Connect with us

Features

Building seamless connectivity

Published

8 years ago

on

Bart Bomers, VP Linksys EMEA and Amanulla Khan, Managing Director, Linksys, Middle East, Turkey & Africa discuss how the networking vendor is building and enhancing its reach into the growing wireless networking segment, especially in the consumer space.

It has been about three years since Belkin acquired Linksys. Shortly thereafter, Linksys also relaunched its SMB portfolio. The Brand in the past couple of years has consolidated its presence in the channel and retail, with an expanded portfolio of products. The networking brand has also had some significant technology launches in the recent past and perhaps the most significant among them would be its Mu-MIMO technology routers that promises to enhance the wireless connectivity experience for home users.
The manufacturer continues to address the consumer side of the Business as a strong focus. This will continue to be the manufacturer’s primary focus.
Bart Bomers, VP Linksys EMEA who was at the Linksys booth during GITEX Technology week says, “Traditionally, our focus has been stronger in the consumer space. When we acquired Linksys about three years ago, Linksys was focused primarily in the consumer space. We are continuing to invest in that space and expect to see continued growth in the segment. This will be a large part of our Business.”
In the consumer space, the vendor’s extensive portfolio of routers for instance addresses expectations of different user profiles. The manufacturer has also expanded its consumer range with Mu-MIO routers and range extenders.
Amanulla Khan, Managing Director, Linksys, Middle East, Turkey & Africa says, “We have our entry level E-series which are the wireless-n routers. Then we have the smart routers, the EA series, which supports smart WiFi. We also have the Max-Stream routers which supports MU-MIMO. We offer the widest range in MU-MIMO routers for consumers.”
Alongside, the Business products portfolio has also been sufficiently strengthened to address the best opportunities. The restart of Business in the SMB space was one of the key steps after Linksys was bought out.
Bart elaborates, “When we acquired Linksys, we also restarted the initiatives into the commercial space. In the last 2 years, we have introduced a full portfolio of products. Traditionally, adoption in the commercial or Business space has been a bit slower than in the consumer space but we understand this. The commercial Business has picked up and is going along quite well as is the consumer Business.”
The SMB Business for Linksys in the region has seen steady impressive growth, opines Amanulla.
He elaborates, “In the MEA, since we launched our SMB product portfolio, we doubled our business and in the last year, we have been able to see an increase by 65%. There is a huge demand and adoption of Linksys SMB products. Even in the current market scenario, we believe we will see a higher double digit growth. We are displacing a lot of competition. We are continuing to recruit SIs and value add resellers.”
Further, the manufacturer concedes that some of its consumer range products may be finding their way into small business environments as they look for affordable solutions. In fact the manufacturer has positioned its solutions for Businesses in the affordable range and has expanded what it offers for enabling wireless connectivity in Business environments.
Amanullah says, “While it is true that some of our consumer routers could be used in small offices, we have specially designed Business solutions and this includes two VPN routers. We also have access points in our Business portfolio which include ceiling or wall mount access points. We have also launched clustering solutions wherein we can support up to 16 access points at the same time. Clustering enables easy management of core AP functionality without the cost and complexity of cloud-based controllers or hardware wireless LAN controllers. This reduces the costs and complexity of managing multiple wireless access points. There seems to be a lot of demand for the wireless AC products in the Business space also.”
In Access points addressing Business users, the manufacturer launched the LAPAC2600 Business Pro series MU-MIMO Access point and reports that initial market feedback has been promising. The LAPAC 2600 is built with MU-MIMO capabilities that deliver next-generation Wi-Fi MU-MIMO technology for high-density performance and maximum data rates up to 2.53 Gbps.
The manufacturer continues to consolidate in its areas of core focus. At the same instance, the manufacturer for the moment doesn’t see surveillance as an area of core focus.
Amanulla says, “While we had relaunched our SMB focus with a full portfolio, since then surveillance has not been a core focus although we continue to offer our products. The focus has been on the wireless and then the switching solutions on the PoE front where people need affordable solutions.”
Resurgence of the WRT
One of the strong product families for Linksys in the router segment is the WRT series that was also reintroduced after the landmark buyout. This strategic decision has provided Linksys access to the demanding prosumer segment in the region.
Bart says, “When we acquired Linksys, we decided to bring back the WRT brand which has been quite popular earlier with the launch of WRT 1900AC Dual Bank Wi-Fi Router. We have launched a new router in our WRT lineup, the WRT3200ACM. It offers open-source firmware support for OpenWRT or DD-WRT, and no parental controls or other bloatware. It also comes with up to 512MB of DDR3 RAM, eSATA and USB like the last model, making it easier to load and run custom firmware. It is aimed at users who want to use custom firmware or own a purpose-built router. The router features the blue and black color scheme of the original WRT54G.”
He adds, “This could be targeting the prosumers- hardcore gamers and network professionals who are quite demanding about performance from their networks. We have also been noticing that the product has been quite popular with traditional consumer segment as well perhaps because people in general may have less clarity about what speeds suit their requirement and may be upgrading only on basis of owning the ‘best of the best’. “
Amanullah elaborates on the spectacular success of the new launches from the WRT series. He opines that the models are runaway success in their niches over competition.
He says, “Like its predecessors, the WRT 1900 AC and WRT 1900 ACS- the two versions of the WRT routers we launched, too in turn became among the fastest selling models in the region. At a gaming roadshow in Saudi Arabia for instance, we had lent our WRT 1900 AC routers where there were gaming routers form our competitors as well but we had bloggers lauding the high performance of the WRT routers. In the prosumer space, we are quite popular with the WRT and there is hardly any competition for these products. In the retail space, you can notice a good extent of space dedicated to these routers because of their popularity.”

