Sputnik Announces Partner Program for Managed Wi-Fi Service Based on Sputnik Hardware and Software

[June 08, 2004]

Sputnik Announces Partner Program for Managed Wi-Fi Service Based on Sputnik Hardware and Software

SAN FRANCISCO --(Business Wire)-- June 8, 2004 -- Service Providers Gain Central Management of Net and Subscriber Features

Sputnik, whose integrated platform for managed Wi-Fi service has enabled hundreds of providers to build and scale profitable wireless businesses, today announced a reseller partner program. Sputnik reseller partners will supply and support Sputnik-powered wireless hotspots in hotels, transportation sites, and other commercial locations.

Sputnik is the only provider of a fully integrated Wi-Fi hardware and software solution that centralizes all of the wireless network and subscriber management tasks. Using Sputnik award-winning wireless network management software, service providers can deploy in multiple locations without on-location technical expertise. They can provision networks remotely, authenticate and track end users, and manage multiple networks with thousands of subscribers from a single central location. Sputnik supports all service provider business models, including free access, advertising-supported access, and user subscriptions.

"Resellers can install and run wireless networks more profitably, because they can manage the subscribers and the network remotely, over the Internet," said Vesna Swartz, Sputnik vice president marketing and business development. "Using Sputnik to deliver services is a shortcut to profitability for service providers." According to Swartz, service providers who must make onsite visits to monitor and manage hotspots will be challenged to operate profitably in many markets.

Early resellers in the Sputnik program include:

-- Extreme Digital Network, Inc. (XDIGI), a national Internet service provider based in the Dallas area. XDIGI, now in development at Holiday Inn locations throughout California and office building deployments in Chicago, selected Sputnik technology because of the ease of installation and management Wireless access is "rapidly becoming a must-have perk for hotels" according to the Wall Street Journal, which expects 6000 hotels to have wireless networks by year end. (www.xdigi.net)

-- WIFIprime, a Louisiana wireless Internet service provider providing convenient high-speed Internet access to travelers. WIFIprime works with hotels and hotel management companies, airports, mobile Internet providers and aggregators, and other industry groups to fulfill this vision. (www.wifiprime.com)

-- eWireless LLC, specialist in secure, managed Wi-Fi solutions for commercial real estate, property managers, corporate entities and retail businesses in the Greater Indianapolis, IN, area. (www.ewireless.com)

"Sputnik is the only company with an integrated platform having rich functionality on both server and access point," said Joel Shapiro, XDIGI CEO. "Their innovative technology means that we can install and maintain hotspots more profitably. We know at a glance what the subscriber load is, monitor the hardware operation, and even install software updates remotely, for all our customers at all our venues."

The Sputnik reseller partner program includes volume discounts, co-marketing, technical training, and other features attractive to service providers serving multiple customers. Service providers can find more information at www.sputnik.com.

About Sputnik (www.sputnik.com)

Sputnik Inc. provides a fully integrated hardware and software platform that service providers use to deliver and manage Wi-Fi services. 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 200 customers, many of whom are engaging in major deployments in 2004. The privately funded company is based in San Francisco.

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