12 May 2005
WLAN NOT BEING ADOPTED STRATEGICALLY
Survey Shows 80% of WLAN Deployments Not Providing Accurate Perceptions Of User Benefits
Logicalis Network Solutions, an international provider of high-performance IT integration solutions, today announced the results of a recently commissioned survey into the deployment of WLAN technology amongst UK organisations. The results show that WLAN deployments to date are small and ‘pilot' in nature, with little strategic thought given to user-experience and maintenance. As a result, over 80% of those organisations surveyed were unable to gain an accurate perception of the benefits that can be derived from a full-scale WLAN roll out.
Explanations given for the lack of strategic planning include continuing security concerns, budgetary restrictions and a perceived lack of connectivity when comparing WLAN to the wired equivalent. As a result, only 55% of those piloted deployments have become permanent fixtures on the LAN networks of those organisations.
Tim Wadey, Director, Consulting Services, Logicalis Network Solutions, believes the small-scale nature of these deployments is often the cause of the resulting poor user experience that WLAN users perceive:
"When adopting a WLAN pilot, organisations must develop a long term plan for adopting the technology if the pilot proves to be successful. Deploying ‘pilot' solutions without proper thought will result in unnecessary cost, risk and poor user experience. It is imperative that businesses consider the strategic view, even when contemplating pilot deployments."
As a result of the survey, Logicalis recommends that any implementation of WLAN technology be approached in the same way, irrespective of the long-term plans for deployment. As such, Logicalis offers the following advice in deploying a WLAN solution:
- Survey the location in which wireless is to be deployed in addition to those areas immediately surrounding it. This will ensure that any longer-term, wider deployment of WLAN will not require a complete over-haul when it comes to providing added coverage and capacity.
- Consider the security requirements of the solution as if you were undertaking a longer-term deployment, and implement the tactical or ‘pilot' solution in the same way, or at least with the end goal in mind, as it is unlikely that a tactical deployment will be done with all measures in place due to cost.
- Consider carefully the WLAN equipment you deploy. It may well be that a tactical deployment or ‘pilot' is constrained with regard to budget, and that less expensive consumer devices are considered preferable, but, in doing so, you are not likely to be in a position to assess the true capabilities and value of the solution. You should consider deploying the best-of-breed technology suited to your environment and networking needs.
- Thoroughly research WLAN security devices such as WLAN Gateways and WLAN switches that are available in the marketplace, and how these are able to secure the WLAN and to what standard. Treat the WLAN in the same way as you would the wired LAN in developing policies required to secure it.
- Plan the deployment in such a way as to ensure the minimum of interference from other wireless sources, Consider using the 802.11a wireless LAN specification. The wireless frequency it uses is less congested, and as such is much less susceptible to interference.
Survey Methodology
Logicalis Network Solutions spoke to 150 IT departments in UK SMEs and enterprises. Of those 150 organisations, 120 had piloted a WLAN solution in the previous 12 months.
Logicalis
Logicalis Network Solutions consults, builds, supports and manages assured application solutions for business critical processes. Specialising in IP Communications, Storage and Security, Logicalis' team of experienced network experts design, deploy, maintain or manage high-performance networks and complex IT infrastructures for a wide range of UK businesses – from SME to Enterprise and Public Sector bodies.
Committed to providing customers with compelling solutions, Logicalis evaluate the business issues and objectives through its pioneering specialist Practice Model prior to proposing the deployment of any IT investment.
Logicalis Network Solutions is a part of the Logicalis Group of companies that employs 800 people worldwide, with offices in the UK, US, Germany and South America.
For further information contact
Charlotte Sandy or Barrie Desmond
Tel: 01291 626200
charlottes@cohesive.uk.com
barried@cohesive.uk.com