Pioneering Mu-MIMO
The manufacturer has positioned Mu-MIO as a technology that is transformational in terms of the wireless connectivity experience in the home segment. MU-MIMO technology (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output technology) which is also known as Next-Gen AC or AC Wave 2—allows a Wi-Fi router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. This decreases the time each device has to wait for a signal and dramatically speeds up the network.
Earlier in the year, Linksys unveiled MAX-STREAM AC5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router with MU-MIMO (EA9500) routers with Smart Wi-Fi Software applications, which the manufacturer claims is one of the most powerful tri-band routers on the market and delivers premium business-grade connectivity to the home. Alongside, it also unveiled the first MU-MIMO-enabled USB adapter the Linksys MAX-STREAM AC600 USB MU-MIMO Adapter (WUSB6100M) that upgrade Wi-Fi technology in smart devices.
The vendor claims that its Mu-MIMO models have been well received by the market, justifying the faith it has placed on the technology and its pioneering initiatives.
Amanullah says, “When everyone was talking about triple band routers, we believed that MU-MIMO would be the technology that will change the wireless experience for consumers. We were the first to launch it last year EA8500 – supporting upto three devices simultaneously. This became top selling. We have recently launched the EA 9500 which is triple band Mu-MIMO that can support upto 8 devices simultaneously. Within 30 days, according to GFK, it became the fastest selling router in the market. With EA 9500, we have also launched a Mu- MIMO range extender. That combination gives true seamless network connectivity. The extender also works with EA 8500 and EA 7500.
Along with the launch of the MAX-STREAM AC5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router, Linksys also unveiled the first range extender with next-generation AC Wave 2 technology – MU-MIMO the Linksys MAX-STREAM AC1900+ MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE7000).
Bart says, “Range extenders within the past two years have been the fastest growing in the network space. It is a sizeable market and about 35-40 % of the value market. These range extenders make a huge case with the fact that they ensure you are always connected to the best signal strength. We will look at launching new solutions that could take this to the next level.

