ILS Technology Signs on to nPhase ONE Developer Program
At the outset, nPhase advanced connectivity management capabilities for devices deployed on Verizon mobile networks will be integrated with the ILS deviceWISE™ M2M smart device application platform, enabling it to serve as a component of the Verizon Wireless Machine to Machine Management Center. The companies are exploring enhanced possibilities for the future, such as expanding deployment capabilities of ILS cloud solutions on Vodafone mobile networks and incorporating nPhase advanced device and network diagnostics into the ILS platform.
"We're pleased to partner with nPhase – a recognized leader in the M2M space," says Fred Yentz, Chief Executive Officer of ILS Technology. "By integrating nPhase innovation into the fabric of our solution, we are positioning our solutions in the best possible way for our customers deploying on Verizon and Vodafone networks."
ILS is integrating the nPhase Unified Web Services APIs into their back-office solutions that provide advanced connectivity management capabilities. nPhase is providing its nPhase ONE developer kits and support to ensure an efficient, quality integration.
About nPhase
nPhase, a 50/50 joint venture between Qualcomm and Verizon, provides advanced Machine to Machine (M2M) cloud platform services to the world's leading wireless operators such as Verizon and Vodafone, and enterprise customers with the most demanding needs for data reliability, coverage, security and innovation in M2M. Industries served include consumer electronics, transportation/ construction, utilities, healthcare, retail, industrial, financial services and government. nPhase leverages the global leadership in advanced connectivity technologies provided by Qualcomm, the industry leading network and channel provided by Verizon Wireless, and ten years experience as an M2M pioneer, to lead in the advancement of M2M. nPhase headquarters are located in San Diego, CA,
About ILS
ILS Technology provides the world's only ready-to-use, off-the-shelf cloud platform to connect enterprise IT systems to the devices and machines on which businesses depend. ILS Technology solutions are easy to deploy to any device without the need for months of complex programming or development. ILS Technology offers unparalleled security to protect company and customer data.
SOURCE: nPhase
Accenture and SAP Announce Strategic Relationship to Develop and Deploy New Mobility Solutions
"We see tremendous growth opportunities in the enterprise mobility space and SAP is a key partner to help us pave the way to this rapidly expanding market," said Kevin Campbell, group chief executive, Technology growth platform, Accenture. "We look forward to deepening our relationship with SAP and sharpening our combined focus to develop innovative new managed mobility solutions."
"Today's announcement expands on the longstanding relationship and strong foundation that Accenture, SAP and Sybase have built over the years," said John Chen, chairman and CEO of Sybase, a SAP company. "Accenture offers extensive mobility experience and comprehensive offerings from ready-to-deploy mobile apps to managed mobility and consulting services. With mobility playing such a central role in the way people live, communicate and transact. Together, we feel that we are in an ideal position to help transform the way businesses are run."
Enterprise managed mobility allows large companies to integrate mobile devices such as smartphones into existing SAP® applications as a service, enabling information access and business transactions from outside the walls of the enterprise — executed with little complexity, minimal setup time and no infrastructure requirements at a low cost.
Accenture and SAP intend to enter into an agreement to build differentiated solutions that draw on the breadth and depth of mobility capabilities that the companies have developed by working together since 2000. Pre-packaged mobility solutions are available to provide the market with ideas on how to reap the value of enterprise mobility. The strategic relationship also calls for the companies to develop a structured "go-to-market" model aimed at promoting collaboration between their sales teams. Additionally, Accenture will expand their already substantial SUP-trained architect and developer workforce to meet rapidly growing market demand.
"We already work together to serve a significant number of clients, and we both have a strategic focus on mobility and a long history of jointly implementing mobile solutions," said Mark Willford, global managing director of SAP business, Accenture. "These factors will allow us to hit the ground running as we strive to create value for our joint clients."
The two companies will leverage existing Accenture Mobility Services offerings and have already built solutions that include:
• Mobility Consulting Services for Enterprise Strategy: Delivers a client-unique actionable plan and roadmap to leverage mobile technology to focus on increasing productivity, reducing costs and increasing revenues
• Mobility Software Services for Application Development: Combines innovative commercial and custom applications and Sybase Unwired Platform for organizations to deploy secure and easy-to-manage mobile functionality
• Mobility Business Integration Services for Field Force Transformation: Helps companies transform their field force by bringing technician-focused tools to the field and reengineering frontline office practices to increase productivity, improve customer service, create new revenue streams through service and more.
• Mobility Managed Services for Mobile Application and Device Management: Provides customers with a company-specific application catalog, device security and mobile device management capabilities — remotely, over the air as a hosted location. Customers can select the desired catalog configuration and security policies for their enterprise users.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, with more than 215,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Combining unparalleled experience, comprehensive capabilities across all industries and business functions, and extensive research on the world's most successful companies, Accenture collaborates with clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. The company generated net revenues of US$21.6 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2010.
About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 170,000 customers (includes customers from the acquisition of Sybase) to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably.
Copyright © 2011 SAP AG. All rights reserved.
SAP, R/3, mySAP, mySAP.com, xApps, xApp, SAP NetWeaver and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries all over the world. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Data contained in this document serve informational purposes only. National product specifications may vary.
