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Aruba buys Meridian Apps, eyes 'indoor GPS' services

Aruba is looking to combine its enterprise Wi-Fi technology with Meridian's location services to provide context about users and devices.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Aruba Networks on Thursday acquired Meridian Apps, a privately held company, that offers indoor location based services.

With the move, Aruba is looking to combine its enterprise Wi-Fi technology with Meridian's location services to provide context about users and devices.

The aim is to create an "indoor GPS" system to enable applications inside of malls, casinos, arenas and museums. The idea is that companies will be able to better deliver contextual ads, directions and various pitches.

AMNH
Here's an example of Meridian's application in New York American Museum of Natural History.

 

In a blog post, Meridian co-founder Nick Farina said:

Since we launched in March 2011, locations have used Meridian’s software platform to builds apps that let you find exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago, poker tables at the Bellagio, and menswear at Macy’s.

What we found was that we often partnered with wireless network providers when approaching new locations with our software platform. In order to use our indoor location system, locations usually need to install or upgrade their Wifi network. And often this results in the location opening the network up for visitors, which is a win-win for everyone.

So we think it makes perfect sense to join a forward-thinking company like Aruba who really gets mobile and wants to expand the definition of what it means to have a Wifi network.

Separately, Aruba reported a fiscal third quarter net loss of $20.2 million, or 18 cents a share, on revenue of $147.1 million, up 12 percent from a year ago. Non-GAAP earnings were 11 cents a share.

Aruba, which previously said its third quarter would be difficult, said customers were cautious but overall mobility and bring your own device trends would benefit the company.

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