How HPE is Targeting Retail Computing with IoT Platform
The retail industry faces mounting pressure to modernise operations as digital transformation changes consumer expectations.
Retailers now must process vast amounts of data from connected devices, manage inventory across multiple channels and provide seamless customer experiences both online and in-store.
These demands require network infrastructure that is capable of processing data at the edge - where it is generated - rather than in distant data centres.
Security presents an additional challenge, as the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices creates new vulnerabilities.
Each connected sensor, camera, or electronic shelf label represents a potential entry point.
Against this backdrop, the announcement at NRF 2025: Retail's Big Show focuses on expanding HPE Aruba Networking's capabilities to support retailers' digital transformation efforts across store operations, warehousing and customer experience.
HPE Aruba Central powers IoT security
HPE's new offerings include AI-powered features in HPE Aruba Networking Central - a cloud-based network management platform - which monitors outdoor Wi-Fi performance and detects unusual IoT device behaviour that could indicate security breaches.
“Retailers facing challenges in warehousing, inventory control and omnichannel fulfilment need comprehensive and secure connectivity to enable digital modernisation and enhance customer experiences.”
The platform addresses security concerns around IoT devices, which can provide entry points for cyber attacks.
It also monitors data uploads and downloads from devices such as cameras, electronic shelf labels, RFID tags, energy sensors and motion detectors.
The solution includes the 750 Series wireless access points, designed to secure, process and deliver IoT data in real-time for AI retail applications and these access points provide a secure connectivity platform for the increasing number of IoT devices at retail network edges.
HPE expands edge computing portfolio
HPE has additionally introduced the Aruba Networking 100 Series Cellular Bridge, which provides backup network connectivity using cellular radio signals when fibre or broadband connections fail.
- HPE Aruba Networking 750 Series access points process IoT data in real-time
- 100 Series Cellular Bridge provides backup when fibre/broadband fails
- CX 8325H switch: 18-port half-width design for compact spaces
This aims to maintain critical services such as payment processing and enables rapid deployment of temporary retail locations like kiosks.
The company has further launched the CX 8325H switch, designed for compact retail spaces, which integrates with HPE's ProLiant DL145 Gen11 server for edge computing.
Customer experience enhancement
The platform includes features to optimise retail curbside operations by monitoring and improving Wi-Fi network performance in outdoor areas.
It can automatically adjust transmission settings when passerby traffic interferes with customer transactions and for retailers with geographically distributed locations, the system reduces the complexity of network management and minimises the need for on-site IT visits.
Furthermore, the solution integrates with HPE GreenLake Cloud services and edge computing systems to enable remote management of resources.
Partner ecosystem drives retail innovation
HPE has expanded its IoT Operations dashboard to incorporate third-party applications from retail technology partners, now including Hanshow, which develops electronic shelf labels, and Simbe, which created an autonomous robot for tracking product location and stock levels.
Other partners include SOLUM, providing digital signage solutions and VusionGroup, offering computer vision AI.
Zebra Technologies also contributes hardware for omnichannel retail operations, including RFID scanners and environmental sensors.
The partner ecosystem aims to build retail applications for various functions including real-time video for fraud detection, inventory management, location analytics, and pricing optimisation.
These applications are delivered through HPE's IoT partner portal.
“Retailers facing challenges in warehousing, inventory control and omnichannel fulfilment need comprehensive and secure connectivity to enable digital modernisation and enhance customer experiences,” says Stuart Strickland, Wireless Chief Technology Officer at HPE Aruba Networking.
“HPE’s networking solutions bring real-time IoT data processing and AI inferencing closer to the source of data generation to fuel omnichannel shopping strategies that increase revenue.”
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