SOURCE SAP AG
Numerex Builds UK Presence Via Arkessa to Tap European M2M Market Growth
Arkessa provides European systems integrators and corporate users with cellular-based wireless internet connectivity and data services, enabling the connection, control and management of remote systems and equipment for a multitude of users across borders and applications. The critical factors leading to Numerex’s selection of Arkessa as a partner in Europe were its market presence and focus on pervasive, secure, and reliable connectivity, which allows its users to extract information from the harvested data in real-time.
“Arkessa provides Numerex with a proven, solid, European presence that delivers a package of additional data service capabilities coupled with market reach and insight. Our customers will also benefit from access to highly reliable and rapidly available M2M turnkey solutions developed through, by and with Numerex,” stated Ian Orrock, Executive Chairman of Arkessa.
“Through partnerships with wireless carriers and infrastructure providers, we have built a seamless and ubiquitous M2M development platform, which has contributed to establishing a robust international service offering,” said Louis Fienberg, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development of Numerex.
As an integral part of this strategic relationship, Numerex has acquired a minority stake in Arkessa. Funds will be used to support Arkessa’s expanding business development initiatives.
The Numerex European expansion will focus on presenting Numerex’s products and services combined with Arkessa’s, to the European market, and developing relationships with European companies interested in extending their M2M activities using the Numerex platform in the North American market and beyond.
About Arkessa
Arkessa uses wireless cellular communication systems to connect things to other things, systems and people, enabling them to operate, be managed and controlled as though they were connected directly via the internet. Within Europe, Arkessa is a pioneer of machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions for systems integrators and government organizations that support critical infrastructure, environmental services and mission-critical facilities. It also provides vital tools to those building an internet of things. Arkessa’s wireless network services enable organizations to innovate, get closer to their customers, reduce costs, improve performance and enhance profitability. Supported by its partnership with global telecoms giant KDDI Telehouse, Arkessa’s services are meeting the growing demand for wireless networking in many markets. It is a founder member of Cambridge Wireless and of the m2mglobal network. For additional information, please visit http://www.arkessa.com.
About Numerex
Numerex Corp (NASDAQ: NMRX) is a leading provider of machine-to-machine (M2M) business services, technology, and products used in the development and support of M2M solutions for the enterprise and government markets worldwide. The Company offers Numerex DNA(R) that includes hardware and smart Devices, cellular and satellite Network services, and software Applications that are delivered through Numerex FAST(R) (Foundation Application Software Technology). Customers typically subscribe to device management, network, and application services through hosted platforms. Business services enable the development of efficient, reliable, and secure solutions while simplifying and speeding up deployment through streamlined processes and comprehensive integration services. Numerex is ISO 27001 information security-certified. "Machines Trust Us(R)" represents the Company's focus on M2M data security, service reliability, and round-the-clock support of its customers' M2M solutions. For additional information, please visit www.numerex.com.
For more information contact:
Ian Orrock
Executive Chairman
Arkessa Limited
ian.orrock@arkessa.com
+44 7710 982506
Telenor Connexion Expands Executive Team to Match Emerging M2M Service Growth in the Americas
The expansion further strengthens the company's position in the M2M, telematics and wireless markets, as well as supports strong growth in vertical markets such as healthcare, automotive and insurance and asset management. Through the company’s unique proactive service awareness solution, customers in these markets will have full control of status, location and performance of connected devices, while enjoying highest level of customer service awareness and response.
“Telenor Connexion has a proven record in delivering reliable, future-proof and dynamic M2M solutions that deliver cost savings, flexibility, efficiency and improved services,” said Fredrik Åkerlind, Head of Regions Americas. “With LeBron’s expertise in the region, Telenor Connexion will further explore new opportunities and provide new and existing customers with world-class premium embedded connectivity solutions for business and life critical applications.”
LeBron brings more than 20 years of international wireless experience to Telenor Connexion. Prior to joining the company, LeBron served as Vice President of sales for the embedded wireless technology division and the wireless network services division at a leading M2M MVNO. He also held key positions at one of the industry’s top global wireless module OEMs, Wavecom Inc., including General Manager for Latin America. His experience and contributions in the wireless sector date back to 1991, and span from mass wireless consumer applications to automotive telematics, mobile health, and other industry verticals.
Rodrigues is seasoned professional with more than 11 years of experience in the telecommunications and IT business. He recently served as Senior Sales Engineer and Senior Solutions Architect at MFormation Technologies, Inc. His previous employers include Worldcell where he worked as Business Development Manager and Network Operations Engineer, Delphi Automotive and LogicaCMG.
Both LeBron and Rodrigues will report to Fredrik Åkerlind, Head of Sales Region Americas, located in California.
For more information, please contact:
US:
VisiTech PR for Telenor Connexion
Julia Fedorova, tc@visitechpr.com, +1 (303) 752-3552 x223
Europe:
Kristina Grandin, PR and Communications, Telenor Connexion
kristina.grandin@telenor.com , +46 734 25 26 21
About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading provider of premium M2M solutions for business and life critical applications, regardless of the vertical market. Building on more than 10 years of M2M experience, Telenor Connexion provides customers with tools that allow for full control of status, location and performance of their connected devices. Telenor Connexion has provided reliable, international M2M solutions to a number of global customers such as Volvo, