Aruba Networks has acquired leading wireless LAN management vendor AirWave Wireless for $37 million.

Head of strategic marketing for Arbua, Michael Tennefos notes that:

… the acquisition gives Aruba the tools to apply its “unified network” concept across the various wireless topologies and technologies that enterprises are adopting, and blend these more seamlessly with the existing wireline infrastructure.

AirWave began as a wireless application service provider that started writing its own network management software to manage the multiple brands on the market. Right now, AirWave supports all the major players, such as Cisco, Aruba, Avaya, Foundry, 3Com, and other vendors.

AirWave’s flagship product is AirWave Management Platform, or AMP.

[AMP] It offers real-time monitoring and trend reporting on each wireless device and user, and network configuration, all from a single console. Management tasks can be segmented and limited to specific IT groups or individuals, and AirWave provides different classes of management functions, ranging from WLAN network specialists to helpdesk staff.

Pending regulatory approvals, the deal is expected to be finalized in March.