Renault Truck partners with ALK Technologies to launch Renault NavTruck app

Renault NavTruck guides drivers to their destinations with detailed spoken directions and clear 3D map displays. On-screen alerts will warn the driver about potential truck hazards ahead or if a wrong turn along a restricted route is taken. Vehicle and load dimensions can be saved as individual profiles to make it easy to switch between different trucks. Up to 50 stops or waypoints can also be entered into individual itineraries, with trip optimisation and toll road avoidance options available so drivers can calculate the most efficient route.

Renault NavTruck includes high quality NAVTEQ street maps enhanced with NAVTEQ Transport™ commercial vehicle attributes. These maps contain the location of thousands of low bridges, narrow roads, truck hazards and truck-restricted roads. Thousands of useful Points Of Interest for professional drivers are also preloaded including Renault Truck service locations.

Michael Kornhauser, Managing Director, CoPilot Live Division says “We are delighted to enter into a strategic relationship with Renault Truck to introduce this breakthrough product to the market. With CoPilot Truck technology at its core, Renault NavTruck customers will benefit from the most advanced commercial vehicle routing available in the market today. "

"This navigation app is the basic ingredient missing for intelligent transport of goods. Once the drivers try out NavTruck, they won’t be able to do without it," says Bruno Chazalette, Soft offer strategic planning Vice President, Renault Truck.

Renault NavTruck will initially be available for the iPhone in Europe with additional form factors and operating systems to follow.

About ALK Technologies
ALK Technologies has been developing innovative mobile navigation and transportation technology solutions since 1979. ALK’s award-winning CoPilot® Live™ GPS navigation apps are among the most award-winning in the industry and among the best-selling on app stores worldwide including iTunes and Android Market. CoPilot Live is the navigation platform of choice for mobile operators, hardware OEMs and enterprise systems integrators globally.

About Renault Trucks
Active in 100 countries via 1,500 sales and service outlets, Renault Trucks designs, manufactures and distributes HGVs and LCVs for both civil and military applications, from 2.5 tonnes to 60 tonnes. It is committed to putting the prestige back into the road haulage industry for the benefit of its customers and those who drive its vehicles.

LANCOM selects Sierra Wireless to provide LTE and HSPA+ connectivity for business routers

15 February 2011 - Sierra Wireless today announced that LANCOM, a leading German manufacturer of enterprise network solutions, has selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime intelligent embedded modules to provide wireless network connectivity for its new line of 4G cellular broadband VPN routers. LANCOM can now offer its large enterprise, midsize business, and public sector customers several new router options to take advantage of 4G wireless broadband connectivity.

The LANCOM 1681-4G, using the AirPrime MC7710 embedded module, will support the latest LTE networks and speeds of up to 100 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload. The LANCOM 1780EW-3G uses the AirPrime MC8705 to connect with the fastest HSPA+ networks in the world, delivering download speeds up to 21 Mbps. The LANCOM OAP-321-3G, using the AirPrime MC8705 embedded module, combines Internet access via cellular networks with high-speed 802.11n wireless LAN and comes in a rugged IP-67 outdoor housing.

The routers will provide LANCOM’s enterprise customers with the robust, reliable cellular broadband connectivity their businesses demand. Customers can use the solutions as a backup to their wired networks or, thanks to the emergence of 4G connection speeds comparable to cable and ADSL, in place of wired connectivity.

All products will premiere at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona (LANCOM, Hall 1, 1B01 – German Pavilion).

Mastering complex 4G engineering
The mobile industry is buzzing about the potential of 4G technologies, and LTE in particular, to dramatically boost connection speeds, lower latency, and lower cost per bit. Making these technologies work in real-world applications, however, remains a challenge. Given the novelty of HSPA+ and LTE technologies, networks capable of supporting these high-speed connections are still unavailable in many areas. To allow customers to take advantage of the fastest available networks with their router products, LANCOM needs multi-mode router solutions that support both 3G and 4G networks.

LANCOM must address the reality that each operator implements LTE differently, using different frequency bands for both the 4G network and 3G fallback, each of which requires specific antenna configurations. Sierra Wireless LTE and HSPA+ modules address all of the complexities these factors contrbute to and provide a comprehensive, global communications solution. Both the AirPrime MC7710 and MC8801 embedded modules offer multi-mode connectivity and software, providing support for all common 2G, 3G and 4G networks across multiple frequency bands. The modules also include heat, power and high speed interface design considerations to function optimally across multiple network technologies.

“Sierra Wireless eliminates much of the uncertainty of operating in the evolving 4G world,” says Christian Schallenberg, Executive Vice President Product Marketing at LANCOM. “With these embedded modules, we can provide our customers with robust, business-class broadband connectivity that delivers the full advantages of LTE and other 4G technologies. At the same time, the modules’ standard form factor and multi-mode support mean we can develop our router solutions once and market them for virtually any network, anywhere in the world.”

