HPE2-W07 Selling Aruba Products and Solutions Questions and Answers

The Aruba Software Platform is a next-generation, cloud-native architecture that enables you to accelerate digital business transformation through automated network management, Edge-to-cloud security, and predictive AI-powered insights1. It is programmable, with an API-first design that helps to encourage automation and integration1. It does not use proprietary technologies that prevent third-party integration1, nor does it embed the ArubaOS-CX Network Analytics Engine (NAE) into all wired and wireless infrastructure23, nor does it offer exclusive cloud deployment1.

 You should explain that Aruba Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) lets non-experts connect Aruba APs and switches, which then automatically receive their config from Aruba Central2. ZTP is a feature of Aruba ESP Unified Infrastructure that simplifies network deployment and management.

Virtual intranet access (VIA) is part of the Aruba remote networks solution intended for teleworkers and mobile users1. It detects the network environment (trusted and untrusted) of the user and connects the users to the enterprise network1. Branch Gateway, Instant On APs, and Virtual switching extension VSX are not designed for this use case.

Aruba as-a-Service solutions offer predictable budgets, converting large capital payments into monthly payments. Aruba as-a-Service solutions enable customers to consume Aruba products and services in a flexible and scalable way that aligns with their business needs and budget constraints. Aruba as-a-Service solutions include SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), NaaS (Network-as-a-Service), and MCS (Managed Connectivity Services).

According to Aruba’s website1, Aruba Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are solutions that allow customers to consume Aruba’s technology as a service with HPE GreenLake for Aruba. This means that customers can access Aruba’s entire portfolio of networking, security, and edge services without having to own or manage any hardware or software.

What distinguishes an Aruba SaaS solution from a simple subscription-based solution is that with the SaaS solution, Aruba handles maintaining and updating the software2. This means that customers do not have to worry about software patches, upgrades, or licenses. They also get access to the latest features and innovations from Aruba.

https://www.arubanetworks.com/solutions/naas/

Aruba User Experience Insight (UXI) sensors continuously monitor the WAN and suggest settings to optimize1. Aruba UXI sensors are part of Aruba’s SD-Branch solution that encompasses each element within a branch – WAN, WLAN, wired, and security – to address all of your IT network connectivity needs2.

Virtual Switching Extension (VSX) helps to reduce downtime for a network core of ArubaOS switches, while also providing a simple architecture4. It enables high availability and load balancing across multiple switches without using complex protocols.

One distinguishing feature of Aruba NetInsight and User-centric Service Assurance is that they help deliver a better user experience with in-depth network analytics to assess user, device, and application connectivity45. Aruba NetInsight is a cloud-based monitoring and analytics tool that compares similar Wi-Fi networks and provides configuration recommendations for improving network performance and the quality of users’ mobile experience6. Aruba User Experience Insight (UXI) is a solution that uses sensors and end-point agents to test Wi-Fi and application performance from the user perspective and provide proactive alerts and troubleshooting help .

Preference for the newest technology4. Aruba as-a-Service solutions offer customers a flexible way to consume the latest network technology without upfront costs or long-term commitments45.

Aruba AlOps not only points out problems, but it also provides actionable recommendations such as the precise AP settings to adjust in order to solve issues. This helps IT teams to optimize network performance and user experience.

Discussing with the customer how IT could achieve more if resources were freed up by Aruba Central1. Aruba Central is a cloud-based platform that automates network management and optimization, reducing IT workload and costs23.

Asking what are their plans to expand and secure their network can help you purpose an Aruba switching opportunity with a customer by understanding their current and future needs and challenges.

This customer could be a great candidate for an Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform) Unified Infrastructure solution. Aruba ESP is a cloud-native platform that enables customers to harness the power of data at the edge using AI and automation. It provides a unified infrastructure for wired, wireless, and WAN networks that delivers a better user experience, reduces OpEx, and simplifies management for IT staff.

The topic of improving customer satisfaction scores and the role of mobile apps in their strategy is relevant to Aruba’s location-based service solution and its value proposition.

