real-time news updates follow Aruba on Twitter and Facebook, and for the latest technical discussions on mobility and Aruba products visit Airheads Social at http://community.arubanetworks.com.
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