Accelerating time to market
By choosing AirPrime embedded modules, LANCOM benefits from Sierra Wireless’ extensive expertise in high-speed cellular broadband technology. Sierra Wireless professional services teams have assisted LANCOM through the design, engineering and certification process for the new routers, drawing on years of experience collaborating with diverse PC and networking manufacturers, as well as leading network operators worldwide.

“Adding 4G connectivity to LANCOM’s lineup of routers allows the company to provide a robust, high-bandwidth solution to enterprise customers for primary or backup connectivity,” said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President and General Manager, M2M Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless. “For organizations that depend on that link for business continuity, 4G offers a compelling option, and we’re pleased to support LANCOM in delivering that option to its customers.”

About LANCOM
LANCOM Systems GmbH is the leading German manufacturer of reliable, innovative network solutions for large enterprises and SMEs, public authorities and institutions. The focus is on remote access and site connectivity based on virtual private networks (VPN) and on wireless networking (WLAN). LANCOM Systems GmbH is headquartered in Würselen near Aachen and has sales offices in Munich, Barcelona and Amsterdam. The company's founder and Managing Director is Ralf Koenzen.

About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks.

Source: Sierra Wireless Inc.

NetComm selects Sierra Wireless 4G LTE embedded modules for new residential WiFi router

Overcoming 4G LTE engineering challenges
Emerging 4G LTE networks hold the potential to revolutionize the consumer broadband market, providing high-speed, low-latency Internet connections comparable to or better than current cable and ADSL connections without wires. Making this vision a reality, however, remains a challenging proposition for device manufacturers like NetComm due to the unique challenges of LTE technologies, including power consumption, thermal management, and antenna design and placement. In addition, since most network operators are still in the early stages of building out large-scale LTE networks, any viable LTE device must also provide multi-mode capabilities to connect with previous-generation 2G and 3G networks where 4G LTE service is unavailable.

Drawing on extensive expertise in global 3G and 4G network technologies, Sierra Wireless is providing 4G LTE embedded module solutions that address all of these challenges. Both the AirPrime MC7750 and MC7710 embedded modules are multi-mode solutions, providing built-in support for multiple 4G, 3G, and 2G data networks across multiple frequency bands. The multi-mode capability and common form factor of the AirPrime modules simplify the design and engineering process for NetComm, allowing the manufacturer to address virtually any market, anywhere in the world, with a single router design.
“For our end customers, it means they can take their broadband connections with them wherever they go—on vacation, on the road, anywhere their cellular carrier has coverage,” said David Stewart, Managing Director, NetComm Limited.

Accelerating integration and time to market
NetComm has also worked with Sierra Wireless professional services teams throughout the development and certification stages of the Liberty Series router. Drawing on its extensive relationships with network operators, Sierra Wireless can provide NetComm with LTE modules that are pre-certified for the many 3G and 4G networks around the world in which they will operate.
“We are pleased to continue our collaboration with NetComm, bringing 4G LTE connectivity to the Liberty Series router,” said Didier Dutronc, Senior Vice President and General Manager, M2M Embedded Solutions for Sierra Wireless. “The NetComm Liberty Series LTE WiFi Router provides a solid solution for people living or working in areas not serviced by ADSL, cable or fibre – even those who rely on high-bandwidth applications.”

About NetComm Limited
NetComm Limited is a leading developer and manufacturer of broadband technology. With 27 years experience, NetComm develops a wide range of broadband products to facilitate worldwide networks. Its products are uniquely customized for each carrier requirement and designed to deliver reliable communications for consumer, business and industrial applications. With particular expertise in 3G/HSPA technologies, NetComm engineer world first 3G products that support evolving networks and deliver quality data communication products.

About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks.

Source: Sierra Wireless, Inc

3 Italy trials Private Planet’s personal cloud computing platform

During the same period, 3 Italy will be validating potential PrivatePlanet based services to commercially roll out to their subscriber base. The PrivatePlanet platform has been identified as a likely route to develop a deeper and more valuable relationship with the operators’ customers which is fast taking over as a primary business imperative, having taken over from pure customer acquisition.

On making the announcement, Private Planet CEO Dr Janko Mrsic-Flogel said “We are delighted to be working with 3 Italy in validating the concepts and capabilities of our cloud computing services based on the Private Planet personal cloud computer platform.”

3 Italy understands this cooperation as a new step toward next generation services with potentially valuable new revenue streams in addition to securing increased customer loyalty.

