Hughes to provide Carter’s with major network upgrade and in-store wireless connectivity

Germantown, Md. -- Children’s apparel brand Carter’s will undergo a major network upgrade to deliver stronger security, better performance, and in-store wireless connectivity to be provided by Hughes Network Systems, a global provider of broadband satellite networks and services, and managed network and application services.



The upgrade, which involves all of Carter’s nearly 500 retail sites, will provide the retailer with significant new functionality. It delivers improved store productivity with Hughes Enterprise Wi-Fi services, enhanced segmentation and security provided by a managed LAN switch and rogue wireless intrusion protection, and improved application performance with increased bandwidth and optimization technology, all fully managed by Hughes.



“We have been a customer of Hughes for over three years and have been satisfied with the network solution and services they have provided us,” said Janet Sherlock, CIO, Carter’s CIO. “When looking to expand our network and applications, Hughes demonstrated that they understood our business and could respond to our needs, allowing us to focus on the bigger picture. We’re gaining more bandwidth, and meeting tougher security and compliance requirements with the network applications and infrastructure, which Hughes manages for us.”



Hughes Enterprise Wi-Fi services will enable Carter’s employees to stay connected, productive, and more responsive within the store. Hughes provides a secure, private wireless connection which protects confidential corporate communications. The supplier’s rogue scanning functionality is a managed wireless scanning and reporting service that will help Carter’s protect against rogue devices from accessing sensitive corporate traffic.



Hughes is also increasing access bandwidth to all store locations which are securely networked via Hughes Optimized VPN services using a variety of technologies, including DSL, cable, 3G, and T1.



In addition, Carter’s is leveraging Hughes optimization technology, integral to the Hughes access router, to increase the virtual bandwidth at each store. The additional bandwidth is needed to support inventory management, human resources and back-office applications, along with point-of-sale (POS) system functions for its Carter’s and OshKosh B'gosh stores.