AirTight and Mako Networks Partner to Deliver Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi, Analytics and PCI DSS Compliance

Mako Networks and AirTight Networks today announced a new reciprocal agreement to bundle Mako’s network management system and AirTight’s Wi-Fi technology. The two companies made the announcement today from the annual Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) North American Community Meeting, where the companies are exhibiting.

Working in tandem, the joint solution offers sophisticated yet easy-to-use cloud management ideal for distributed enterprises, coupled with powerful Wi-Fi retail analytics and end-to-end Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance.

“This partnership agreement represents two best-of-breed solutions coming together to offer customers the opportunity to protect their networks and enhance guest services,” said David King, chairman and CEO of AirTight Networks. “Since our first engagement, Mako has been an obvious choice for us as an equally committed partner to making it easy for distributed enterprises to effectively manage their network. Their customer-centric approach makes them a great partner with the right vision.”

In a sample deployment, like a large restaurant or retail businesses with multiple locations, a Mako network appliance connects the site to the Internet using a broadband connection. As the conduit for all Internet traffic, the Mako System is able to collect information about network usage at the site, which is populated into a Central Management System (CMS) that can be accessed by administrators from a simple web interface, with detailed reporting on the network activity across their distributed enterprise locations.

If the primary broadband connection should drop for any reason, the Mako System diverts to a backup wireless cellular connection to keep traffic flowing. Mako also physically segments all payment traffic from the rest of the network, reducing the scope of the network subject to PCI DSS compliance auditing.

The AirTight solution creates a secure Wi-Fi network within the location and performs automated wireless PCI compliance scanning and intrusion prevention. In addition, retailers can integrate social media channels with AirTight’s customizable guest Wi-Fi portals to engage with in-store customers, encourage them to opt into marketing programs and reach out to them via geo-marketing campaigns, such as coupons or special offers. Built-in Wi-Fi analytics deliver insights into customer behavior and trends.

The comprehensive solution brings the combined value of wired and wireless Internet connectivity, delivered specifically for retail and distributed enterprise customers, with powerful Wi-Fi analytics and a complete end-to-end PCI DSS solution.

“AirTight’s Wi-Fi technology is perfect for distributed enterprise customers. Knowing that we can offer our customers a scalable, flexible and secure Wi-Fi option with customer analytics, coupled with our Level 1 PCI DSS certification, greatly extends Mako’s reach and potential customer base,” said Simon Gamble, Mako Networks President for North America. “I know our customers will be equally impressed with AirTight’s solution bundled with our Mako System, and I look forward to our work together in the months ahead.”

Both Mako and AirTight will include the other’s products and services in their international portfolios, as this reciprocal reseller agreement means that partners and customers can now obtain products from either company. Hardware licensing and customer support will be handled by each organization separately.