SUNLIGHT/FIRETIDE DEPLOY ENTERPRISE WIRELESS NETWORK.

Firetide, Inc., a leading developer of multi-service wireless mesh networks, and Sunlight Service Group Ltd, the U.K.'s leading supplier of textile rental and laundry services, have announced the successful deployment of an enterprise wireless network deployment based on Firetide wireless mesh technology. A key deployment challenge was how to deploy new network workstations, in uncabled factory-floor locations, without disrupting production. The new wireless system delivers all of the ERP (enterprise resource planning) services needed by employees everywhere within Sunlight's facilities, and is vital to maintaining the company's high productivity.

Sunlight's 106-year old manufacturing plant makes traditional data-cabling difficult. The plants are filled with huge machines, and are busy places with workers and laundry constantly on the move. A key issue was how to deploy new workstations, with network connectivity, in un-cabled areas, without disrupting the workplace. Wireless mesh networking technology from Firetide resolved the dilemma.

"Cabling in this environment is difficult, expensive, disruptive and inflexible," said Jeff Roberts, Sunlight's Applications Support Manager. "We chose Firetide wireless mesh networks because they are simple and quick to implement and can easily be extended, moved or removed. In many instances they cost less to install than cabling."

Firetide mesh networks deploy quickly, and are self-forming and self-healing. Sunlight has deployed Firetide Wireless Mesh nodes at four sites, and based on the positive results obtained so far, plans to install Firetide nodes at its 50-plus sites across the U.K.

"Firetide is pleased to have been selected by Sunlight for this critical enterprise application," said Magnus Gunnarsson, Firetide's VP of Sales and Business Development in Europe. "Their deployment shows how Firetide's wireless technology makes it possible to expand network applications to the factory floor, in a challenging radio environment, without disturbing ongoing production."

Each Firetide nodes offers four Ethernet ports for connecting network devices. Sunlight has deployed thin client terminals, printers, and bar-code scanners, for both production applications and office work. Companies can also deploy video cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP applications. Firetide's wireless mesh easily delivers sufficient bandwidth for multiple thin-client users. The system also allows for an instant redirection of data should a link become disabled. Redundant paths keep data traffic flowing between nodes despite any issues with a particular link.

Improved efficiency and reduced cost were key in choosing wireless mesh over re-cabling. Sunlight saved money by using its in-house staff to install the mesh networks. Siracom, Firetide's UK distributor, trained Sunlight engineers to install their own wireless mesh systems. The engineers have been trained to configure the systems and were given sufficient background training in RF to enable them to correctly position the mesh nodes and antennas.

Sunlight supports its Datacentre, service desk and network operations from corporate headquarters in Basingstoke, west of London. Engineers use Firetide's HotView Pro mesh management software to enable central management of all the meshes at the various sites and to ensure that wireless signal strength and quality are within tolerance.

Sunlight knows the laundry business well, and the company has had ample opportunity to improve it during the last century. Today it has embraced another new technology -- wireless mesh networking -- helping it to remain efficient and competitive as it enters its second hundred years.

About Firetide, Inc.

Firetide is the leading provider of multi-service mesh networks that enable concurrent video, voice, and data for municipal, public safety, and enterprise applications. Firetide HotPort mesh nodes and HotPoint access points provide a reliable high performance wireless infrastructure and access solution for video surveillance, Internet access, public safety networks, and temporary networks wherever rapid deployment, mobility, and ease of installation are required. The company's patented AutoMesh flow-based routing protocol optimizes network performance and capacity for high bandwidth and latency sensitive applications. Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, Firetide is a privately held company with worldwide product distribution.

For more information, visit http://www.firetide.com or call 408/317-8985.

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