|
contents | technologies | |||||||
| Sirocom's Retail Application Network Is Launched Sirocom announces the launch of their Retail Application Network (RAN), a dedicated and customised managed service offering for the retail sector. Designed to complement the shift towards managed EPoS and credit card acquiring services by retailers, the RAN provides operators of multiples a resilient, much more simplified, and value-enhancing network fabric in order to reduce costs and improve bottom line profits. The RAN fundamentally recognises the adoption of 'thinner' IT infrastructures by the sector in their endeavour to reduce operating costs while improving flexibility and agility in response to fast changing consumer tastes. Simply stated, the RAN replaces the complex telecoms and data networking arrangements that currently exists with a more simplified network designed around broadband and a resilient core network and hosting centres. It is from these hosting centres that critical operational and transactional applications will in future run, including EPOS, credit card acquiring, supply chain, IPCCTV and alarming. The RAN provides both the core infrastructure and application aware architecture in order to provide application quality of service, continuity and consistency. Utilising partnerships with companies including Orange, Tiscali, Cisco, Logic Group, Torex Retail, Kaleidovision and Brightspace Media, Sirocom's RAN has the benefit of being armed with all the necessary applications and services upon which the retail and leisure sector are reliant. Direct benefits include: • Lower cost managed acquiring service • No upfront capital cost option • Simplified IT infrastructure – lower operational costs • Adapts quickly to change, with flexible contractual terms • Faster resolution of EPoS problems and upgrades, minimising till outage • Introduces revenue generating services In addition to operational applications, the network offers the opportunity to realise new managed media and digital signage services, offering retailers and merchants the opportunity to generate new 'network' based revenues from advertising and promotional campaigns. JD Sports is the first of Sirocom's customers to adopt the RAN concept, and is currently trialling in-store media streaming. Critically, whilst enabling these exciting new services, the core aim of Sirocom's RAN is to reduce complexity, lower costs, improve productivity and generate revenue. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Networking News :: home page |