Dr. Francesco Iarlori, Bizdev & Strategy’s Managing Director, affirms that technologies like Private Planet will change the way how professionals and individuals will interact with their digital world, from living rooms to places away from the home or the office. He added: “It is also exciting to see how personal Cloud services can transform the operator’s business.”

Source: UK Technology

Axeda Welcomes Jack Sweeney as CEO

FOXBORO, Mass., 14 Feb. 2011- Axeda Corporation, a leading cloud platform and applications company for connected products, today announced that Jack Sweeney has joined the company as chief executive officer.  A proven leader of fast-growth technology companies, Sweeney will shape Axeda's strategic business operations to scale and fully capitalize on the rapidly expanding machine-to-machine (M2M) market opportunity.

Sweeney brings over 20 years of experience as a technology entrepreneur and investor. He served as president and CEO of Apparent Networks for 3 years before his promotion to executive chairman. Previously, he held executive roles at EMC and Network Intelligence and has a stellar track record of successfully managing growth companies and capital investments in information technology markets.

"We are thrilled to have someone of Jack's professional caliber and experience joining our company," said Axeda founder, Dale Calder. "Jack is the right person at the right time for Axeda, helping us successfully capture our next phase of growth while continuing to deliver the service and innovation our customers and the M2M market have come to expect."

Calder, Axeda's founder and former CEO, will continue to evolve the vision and strategy for the company and keep Axeda at the forefront of industry thought leadership through speaking engagements, media relations, and his widely read blog: http://www.dalecalder.com. 

"The strength of Axeda's people, technology, blue-chip customer base, and partner ecosystem is impressive," said Sweeney. "It is very exciting to be a part of this incredible technology shift and to work with someone like Dale who has been a pioneer and driving force in the M2M market. Even with all of its success and broad market validation, I believe Axeda has just scratched the surface of its potential, and look forward to helping the company take full advantage of the next wave of opportunity."

About Axeda
Axeda Corporation is connecting the world's products. Its cloud platform and applications enable manufacturers, solution providers, and system integrators to rapidly connect, build, service, and extend powerful machine to machine (M2M) applications that drive new business models and revenue opportunities. More than 150 of the world's leading enterprises, including Agilent, Diebold, and EMC, rely on Axeda's VeriSign® Security certified solutions today.     

Source: Axeda Corporation

Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom-Orange to Collaborate in Key areas Including M2M

• Radio access network sharing in Europe
• Improving WiFi user experience while roaming
• Equipment standardization
• Machine-to-Machine (M2M) standards and quality of service for cross-boarder services
• A set of new growth business development initiatives including technical cooperation on home media servers, development of cross border e-Health services, connected cars technology and in-car infotainment services, content and technical enablers for TV and video services

Today the groups announced the first examples of this joint work by the creation of a machine-to-machine cooperation agreement and a joint project on the improvement of the WiFi user experience while roaming.

The specific cooperation agreement for M2M is aimed at increasing the quality of service and standards for cross-boarder machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. The agreement, which initially covers France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, aims to include all mobile network operators affiliated to the two groups, and to expand globally through partnerships with other mobile network operators. It will be the foundation for a seamless network that can offer reliable cross-boarder services anywhere in the world and incubate new innovations. M2M communication is an enabling technology that will facilitate the development of e-Energy, e-Health, connected home and connected car services and will bring about the internet of things.

On WiFi, both groups are jointly exploring solutions for improving their customers’ experience and roaming conditions on each others WiFi network. Both groups share the conviction that the international traveller of tomorrow will want to be able to download large amounts of data, for private or business reasons, without having to be burdened with the choice between WiFi access and 3G mobile access.

“Operators are expected to increase quality of service and to eliminate barriers and borders when using services,” said Ed Kozel, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Deutsche Telekom. “We are confident that the cooperation with France Telecom-Orange in dedicated areas will enable both of us to bring sustained benefits to our customers.”

“With this collaboration, our two groups will be able to address new growth opportunities as well as operational efficiency issues in a limited and targeted set of business domains for the benefits of our respective customers, while maintaining our individual strategies,” said Elie Girard, Executive Vice President Strategy and Development of France Telecom-Orange.

With M2M being the new hot opportunity identified by major operators, the stage is set for many twists and turns as the market develops. Given that market fragmentation is one of the key challenges M2M faces, collaboration to pursue its development makes sense, especially in the light of the major initiatives being undertaken by oter players like Vodafone, Telefonica and AT&T.

KPN and Sierra Wireless Collaborate to Bring M2M Aapplications to Market Faster

This rich M2M cloud platform will allow KPN’s customers to significantly simplify the development of M2M applications, allowing them to reduce the time, cost and effort required to bring new M2M applications and services to market.

Bringing New Solutions to Market

KPN and Sierra Wireless will jointly market the AirVantage Platform and KPN’s M2M services. Companies building connected devices and applications can control their entire solution from a single user interface, under a single billing arrangement.