A branch office that needs a simple deployment is a scenario for which Aruba Instant APs are the recommended wireless solution12. Aruba Instant APs are controllerless APs that can form a self-organizing and self-healing mesh network with one AP acting as a virtual controller (VC) that automatically configures and manages other APs12. This simplifies the deployment and operation of branch networks without requiring additional hardware or software licenses12. A home office that needs a simple way to connect to a corporate office is not a scenario for which Aruba Instant APs are the recommended wireless solution; rather it is a scenario for which Aruba Remote APs (RAPs) are the recommended wireless solution. RAPs are controller-based APs that can establish secure VPN tunnels with an Aruba Mobility Controller (MC) located at the corporate office and provide seamless access to corporate resources for remote workers3. An enterprise that needs automation and centralized management is not a scenario for which Aruba Instant APs are the recommended wireless solution; rather it is a scenario for which ArubaOS 10 (AOS 10) APs are the recommended wireless solution. AOS 10 APs are distributed network operating system (DNOS) devices that can be managed by Aruba Central, a cloud-based platform that provides automation, AI-powered optimization, and unified wired and wireless management24. An enterprise that needs bluetooth for location-based services is not a scenario for which Aruba Instant APs are the recommended wireless solution; rather it is a scenario for which Aruba Beacons or Tags are the recommended wireless solution. Beacons and Tags use Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) technology to provide indoor location data for mobile apps that can enhance user engagement, wayfinding, asset tracking, and analytics56.

 Aruba IntroSpect uses machine learning to detect attacks and malicious behavior on the inside of the network by analyzing network traffic and user activity3.

 Clustering with ArubaOS 8.x and above provides seamless failover and live upgrades for mobility controllers by enabling controller redundancy and load balancing across multiple controllers.

Aruba Zero Trust Security solutions give customers greater insight into their environment using analytics and AI456. This is an advantage over competitive solutions that do not have this capability.

A good question to ask a customer who might benefit from an Aruba mobile engagement strategy is “How could a mobile app help you find innovate ways to increase customer satisfaction scores?”12. This question helps qualify the customer by assessing their interest in using location-based services and personalized push notifications to enhance the guest experience at their venues12. Aruba mobile engagement is a solution that enables new location-aware services and personalizes the visitor experience by infusing mobile apps with context-aware location services and personalized push notifications based on guests’ opt-in preferences12.

Aruba MM enables Aruba AirMatch, which better optimizes RF in dense environments than simple Adaptive Radio Management (ARM)12. AirMatch is a feature that uses cloud-based algorithms and machine learning to dynamically optimize radio frequency (RF) settings such as channel, power, and band steering for all access points in a network12. AirMatch can also coordinate RF optimization across multiple controllers and Mobility Masters1.

Many customers’ IT staff lack adequate time and expertise to manage and secure the network1. Aruba Unified infrastructure solutions can help customers resolve this challenge by simplifying and improving IT operations with a cloud-native single point of control across campus, branch, remote, and data center locations12.

Despite economic downturns, a majority of SMBs are planning to replace IT infrastructure1. According to IDC, SMB IT spending will grow by 7.1% in 2021 and reach $676 billion1.

Customers are increasingly interested in network access control (NAC) and continuous monitoring for anomalies as they deploy more Internet of Things (IoT) devices1. IoT devices introduce new security risks and challenges for network management, as they often lack built-in security features, use different protocols and standards, and generate large volumes of data1. NAC solutions can help identify, authenticate, and authorize IoT devices on the network, while continuous monitoring solutions can help detect and respond to any abnormal or malicious behavior.

Connecting their people and devices at the edge with Aruba Unified Infrastructure1. Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform) is a cloud-native platform that enables you to accelerate digital business transformation through automated network management, Edge-to-cloud security, and predictive AI-powered insights12. Aruba Unified Infrastructure is the foundation of Aruba ESP that unifies multiple network elements for centralized management and control3.

Aruba Client Match is aware of which clients support Wi-Fi 6 and distributes clients across APs so as to optimize throughput1. Aruba Wi-Fi 6 APs provide high-performance, medium-density connectivity for enterprise networks of any size1. They also support features such as OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and Target Wake Time for better multi-user performance and improved efficiency1.