While the company maintains a policy of making products available in all markets simultaneous with the global launch, Bart concedes that there could be exceptions to the rule in the case of products that may be sold only in specific markets.
He says, “As a policy, when we launch our products, we make them globally available. However, we do make choices in certain product categories which may have to do with technicalities. For instance, in the US retail market, we offer the DOCSIS modems. We don’t have those in the MEA.”
Overall, the networking manufacturer continues to forge its way ahead and deeper into the market with exceptional focus around its traditional strengths when it comes to product lines, which on their own seem to be offering a rapidly growing market opportunity in the region.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Features

Redefining Real Estate: The Rise of Wellness-Centric Spaces

Published

3 months ago

on

March 14, 2025

By

By Mark Phoenix – CEO of Sankari

The way we think about real estate is evolving, and at the heart of this change is a renewed focus on wellness. As we become more aware of the profound impact our living environments have on our health and well-being, it’s clear that real estate must go beyond aesthetics and luxury—it must support a lifestyle of vitality and longevity. To me, true luxury is no longer defined solely by opulence but by spaces that promote health, balance, and connection.

The demand for wellness-oriented spaces is growing rapidly, and real estate developers must rise to meet it. Today’s buyers are looking for more than just high-end finishes and exclusive locations—they want environments that enhance their well-being. Integrating wellness features such as fitness centers, yoga studios, meditation areas, and holistic health services is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. These spaces don’t just add value to a property; they create communities that create physical health, mental clarity, and social engagement.

Wellness-centric design is about more than just adding amenities—it’s about creating environments that encourage movement, relaxation, and human connection. By prioritizing well-being in real estate, developers can offer residents a lifestyle that aligns with modern values and aspirations. These spaces cultivate a sense of belonging, allowing people to come together in ways that enrich their lives beyond the walls of their homes.

Beyond individual benefits, wellness-focused communities have a lasting impact on society. As more people seek out homes that support their health, the real estate industry has an opportunity to lead this cultural shift. Developments that incorporate sustainable materials, biophilic design, and eco-friendly building practices not only benefit residents but also contribute to a healthier planet.

In the ultra-luxury segment, this focus on wellness is especially meaningful. The most sought-after properties are no longer just about extravagance—they are about creating a sanctuary where people can rejuvenate both physically and mentally. True luxury lies in thoughtful, health-driven design that enhances everyday life in meaningful ways.

Designing for wellness also means partnering with visionary architects and designers who understand the importance of both form and function. In regions with challenging climates, for example, innovative solutions can help reduce environmental impact while enhancing comfort and efficiency. Securing sustainability certifications like LEED further reinforces a commitment to responsible development and aligns with the global movement toward eco-conscious living.

For me, integrating wellness into real estate is more than just a trend—it’s a deeply personal mission and a strategic imperative. The places we live should do more than just shelter us; they should actively contribute to our health and happiness. By embedding wellness into the very foundation of luxury real estate, we’re not just shaping beautiful spaces—we’re shaping better lives.

Continue Reading

Features

We are bringing tradition to every table in just five minutes

Published

4 months ago

on

February 20, 2025

By

Kerala breakfast

Exclusive Interview with Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO International Business, Orkla India

In this exclusive interview, Ashvin Subramanyam, CEO of International Business at Orkla India, shares insights on the brand’s participation at Gulfood 2025 and its mission to blend tradition with innovation in the Middle East. With the launch of Eastern’s 5-Minute Breakfast range and a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, Orkla IMEA is redefining convenience without compromising on authenticity.

What can we expect from Orkla IMEA’s presence at Gulfood 2025, and how significant is this event for your brand’s growth in the region?

At Gulfood 2025, Orkla IMEA, subsidiary of Orkla India, is set to make a strong impact by unveiling the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range, designed to bring the authentic flavors of Kerala to the fast-growing ready-to-cook market in the Middle East. In addition, visitors can expect a refreshed Arabic spice portfolio, reflecting Orkla India’s continued commitment to catering to the diverse culinary preferences of the region.

Gulfood is a key platform for us as it enables us to showcase our latest innovations to a global audience, including retailers, distributors, and food industry leaders. The Middle East is a strategic market for our expansion. By blending tradition with convenience, our goal through this event is to become a household name across diverse communities in the region, reinforcing our commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation in packaged foods.

