DUBAI, May 29, 2003.  HP ProCurve Networking announced an integrated suite of mobility and convergence solutions that deliver enterprise-class security for both wired and wireless deployments, increased mobile productivity and enhanced communications for customers.
 
The solutions are based on the HP ProCurve Networking Adaptive EDGE Architecture, announced earlier this year, which provides companies affordable, intelligent control of complex networking applications at the edge of a network. As part of this architecture, the suite of offerings provides a convergence-ready infrastructure that can be affordably deployed without network redesign, delivering appropriate user access across a broad range of environments.
 “Our top priority is to support our users’ mobile requirements with persistent and secure wired and wireless connections while letting administrators apply network access policies appropriately,” said Jason Lathrop, director of technology, Connecticut Regional School District, No. 8. ”With HP ProCurve, we have state-of-the-art security and precise control of the entire wired and wireless LAN. HP ProCurve Networking enables us to deliver the integrated voice, video and data applications that our students, teachers and administrators need.”

The solutions introduced enable the HP ProCurve Virtual Lobby, a secure enterprise local area network (LAN) designed to provide an enterprise’s guests and visitors essential network services where, when and how they are needed. Applications could include meeting rooms for customers, Internet-ready seminar facilities, wireless job applicant access to human resource information, or Internet access, printing and e-mail resources.
 
“Enterprises are looking for more effective ways to communicate with both wired and wireless networks,” said Ivan Kraemer, sales & marketing manager, HP ProCurve Networking Business HP Middle East. “By making it easy for enterprises to extend their network and ultimately their brand to guests, the HP ProCurve Virtual Lobby provides appropriate access based on guests’ unique needs while ensuring the experience is more productive and powerful.“
 
New solutions and product enhancements include:
  • The HP ProCurve Secure Access 700wl series with seamless roaming, precise control of user access and state-of-the-art over-the-air data privacy without the need for proprietary virtual private network (VPN) client software. The 700wl series adapts to the existing  network infrastructure and does not require extensive changes.
  • The HP ProCurve Enterprise Access Point 520wl enhancement with both 802.11a and 802.11b support. HP ProCurve intends to support the 802.11g standard when it is ratified by the IEEE standards body.
  • HP ProCurve Switch 5300xl series enhancements provide a choice of secure access methods including Web-based user authentication without the need for special client software for non-802.1X networks and support of a broader range of client devices.

  • Enhanced IP telephony support and multi-vendor interoperability testing ensures a universal voice-over-IP (VoIP) infrastructure giving customers the flexibility to choose the VoIP solutions that best fits their needs.

  • HP ProCurve’s Power over Ethernet includes new stackable switches with integrated power and an HP ProCurve Switch 5300xl series blade and external power system.

HP ProCurve Secure Access 700wl Series
The HP ProCurve Secure Access 700wl series provides users a secure, reliable and seamless connection as they roam across an enterprise’s physical network. Network managers can precisely control wireless access by user, by location and by time of day, making the wireless network as secure as the wired network. The series also offers simplified and centralized management and is compatible with any VPN client, that is, it doesn’t require any special client software.
 
With the Secure Access 700wl series, guest support for a virtual lobby is easily implemented. The solution integrates with the existing network infrastructure and authentication servers and provides flexibility in wireless deployments, whether network services are required in selected areas, such as a lobby or conference room, or for an enterprise’s entire campus.
 
The 700wl series solutions come with a one-year hardware warranty and are expected to be available this summer.
 
HP ProCurve Switch 5300xl Series Upgrade
The Switch 5300xl series upgrade includes support for Web-based user authentication enabling the network to detect a Web browser’s launch, compare the user/client information to an authorized user list and allow approved guest users to log onto the network. Supporting both wired and wireless functionality without the need for special client software, the Switch 5300xl series upgrade also supports authentication of a broader range of client devices for RADIUS authentication.
 
Convergence-ready upgrades include PIM dense mode support, automated phone discovery, bandwidth control with guaranteed minimums or enforced maximums and strict queuing via guaranteed minimums.
 
Universal VoIP Infrastructure and Power Over Ethernet
HP ProCurve Networking offers a universal VoIP infrastructure, according to recently completed tests by the Tolly Group. These tests showed that HP ProCurve multi-service networks deliver equal or better voice quality with Mitel, Cisco and 3Com VoIP solutions, giving customers choice and flexibility in vendors and solutions. More information about the Tolly Group report is available at http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve.
 
As part of its efforts to further interoperability – and thereby protect current investments and increase choice and flexibility for customers  HP ProCurve is introducing a Switch 5300xl series blade based on the proposed IEEE 802.3af standard for supplying Power over Ethernet (PoE) cabling. The PoE standard is designed to reduce the cost and complexity of deploying IP telephones and wireless access points. HP ProCurve expects to deliver the 5300xl series standards-based PoE blade and external power system with up to 15 watts per port in second half of this year.
 
HP ProCurve Networking also plans to introduce 802.3af-compliant stackable switches with integrated power with 7.5 watts per port and fully loaded external power supplies and power management this fall.
 
More information about HP ProCurve networking solutions and products, including pricing for the 700wl series products, is available at http://www.hp.com/go/hpprocurve.

-Ends-
 
About HP
HP (NYSE:HPQ) is a leading global provider of products, technologies, solutions and services to consumers and businesses. The company’s offerings span IT infrastructure, personal computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. HP completed its acquisition of Compaq Computer Corporation on May 3, 2002. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.
 
About HP Middle East
HP is the largest IT company in the Middle East employing about 500 people in the region. HP has been present in the Middle East since 1968, and opened its first regional office in 1994 and has offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar servicing the GCC, the Levant and Egypt. For more information about HP in the Middle East, please visit www.hp.com/me
 
Editorial Contact:
HP Middle East
Abdulaziz Mohammed
Tel: 9714 3916000
abdulaziz.mohammed@hp.com
 
Briony Peters
Hill & Knowlton for HP
bpeters@hillandknowlton.co.ae
 
Hewlett‑Packard Middle East
P O Box 17295
Dubai Internet City
Dubai
U A E
www.hp.com/me

© Press Release 2003