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy infrastructure and management, is the first customer to take advantage of the new KPN/Sierra Wireless M2M cloud platform. The company is launching a line of connected charging stations to support the new wave of electric vehicles in Europe.

The KPN/Sierra Wireless M2M cloud platform will allow Schneider Electric to manage charging stations in the field as part of a single system. It will also facilitate the rapid development of applications for their use—including power monitoring, billing, charging station reservations or any other capability that could benefit Schneider Electric customers. For example, the AirVantage Platform’s Smart Automation extension simplifies the configuration and connection to the charging stations using a standard industrial protocol. As a result, Schneider Electric can readily integrate cellular communications into its charging station and build new features into its charging station application, without having to develop the underlying M2M communications infrastructure or support tools.

“The combination of AirVantage Platform, Smart Automation and KPN’s network and services gives us a unified operations platform to manage communications, subscriptions and the stations themselves,” says Nicolas Descazeaud, Electric Vehicle Programme Director at Schneider Electric. “Having all of that in a single system, from a single source, translates directly into faster time-to-market for our solution.”

Comprehensive M2M Application Services
Machine-to-machine services represent a rapidly growing market for both network operators and providers of vertical applications. A growing array of connected devices—including power meters, pipelines, wireless point-of-sale terminals, and consumer electronics like e-book readers, photo frames and navigation devices—are leading the way to a new generation of connected applications. By remotely monitoring and communicating with such assets, equipment manufacturers and M2M solution providers can enable new services and efficiencies.

KPN has been a pioneer in the M2M market, helping its customers in developing joint propositions to speed up their business. Now, by collaborating with Sierra Wireless, KPN offers the complete M2M application infrastructure, enabling equipment manufacturers and solution providers to focus on developing innovative connected M2M applications faster.

The new M2M platform integrates KPN’s existing subscription management web services, the KPN Control Center, with AirVantage Operating Portal subscription management, device management and asset management services. With AirVantage, customers can manage and control their wireless communication devices and the attached assets (the connected machine or device from which information is collected), through a single web interface.
“KPN is always looking for the best possibilities in the M2M market to build business together with our customers,” says Kim Bybjerg, Managing Director KPN M2M. “With the integration of the AirVantage Platform into our offering, we can simplify the process of developing, deploying and operating connected-device applications”

“The growing connected-device market represents an enormous opportunity for KPN,” says Emmanuel Walckenaer, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Solutions and Services for Sierra Wireless. “With our combined strengths, we believe we can offer a compelling set of tools for any connected-device service, and help fuel the continued expansion of M2M services in Europe.”

KPN Control Center
The KPN Control Center is part of the KPN M2M offering, which combines KPNs high quality network and extensive network of roaming partners into a pan-European solution built to help customers develop their connected business. The KPN Control Center provides the customer with visibility and control over their connected devices globally—from real-time monitoring of data usage and connectivity to instant deactivation capabilities when devices are retired or stolen. It also offers KPN and their customers the flexibility to build a business model that fits around the customer’s business.

Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform
The Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform is a secure cloud platform that enables M2M solution providers, system integrators and network operators to rapidly develop, deploy and operate M2M applications and services. The AirVantage Platform includes comprehensive applications to manage cellular subscriptions, communications devices and their attached assets (such as components in machines, telemetric devices in automobiles and monitoring devices in a home or office); a powerful set of M2M application development tools; and an open web services application programming interface (API). The AirVantage Platform lets wireless network operators extend operational support and

About KPN
KPN is the leading telecommunications and ICT service provider in the Netherlands, offering wireline and wireless telephony, internet and TV to consumers and end-to-end telecom and ICT services to business customers. KPN’s subsidiary Getronics operates a global ICT services company with a market leading position in the Benelux, offering end-to-end solutions in infrastructure and network-related IT. Getronics manages 2.2 million workspaces. In Germany and Belgium, KPN pursues a Challenger strategy in its wireless operations and holds number three market positions through E-Plus and BASE. In Spain and France, KPN offers wireless services as an MVNO through its own brands and through partner brands. KPN provides wholesale network services to third parties and operates an efficient IP-based infrastructure with global scale in international wholesale through iBasis.

At December 31st, 2010, KPN served over 42.2 million customers, of which 33.9 million were in wireless services, 4.4 million in wireline voice, 2.8 million in broadband Internet and 1.2 million in TV. With 19,192 FTEs in the Netherlands (30,599 FTEs for the whole group), KPN reported full-year revenues of EUR 13.4bn and an EBITDA of EUR 5.5bn in 2010. KPN was incorporated in 1989 and is listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

About Sierra Wireless
Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market.

Source: Sierra Wireless