Ecuity, Inc., (OTCBB: ECUI.OB), an end-to-end unified communications and technologies company serving the small-to-medium business and residential markets, and Colubris Networks, announced today that the Quality Food Center (QFC) division of the Kroger Company (NYSE: KR) has selected the Colubris/Ecuity WLAN System to provide Wi-Fi hotspot services to their customers. Six QFC Kroger supermarkets in the Seattle area currently use the WLAN system.
The innovative WLAN system jointly designed by Ecuity and Colubris now allows QFC customers high quality, wireless broadband Internet access while shopping, dining, studying or relaxing in the upscale shopping environment. Customers can access the Internet with any Wi-Fi enabled laptop, PDA or pocket PC. Additionally, customers can download Ecuity’s Smart Call™ mobile Voice over Internet (VoIP) phone service, and make phone calls to anywhere directly from the QFC hotspot.
“Working with Ecuity and Colubris has allowed us to now offer complimentary wireless broadband Internet access to our customers,” said Dean Olson, Sr. Director of Marketing and Advertising, QFC. “We are committed to providing a quality and upscale shopping experience, and thousands of our customers have taken advantage of this unique amenity.”
King Cole, Ecuity’s president, said, “It has been a pleasure working with QFC and their stores are just the right environment for Wi-Fi users. We are proud to provide the ability for their customers to have broadband Internet access and the opportunity to use our Smart Call mobile VoIP service as well.”
The WLAN system that was tested and deployed at QFC includes the Colubris’ CN3200 Access Controller — a “hotspot in a box” platform – to provide public Internet access. It provides reliable and secure user authentication, service presentation and per-user billing support.
The Colubris Networks WLAN System
The Colubris Networks WLAN System provides enterprise and service provider customers a scalable, multiservice WLAN solution that seamlessly integrates with existing LAN/WAN infrastructures. Based on a family of Centralized WLAN Management, WLAN Services Controllers and Intelligent Access Devices, the solution provides service-aware Wi-Fi QoS and security for legacy and next generation Wi-Fi voice, data and video applications and services. The solution is optimized for performance, scalability and ease of deployment with the ability to scale from a handful of devices and applications on a few sites to an extensive network of thousands of sites, users and applications.
Businesses interested in a WLAN solution for providing wireless Internet access can visit www.ecuity.net or call 1 866-41 VTONE (1 866-418-8663).
About Ecuity, Inc. (www.ecuityinc.com)
Ecuity is a provider of end-to-end unified communication technologies for the small- to medium-business market. Ecuity uses secure next-generation voice services, instant messaging, data transfer, internet, conference calling and enterprise software to create solutions that meet the communication needs of today’s business world. As a facilities-based carrier, Ecuity has operated as a traditional telephone company for 17 years, providing service to thousands of customers in the Northwest.
Through the integration of web-based telecommunications and cutting-edge software technology, Ecuity economically delivers secure unified communication solutions that break down distance, time and media barriers to allow people to communicate anywhere, anytime and across multiple mediums. Ecuity has offices in Bellevue and Seattle, Washington.
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks manufactures and sells an award-winning WLAN product family to service providers and enterprises worldwide. Its WLAN System enables superior customer flexibility and control in the secure delivery of voice, data, and multimedia Wi-Fi applications and services to mobile workers, customers, partners, suppliers and guests. Colubris Networks’ equipment is deployed by more than 1,000 organizations worldwide.
