HPE powers new AO wireless network to enhance customer service and business ops

AO has implemented HPE Networking solutions. The online retailer says that it is modernising its legacy wireless access network with the Mist AI platform, connecting a diverse range of devices and streamlining IT operations across all its 26 offices and logistics centres.

“AO exemplifies how forward thinking enterprises are using AI native networking to drive real business outcomes,” says Mark Weeks, UK & Ireland, sales director, HPE Networking.

“By adopting a cloud managed, AI native networking architecture from HPE, AO has gained robust, secure connectivity that spans corporate offices and complex operational environments. The advanced Mist platform delivers actionable insights and intelligent automation, empowering AO to accelerate decision-making and sustain competitive agility in a dynamic market.”

“We’re a developer centric organisation, and we saw the opportunity to use the HPE Juniper Networking platform to drive data led decisions around internal user experiences, leading to amazing customer experiences,” says Matthew Brooks, Network Team Lead at AO.

“The ability to see exactly what devices are on the network and to leverage real-time device and occupancy analytics enables us to make smarter, faster business decisions, in IT and across our entire operations.”

AO has deployed HPE Juniper Wi-Fi at its head office, design hub, creative studio and several logistics sites with plans to extend coverage to all its logistics and recycling centres. Wi-Fi Assurance optimises the wireless to meet the service level expectations (SLEs) set by the IT team and provides one-click root- cause analysis and remediation to boost network experiences and performance. 

The Marvis AI Assistant enables proactive actions and self-driving network operations. As it constantly ingests data and learns from network devices and applications, IT teams can resolve issues with increased accuracy. Marvis Client provides Wi-Fi insights from the end user point of view.

AO plans to use indoor location services to optimise desk and meeting room utilisation. By leveraging location data, the team can identify usage patterns and address peak-time demand more effectively.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by VenHub Global, 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

Check out our finalists here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2026 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2026 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.