McKINNEY, Texas | May 1, 2012 | A group of AV and IT industry veterans led by David Robbins (former integrator and Klipsch regional sales manager) and Douglas Bowman (over 15 years in IT network deployment and management for fortune 500 companies), announced today the launch of FiROBO Corporation. FiROBO provides enterprise level managed network solutions for the residential and commercial A/V integrators that are easy to install, maintain, expand, and support. The result is increased productivity, increased profitability, and peace of mind for all stakeholders in the value chain.
“We formed FiROBO to address the unique needs of the A/V integrator in an IT world,� commented Robbins. “The growth in complex networked entertainment and automation systems has been driving the demand for enterprise-level managed backbone IP networks. However, design, deployment and remote management of those networks is a challenge for A/V integrators. FiROBO’s products and services provide the ultimate solution.�
FiROBO’s Products:
FiROBO commercial-grade products enable a dealer to design and install a managed network easily, without having to have special IT knowledge themselves or employ a full time person that does. “Our zero configuration solutions are designed to be installed and online in a matter of minutes. No more headaches of configuring custom routers, firewalls, or device access restrictions,� added Douglas Bowman. “Everything for the dealer is truly plug and play.�
Thanks to the inclusion of cutting-edge technologies that offer high performance while being backwards compatible, the simplicity of FiROBO’s product line-up removes the first level of complexity that an A/V integrator faces when designing a managed IP network, regardless of size or scale. Featuring a router (“Janus�), a wireless access point (“Juno�, in POE, wall plug or outdoor versions), and the integrator’s choice of Cisco managed or unmanaged switches, system design is easy. Those that still don’t feel confident can contact FiROBO directly for design assistance.
FiROBO can then preconfigure the system either prior to the shipment of hardware or onsite via a remote internet connection, providing the A/V integrator with the ultimate flexibility over other solutions.
Janus Router: FiROBO’s customized solutions start with the company’s Janus Zero Configuration router, a commercial-grade product. This preconfigured 4-port router installs easily and works automatically upon plugging it in. Janus is remotely managed and monitored.
Juno Wireless Access Point: Firobo’s Juno 802.11n wireless access point features wireless mesh networking system which allows for easy system scalability. Installation options include PoE (power over Ethernet) injectors that allow for maximum flexibility of WAP placement in an installation. Two enclosures are sold separately – an outdoor enclosure for weatherproof, outdoor use, or wall plug enclosure. “FiROBO’s Juno solution provides the World’s ultimate enterprise-grade retrofit network solution and provides unlimited scalability for any size of installation residential or commercial,� added Robbins. The Juno Wireless Access Point is also plug and play, and remotely managed & monitored.
Cisco® switches. FiROBO is a Cisco Premier Partner and authorized reseller of Cisco switches offering a line ranging from 8-52 port gigabit switches in both layer 3 managed and unmanaged versions.
All FiROBO products are commercial-grade and designed to provide best-in-class reliability and carry a 1-year warranty. FiROBO products are available for purchase currently.
FiROBO Remote Network Monitoring Service:
FiROBO offers a 24/7 annual subscription service package to manage the network past initial deployment to enhance profitability and peace of mind. “We probably know about the status of the end user’s installation before the end user does and picks up the phone to call their integrator,â€� added Robbins. FiROBO’s remote network monitoring service provides information about the status of the end user’s internet service provisioning and the status of the local area network. But the service doesn’t just stop there — FiROBO can remotely re-boot routers and access points for remote troubleshooting and inform the A/V integrator as to what needs to be done on site should they require an onsite visit, thereby enhancing network reliability and profitability for the integrator. Firmware updates for the networking components are also provided by FiROBO automatically via a remote connection, saving time and money for custom installers and enhancing end user satisfaction. FiROBO also includes a 1 year, limited warranty on Janus and Juno products when purchased with this package.
About the Management Team:
The FiROBO management team has a combined background over 50 years in audio, video, automation, and IT networking. FiROBO network solutions have been battle tested with such control systems as Crestron®, AMX®, Savant®, Control 4®, URC®, and many others. Additionally, FiROBO is a Cisco Premier Certified Partner and hold the following certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise Information Technology (CGEIT), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL v3), and Project Management Professional (PMP).
About FiROBO:
Headquartered in McKinney, Texas, FiROBO Corporation is a global company that provides custom, pre-configured IP network solutions for the residential or commercial systems integrator, resulting in dramatic improvements in productivity, serviceability, and peace of mind. FiROBO’s solutions are tailored around the specific needs of each customer, pre-configured by our network experts, and are guaranteed to work in any deployment big or small. For more information, visit www.firobo.com.