How does Gulfood help Orkla IMEA connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners, particularly in the Middle East?

Gulfood serves as a vital gateway for Orkla India to connect with new markets, consumers, and industry partners through its subsidiary Orkla IMEA in the Middle East. As one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade exhibitions, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders, including retailers, distributors, and hospitality businesses, facilitating strategic partnerships and market expansion.

For Orkla India, this event is instrumental in understanding regional consumer trends, preferences, and evolving dietary habits, particularly in the fast-growing packaged food sector. The launch of the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range and refreshed Arabic spice portfolio at Gulfood allows us to showcase our innovation in convenience-driven yet authentic culinary solutions.

By participating in Gulfood, we strengthen our brand presence, foster collaborations with regional partners, and position ourselves as a trusted name in ethnic and mainstream food categories. It’s a key milestone in our vision to become a household name in the Middle East.

Eastern is set to unveil its preservative-free quick South Indian 5-Minute Breakfast range. What was the inspiration behind this concept?

The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range was inspired by the growing need for convenient, time-saving meal solutions that do not compromise on authentic taste and quality. South Indian breakfasts, particularly Kerala’s traditional dishes, are deeply rooted in culture, requiring significant time and effort to prepare. However, with modern lifestyles becoming increasingly fast-paced, many consumers struggle to recreate these meals from scratch.

Recognizing this shift, Eastern set out to bridge the gap between tradition and convenience by crafting a range that retains the authentic flavours and textures of Kerala’s most-loved breakfasts while eliminating the long preparation time. The preservative-free formula ensures that consumers enjoy fresh, wholesome meals made from high-quality ingredients in just three easy steps, ready in five minutes.

With this innovation, Eastern empowers busy professionals, young families, and expatriates to stay connected to their culinary heritage without compromising on their schedules, making traditional breakfast accessible anytime, anywhere in just 5 minutes.

Can you give us an insight into the development process behind this 5-Minute Breakfast range, especially in maintaining authentic South Indian flavors without preservatives?

The development process for our 5-Minute Breakfast range began with a deep understanding of our consumers’ evolving lifestyles and their desire for authentic Kerala-style breakfasts that eliminate a lengthy preparation process. We identified a unique need-gap: while traditional dishes like Puttu, Appam, and Idiyappam are much-loved, the time and effort they require can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world.

Our journey involved benchmarking these dishes to the traditional methods used by homemakers, capturing the essence of how an amma would prepare them at home. This set the standard for the flavor profiles we aimed to achieve. The challenge was to replicate the authentic taste and texture while ensuring our products were preservative-free.

Our R&D team worked tirelessly, conducting extensive trials to balance authenticity and convenience. Through our innovation center we crafted recipes that retain the goodness of traditional Kerala breakfasts while being ready in just five minutes. With this range, Eastern redefines breakfast convenience, allowing families to savor the true flavors of Kerala in a fraction of time.

With over one million Keralites in the UAE, how does Eastern plan to cater to both the traditional tastes of this community and the broader multicultural audience?

With almost two million Keralites in the UAE, Eastern understands the deep emotional and cultural connection this community has with its traditional cuisine. The Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range is designed to preserve the authentic flavours of Kerala while offering a convenient solution for modern lifestyles. By using high-quality ingredients and a preservative-free formula, the range ensures that the taste and texture remain true to tradition, making it an ideal choice for Malayalees longing for home-cooked meals.

While there are other instant and ready-to-eat options in the market, Eastern’s range stands out by offering dishes like Puttu and Palappam, which traditionally require culinary expertise and time-consuming preparation. These dishes are not widely available in the quick- convenience food category.

At the same time, Eastern is expanding its reach to a broader multicultural audience by showcasing South Indian cuisine as a flavourful, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare option for all. The simplicity of the 3 Easy Steps preparation makes these dishes accessible to non-South Indian consumers who are eager to explore new flavours. Through strategic retail partnerships, digital outreach and and aggressive in-store sampling, Eastern aims to introduce and establish South Indian breakfast as a preferred choice for consumers in this region.

