Sputnik Inc. launches Hosted WiFI mgmt. service! Be a WISP!

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

AWARD-WINNING SPUTNIK WI-FI NETWORK MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
NOW AVAILABLE AS SPUTNIKNET HOSTED SERVICE

San Francisco—September 21, 2004—Sputnik, a leading provider of
managed Wi-Fi software and hardware, today introduced SputnikNet™, a
hosted service that lets businesses and Wi-Fi providers manage
wireless networks over the Internet, without installing server
software.

SputnikNet delivers the functionality of the award-winning Sputnik
Control Center™ software over the Internet, starting at $19.95 per
month. With SputnikNet, businesses and Wi-Fi providers can build
managed wireless networks simply by plugging access points (APs) into
broadband. No software purchase is required, and no server hardware
needs to be purchased and maintained.

"It's like salesforce.com for your Wi-Fi network," said David LaDuke,
Sputnik CEO. "You get all the benefits of a full-featured management
system, without any upfront investment in server hardware, and without
the overhead of running software."

SputnikNet lowers the technical requirements to manage one or several
wireless access points. According to LaDuke, SputnikNet is an ideal
solution for businesses without technical staff who want to offer
Wi-Fi service to their customers, as well as an easy-to-use addition
for Wi-Fi providers managing multiple networks.

No Wires, No Server, No Problem
Using SputnikNet, businesses can attract and retain customers by
offering free Wi-Fi or charging for it. Each wireless hotspot can have
its own branding, access rights, and pricing. SputnikNet includes
Pre-Paid and RADIUS Modules, enabling hotspots to limit access based
on pre-paid cards, or use their preferred billing system.

"SputnikNet lets me focus on running my business, not on running a
server," said Carlos Rice, CEO of Alana Blue, a Wi-Fi provider based
in Hollywood, California. "It doesn't get much easier than this."

SputnikNet lets network administrators track usage by user and
location, and capture opt-in marketing information about their
wireless customers. Administrators can block usage of specific
protocols such as peer-to-peer file swapping, and secure internal
networks making them available only to employees.

In addition to monitoring real-time network status, administrators use
the secure SputnikNet Web interface to configure APs remotely, create
custom captive portal pages, set network policies, and generate
reports.

SputnikNet future-proofs wireless networks though simplified updates.
SputnikNet provides tools that automate upgrading a Sputnik network by
reflashing APs over the Internet and migrating user account data. A
large network can be upgraded in minutes, with no costly field service
visits.

Price and Delivery
SputnikNet is available now. A SputnikNet Account costs $49.95 to
activate, and can manage any number of Sputnik-powered APs, which
start at $99 for the AP 160. SputnikNet subscription fees are $19.95
per month or $199 per year, per AP. Volume pricing is available for
Wi-Fi providers. All Sputnik access points come with a 30-day
money-back guarantee.

About Sputnik (www.sputnik.com)
Sputnik Inc. provides the leading software platform for wireless
networks and applications designed for businesses, service providers,
and institutions. Remote network and subscriber management allows
cost-effective operation of multiple indoor and outdoor wireless
venues. Sputnik launched its commercial products in November 2003 and
has gained over 300 customers, many of whom are engaging in major
deployments. The privately funded company is based in San Francisco.

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