MERU (MM)

K-12 BYOD Programs Lag Student Demand, Hindering 'Gen Wi-Fi' and the Rise of the 'Intelligent Classroom': Industry Survey

New Survey From Meru Networks Illustrates Divide Between Potential and Actual Use of In-School Wi-Fi

SUNNYVALE, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 25, 2014) - A recent survey conducted by EdNET Insight for Meru Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: MERU) shows that while K-12 campus Wi-Fi deployments and student use of mobile devices are significant, schools' formalization of BYOD policies and programs that would enable greater use of mobility is still relatively low. Insufficiently supporting 'Gen Wi-Fi' -- the growing ranks of users who typically have two or more mobile devices everywhere they go -- is slowing the development of the 'Intelligent Classroom,' where the impact of teaching and learning is maximized through mobility.

On-campus availability of wireless network access is widespread, with approximately 80 percent of respondents saying their schools offer Wi-Fi in all indoor areas, 18 percent covering outdoor areas and 40 percent saying that Wi-Fi is the primary means of network access for both staff and students. However, schools who have formally endorsed BYOD are still a minority. Only 40 percent of high schools, 28 percent of middle schools and 20 percent of elementary schools said that their schools allow students to bring their own mobile devices to school and use them in the classroom.

Thirty-seven percent of high schools, 28 percent of middle schools and 14 percent of elementary schools responded that their students spend more than 25 percent of their day online, with approximately the same numbers having implemented 1:1 school-issued mobile device programs.

"Lack of formal BYOD policies is hindering 'Gen Wi-Fi' and its growth in the use of mobile devices in educational settings, slowing the true development of the 'Intelligent Classroom,'" said Sarosh Vesuna, vice president and general manager of Meru's business units. "The effects of this will be felt when students reach college, where BYOD is a given and in-class device use is close to 100 percent."

The online survey of more than 60 education technology coordinators, network system administrators, assistant superintendents and others with responsibility for high schools, middle schools and elementary schools was conducted in May 2014. Download the full report here: http://bit.ly/1jM38a8.

About Meru Networks Meru Networks (NASDAQ: MERU) is a leader in intelligent 802.11ac Wi-Fi solutions, delivering uninterrupted user experience for education, healthcare, hospitality and enterprise. The Meru MobileFLEX architecture is designed to enable seamless roaming with traffic separation for critical applications, providing top performance and high capacity in high-density environments. Visit www.merunetworks.com or call (408) 215-5300 for more information.

©2014 Meru Networks. Meru and Meru Networks are registered trademarks of Meru Networks, Inc. in the United States.

Press Contact Wilson Craig Director of Public Relations Meru Networks +1 408 516 6182 wcraig@merunetworks.com