GFI WiSe uses a simple-to-deploy lightweight sensor on a local machine near each access point, in conjunction with a web-based cloud management console. After deploying the sensor, WiSe automatically identifies nearby wireless networks and access points, which can then be easily monitored and managed via an intuitive dashboard that can be accessed using a variety of browser-equipped devices.

GFI WiSe works with a company's existing systems, regardless of make and model, eliminating the need to make large investments in compatible hardware. GFI WiSe's vendor agnostic approach makes it an ideal option for SMBs who want a centrally-managed solution that controls costs around usage monitoring while assuring their network is secured and protected from rogue access points.

GFI WiSe features include:

    --  Vendor and AP agnostic: There's no need to replace existing access
        points, as GFI WiSe works with any existing hardware. As a result, costs
        are kept low and the need for forklift upgrades of equipment are
        eliminated, along with vendor lock-in.
    --  Remote management of Wi-Fi networks: GFI WiSe's cloud-based console
        makes networks accessible from virtually anywhere via a web-based
        console.
    --  Wireless vulnerability assessment and detection: The GFI WiSe wireless
        intrusion detection system (WIDS) enhances security by detecting threats
        and vulnerabilities, including rogue access points in and around an
        organization's wireless network, alerting IT staff to their existence.
    --  Bandwidth monitoring: GFI WiSe sensors monitor the wireless connections
        and traffic on the access point. Sensors poll into the web console on a
        configured interval over a secured connection. Upon check-in, the sensor
        sends updated device connection and usage information to the web
        console.
    --  VIP Monitoring: GFI WiSe enables the ability to mark certain devices as
        "VIP." This ensures admins receive instant alerts when those devices
        connect to the network, and indicates their location. With complete
        knowledge of the SSID, access point and device the VIP is using, IT
        staffs can ensure business continuity for executives on the move.
    --  Real time alerts: GFI WiSe enables IT administrators and wireless
        network managers to monitor their networks via the dashboard. In
        addition, support staff can receive real-time alerts for critical and
        warning events via SMS or email. The graphical reporting tool allows
        users to easily attain detailed network usage information and share it
        with stakeholders.

"GFI WiSe is a vital tool for IT administrators to monitor, manage and secure their wireless estate," said Sergio Galindo, general manager of the Infrastructure Business Unit at GFI Software. "Its monitoring capability helps reduce wireless network down time, its management capability enables users to manage wireless networks with multiple locations, and its security feature does everything from identifying rogue access points and detecting all client devices connecting to their wireless network to locating threats and vulnerabilities in client networks. It is a very simple and straightforward way for IT administrators to monitor and manage their networks at a very reasonable price point."

The growing need for powerful Wi-Fi network management and oversight in SMBs was reinforced by a recent independent survey of 1,000 U.S. employees conducted by Opinion Matters, which revealed 97 percent of respondents reported using their personal mobile device for work. With BYOD becoming more pervasive in the workplace, the amount of devices connecting to the network, despite employee headcounts remaining the same, is growing rapidly. This creates the added responsibility for already resource-strapped SMB IT administrators to have to manage and secure their Wi-Fi networks to accommodate the influx of devices. In the same survey, nearly 40 percent of users surveyed admitted to using mobile devices to circumvent existing IT security and data policies in the workplace. Furthermore, 20 percent of those surveyed had no security measures enabled on their mobile devices, including AV, PIN numbers, access passwords or remote wipe capabilities, making their devices the weakest link in a Wi-Fi network.