Tilmon cautioned that there are limitations to the Steelhead devices. For one, they don't increase performance of transactional databases such as Microsoft's SQL Server and Oracle's offering, which the company uses for ERP functions such as timekeeping and payroll and for proprietary software associated with G&T's product. "Where we noticed improvement was with flat files," he said.

Tilmon is also looking forward to support for mobile users. Because the functionality is currently enclosed in a device, "a mobile user in a hotel room cannot take advantage of the technology," he noted.

The Steelhead devices have also led to a reduction in user complaints in the offices where they're installed. "I'm still hearing and seeing help requests associated with WAN performance at the sites that don't have devices," Tilmon said. "The metric we use for success is, if users aren't complaining, we must be doing something right."