SpiderCloud Wireless certifies systems integrators
SpiderCloud Wireless has formalized its partnerships with the systems integrators that install its in-building small cell solution. These integrators install SpiderCloud’s system in the U.S. to improve indoor coverage and capacity for Verizon Wireless customers.
Wireless Information Networks and CTS are SpiderCloud’s two “gold” partners, and its “silver” partners include C-Squared Systems, Intenna, ICC Wireless, Multipath, SAI and Vinculums. In addition, SpiderCloud said it has certified 17 additional systems integrators. SpiderCloud said these are the 25 companies that have the most expertise with its small cell solution.
Verizon Wireless has been SpiderCloud’s primary U.S. customer, and is actively deploying small cells for enterprises. When the carrier decides to install a small cell system, it needs to hire an integrator to manage the project.
“This is a way for the integrators to identify themselves with Verizon,” said Art King, director of enterprise at SpiderCloud. He said the carrier is seeing robust demand for indoor small cells.
King said enterprises with multiple buildings are sending out requests for proposals to consolidate all corporate phone service with one provider, if that provider will “provide a small cell allowance” for buildings that need better service. The challenge, of course, is convincing employees who may have another service provider to switch to the chosen provider in order to take full advantage of the corporate network.
So far, all of SpiderCloud’s small cell deployments have supported just one operator. King said his company has built a multi-operator small cell, but could not find a customer for this solution. Systems integrators would like to see a carrier or neutral host provider invest in a multi-operator small cell that integrators could market directly to enterprise customers. Right now, the indoor small cell market is limited in the U.S. by the budgets of the wireless carriers because the carriers pay for the equipment. Integrators believe a multi-operator solution could expand the market because enterprises might pay for their own equipment.
Integrators that have achieved SpiderCloud’s “gold” designation distinguish themselves through their expertise with local area networks, King said. SpiderCloud’s system uses Ethernet to connect the radio units to a small cell controller.
In addition to its partnerships with systems integrators, SpiderCloud has marketing agreements with Cisco and NEC. King said these partnerships have been particularly successful outside the U.S., where SpiderCloud’s carrier customers include América Móvil/Telcel, Avea, Vodafone UK and Vodafone in The Netherlands.
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