What’s one thing about Orkla IMEA that people might not know but should?

While Orkla IMEA was incorporated recently, we have been in the region for over 25 years now, through our brand Eastern.

Continue Reading

Features

2025 Hospitality Tech Trends

Published

4 months ago

on

February 12, 2025

By

By Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO, Hudini

As we approach 2025, the hospitality industry is poised for transformational growth, driven by evolving traveller preferences and advancements in technology. The future of hospitality promises enhanced convenience, personalisation and sustainability, with a significant focus on creating memorable experiences for guests. Let’s dive into five key trends that will shape the hospitality tech landscape in 2025 and beyond.

  1. The Continued Rise of Frictionless Technology

The increased demand for frictionless experiences is set to dominate the industry, with more and more travellers preferring hotels that offer touch-free check-in, check-out, and room access via mobile apps. This trend reflects a broader shift towards easy interactions powered by seamless digital integration. Mobile apps have been an essential tool for a few years now, enabling guests to manage their stays, order room service, and access hotel information effortlessly. With the introduction of Gen AI, those apps have become more powerful than ever and are now able to provide highly personalised recommendations and speak in different languages.

Hotels embracing this trend will gain a competitive edge, as tech-savvy travellers prioritise convenience and efficiency during their stay. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, around 72% of travellers are more likely to choose a hotel that offers mobile check-in and check-out services over those that don’t.

  • Hyper Personalised Guest Experiences

In 2025, personalisation will continue to be at the core of hospitality services but will finally be taken to the next level thanks to Gen AI. Guests expect hotels to anticipate their needs and offer tailored experiences, from customised room settings to personalised dining recommendations. Apps powered by AI are now able to predict guest needs based on a wealth of data, ingested from the hotel systems or fed externally.

Leveraging guest data and insights, hotels can create unique offerings that cater to individual preferences. This level of personalisation not only enhances guest satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and repeat bookings. According to Oracle’s findings, biometrics and AI are set to play pivotal roles, with 62% of guests valuing automated recognition for personalised interactions. Biometrics will experience a breakthrough into mainstream hospitality in 2025. Facial recognition technology has matured significantly and is ready to be weaved into the guest experience. It will enable better security and guest recognition while protecting their privacy at the same time.

  • AI-Enabled Customer Service

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising every aspect of the hospitality industry, but will be by itself a new way of providing customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming standard tools for handling common queries, offering instant support, and streamlining operations at any time and in any language.

AI-driven solutions not only enhance efficiency but also provide guests with 24/7 assistance, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience. By integrating AI technologies, hotels can free up staff to focus on delivering exceptional in-person service.

  • Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a necessity often enforced by regulation. Travellers are increasingly favouring hotels that adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using locally sourced food, implementing energy-efficient operations, and reducing waste.

By prioritising sustainability, hotels not only meet guest expectations but also contribute positively to the environment. This commitment to green initiatives enhances brand reputation and attracts environmentally conscious travellers. A recent survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global respondents believe more sustainable travel is vital, with 49% believing there aren’t enough sustainable travel options and 53% saying they get annoyed when a hotel prevents them from being sustainable.

Smart use of technology is key in the sustainability journey of hotels. Technology can accurately measure the reduction in carbon footprint, it will help reduce energy and adopt renewable energy sources, and will enable the effective management of food waste. Many hospitality apps allow guests to apply green energy settings to a room, some will even exchange your energy savings to loyalty points.

  • The return of ‘real’

With Gen Z – the first generation grown up with everything digital – becoming the next large group to travel, the craving for ‘real’ experiences is bigger than it ever was. Hotels focusing on truly unique and hyper local experiences; a great meal, cultural outing, or wellness treatment will win the hearts of this generation.

Fortunately hotel apps, AI, automation of processes, sustainability tech and the removal of cumbersome processes like checking-in and studying paper manuals will free up hotel staff to allow them to do what they do best: providing unforgettable, personalised and sustainable experiences.

Continue Reading

Trending

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator