Aruba Networks

Aruba Networks is a leading provider of next-generation networking solutions for enterprises of all sizes. The company, now a subsidiary of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, specializes in secure, intelligent wireless and wired local area network infrastructure. Its portfolio includes core and access switches, Wi-Fi access points, network management software, and security platforms that enable Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architectures.

History

The company was founded in 2002 in Sunnyvale, California by engineers Keerti Melkote and Pankaj Manglik, who previously worked at Cisco Systems. Its early focus was on addressing the security and management challenges of the burgeoning wireless LAN market, leading to the development of its pioneering wireless intrusion prevention system. Aruba Networks held its initial public offering on the NASDAQ in 2007, trading under the symbol "ARUN". A significant turning point came in 2015 when Hewlett-Packard announced its acquisition of the company for approximately $3 billion, a move completed just before HP split into Hewlett Packard Enterprise and HP Inc.. Under HPE, it operates as a core business unit within the HPE Intelligent Edge division, continuing to drive innovation in campus and branch networking.

Products and services

The company's portfolio is centered on its cloud-native Aruba Central platform, which provides unified management for wired, wireless, and wide area network infrastructure. Its hardware offerings include a comprehensive line of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 access points, such as the Aruba 500 Series, and a family of Ethernet switches like the Aruba CX Series for data center and campus cores. For network security, it offers the Aruba ClearPass policy management platform, which provides Network Access Control and integrates with Active Directory. The Aruba EdgeConnect portfolio delivers SD-WAN and SASE capabilities, while its location-based services are powered by the Aruba Meridian platform and integrate with partners like Zebra Technologies.

Acquisitions

The company has strategically expanded its technology portfolio through several key acquisitions. In 2012, it acquired Meridian Apps, a developer of mobile wayfinding software, which became the foundation for its location services business. To bolster its security offerings, it purchased Avenda Systems in 2013, integrating its technology into the ClearPass product line. A major expansion into the wide area network market occurred in 2019 with the acquisition of Silver Peak, a leader in SD-WAN technology, for approximately $925 million. Earlier, in 2008, it had acquired the wireless mesh networking assets of Azalea Networks to enhance its outdoor wireless solutions.

Corporate affairs

As a wholly owned subsidiary, it operates under the umbrella of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with its executive leadership, including President Keerti Melkote, reporting into HPE's broader organization. The company's global headquarters are located in Santa Clara, California, within the Silicon Valley region. It maintains a significant international presence with offices and research facilities worldwide, serving a diverse customer base across sectors such as higher education, healthcare, retail, and hospitality. The business is a major competitor to other networking giants like Cisco Systems, Juniper Networks, and Extreme Networks.

Technology and standards

The company is an active contributor to key industry standards and consortiums, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for Wi-Fi protocols and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Its technology incorporates artificial intelligence through Aruba ESP (Edge Services Platform), which uses machine learning for automated network optimization and threat detection. A core architectural principle is the implementation of a Zero Trust security model, enforced through dynamic policy orchestration between its infrastructure and the ClearPass platform. Its solutions also support open programming interfaces and integration with major IT ecosystems from vendors like Microsoft, ServiceNow, and Splunk.

Category:Computer networking companies of the United States Category:Hewlett Packard Enterprise Category:Companies based in Santa Clara, California