Wakefern Food Corp., the Keasbey-based retailer-owned cooperative, on Thursday announced plans to extend its services with networking communications and security technology provider Acuative Corp. of Fairfield.
At the heart of the agreement is a multiyear contract to migrate over 400 stores and Wakefern locations to SD-WAN, a software-defined wide area network service model powered by Cisco and Cradlepoint.
Wakefern, whose member companies own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market banners, will benefit from faster throughput, enhanced security and improved network resiliency.
Additionally, Acuative has streamlined and renewed Wakefern’s unified communications calling and contact center licensing.
Acuative will provide real-time technical support for all locations covered and systematically upgrade the backup wireless network connectivity within each location.
“Acuative can enhance some of the core technologies that power retail and office locations, while our Wakefern IT team focuses on new initiatives that will provide even more value for our customers,” Joseph Pregnolato, Wakefern’s information technology director, said.
“The technical expertise that Acuative brings to the relationship means we have a trusted supplier who delivers timely results with the flexibility we need.”
Acuative provides networking and communications technologies as a service via subscription model to a number of major retail and manufacturing customers and sees its relationship with Wakefern as a collaborative fit, providing fast, wall-to-wall wireless network coverage for both employees and customers.
