Wakefern Food Corp. partners with Acuative Corp. for software-defined wide area network expansion and unified communications optimization

Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, has announced plans to expand its services through a partnership with Acuative Corp., a networking communications and security technology provider based in Fairfield. The agreement includes a multiyear contract to transition over 400 Wakefern locations to SD-WAN, a software-defined wide area network service powered by Cisco and Cradlepoint. This move will result in faster throughput, enhanced security, and improved network resiliency for Wakefern’s member companies, which operate supermarkets under various banners such as ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, and Fresh Grocer.

Acuative has also optimized Wakefern’s unified communications calling and contact center licensing. They will provide real-time technical support for all locations covered and upgrade the backup wireless network connectivity in each location. This partnership allows Acuative to leverage its expertise in networking and communications technologies to enhance the core operations of retail and office locations while allowing Wakefern’s IT team to focus on new initiatives that will benefit customers.

Joseph Pregnolato, Wakefern’s information technology director, expressed confidence in Acuative’s technical expertise and their ability to deliver timely results. The partnership is seen as a collaborative fit, as Acuative has experience providing networking and communications technologies as a service to major retail and manufacturing customers. The goal is to provide seamless, wall-to-wall wireless network coverage for both employees and customers at Wakefern locations.