Purple, a Manchester-based WiFi SaaS company, has launched Netforge, a free suite of 19 browser-based tools for WiFi network engineers. The toolkit consolidates utilities typically accessed through paid subscriptions or scattered open-source projects into a single platform. Netforge covers six categories: IP addressing, DNS, WiFi deployment, connectivity, security, and general utilities. Features include subnet calculators, access point calculators, WiFi channel planners, DNS lookups, speed tests, SSL certificate checkers, and password utilities. All tools run locally in the browser without requiring sign-up or storing data, allowing engineers to use them on client sites and secure networks. The platform is vendor-agnostic and compatible with networks running on Cisco Meraki, HPE Aruba, Ruckus, and Juniper Mist. Purple operates in 89 countries, serving nearly 500 million users across 80,000 venues.

Purple launches Netforge, a free WiFi engineering toolkit that replaces paid subscriptions and scattered open-source apps. Jul. 28, 2026, 12:32 PM Manchester, LANCS, July 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Purple, the WiFi SaaS company and certified B Corp, has launched Netforge, a free suite of 19 browser-based tools for the engineers who plan, deploy and debug WiFi networks. Available now at no cost, with no sign-up and nothing stored, the toolkit brings together in one place the kind of utilities engineers usually pay a subscription for or piece together from a patchwork of open-source projects. Purple has consolidated the essentials into a single console that runs entirely in the browser, on any device, with no account required and no data retained. Network and IT teams have long relied on a mix of paid apps and free-but-scattered open-source tools to get everyday jobs done, from sizing a subnet to checking why a site is slow. Purple has consolidated the essentials into a single console that runs entirely in the browser, on any device, with no account required and no data retained. The toolkit covers 19 tools across six categories: IP addressing, DNS, WiFi deployment, connectivity, security and general utilities. It includes a subnet calculator and VLSM designer, a multi-tenant iPSK subnet designer, an access point calculator, a WiFi channel planner, DNS record and propagation lookups, browser-based speed, latency and jitter tests, an SSL certificate checker, a MAC randomization simulator, and password, QR code and hashing utilities. The tools are vendor-agnostic and sit alongside networks running on Cisco Meraki, HPE Aruba, Ruckus and Juniper Mist. Netforge is designed for technical and non-technical users alike, with plain-language results for anyone who needs a quick check and detailed reports for the IT and network teams solving problems. Because every tool runs locally in the browser and stores nothing, engineers can use them on client sites and secure networks without sending data to a third party or creating an account first. The toolkit is built by the same team behind Purple's guest WiFi, captive portals and location analytics. Alex Mumford, Support and Systems Engineer at Purple and lead developer on Netforge, said: "Juggling lots of different tools in IT can be a bit of a chore, so we wanted to bring everything into one simple interface. Personally, I love not having heaps of apps open cluttering up my screen. But the real win is that anyone can use it. Non-techy users get easy-to-read general checks, and tech teams get the exact detailed reports they need to solve issues fast." About Purple Purple is the leading global connectivity platform that has built the world's largest public WiFi network. Their mission is to make WiFi a secure, seamless, and ever-present utility for everyone, everywhere. A global force with a presence in 89 countries, the platform is a powerful network that serves nearly 500 million users across 80,000 venues, with automatic, secure access to over 5 million hotspots through the Purple app. Press Inquiries Markets Insider and Business Insider Editorial Teams were not involved in the creation of this post. Sponsored Financial Content The most accurate[11] CGM for confident decisions in the moment.Dexcom G7 15 Day shows your glucose numbers in real time, letting you see how decisions about food, activity and medication affect you, helping you spend more time in range[3−7]. Click for data and safety information.Dexcom | Sponsored Spot This Toll Scam Before It Hits Your WalletHow to detect this devious smishing scam and outsmart cybercriminals at their own gameAAA | Sponsored

Purple named finalist in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026. 24 July 2026 Manchester, 24th July 2026 - Purple, the WiFi and analytics platform used by venues in more than 90 countries, has been named a finalist in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2026, shortlisted for Technology Business of the Year. Purple is one of just 11 businesses shortlisted in the category, and joins a national field of almost 200 finalists across 20 categories at the UK's flagship business awards, headlined by Lloyds Bank, with ITV as media partner and the support of the UK government. Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple, said: "Being named a finalist in the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards is a huge moment for our team. This recognition belongs to every one of the 78 people at Purple who help power connectivity for venues around the world, and to the partners and customers who trust us every day. We're proud to be flying the flag for Manchester at Grosvenor House." Amanda Murphy, CEO, Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: "Behind every successful business is a story of ambition, determination and innovation. Inspiring entrepreneurs backing themselves to succeed. That's exactly what the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards celebrates. Purple is bringing new ideas, investing in its community and helping drive growth in the UK. They represent the very best of British enterprise and we're incredibly proud to back them." Founded in Manchester in 2012, Purple has grown into a global WiFi platform now powering more than 80,000 venues across over 90 countries, handling 440 million logins a year. As a certified B Corp and a Gartner Magic Quadrant Visionary for Indoor Location Services, the company continues to help venues turn their WiFi into a tool for better guest experiences, smarter operations and stronger security. Winners will be announced at the gala ceremony at Grosvenor House, London, on Tuesday 10 November 2026, in front of 1,200 business leaders. In keeping with Awards tradition, winners ring the opening bell at the London Stock Exchange and are celebrated at the programme's annual reception at the House of Commons. About purple. Founded in Manchester in 2012, Purple is a WiFi and analytics platform that helps venues connect, understand and engage the people who use their spaces. Its technology powers more than 80,000 venues in over 90 countries and handles 440 million logins a year, across retail, hospitality, healthcare, transport and public spaces. Purple employs 78 people and is a certified B Corp. Find out more at purple.ai. Media contact for Purple: Claudia Hill | [email protected] About the Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards. The UK's flagship business awards programme. Headline partner: Lloyds Bank. Media partner: ITV. Supported by the UK government. 1,200 guests annually at the ceremony at Grosvenor House, London. More than £5 million turnover since launch and over £100,000 raised for charity. The programme hosts an annual reception at the House of Commons and opens the London Stock Exchange each year with its winners. Media contact for the Awards: Joshua Malina | [email protected] | The Content Crafting Company, CBM, 40 Bank Street, London E14 5NR Take the next step with Purple. Explore the products, solutions, and industries that turn this insight into measurable outcomes.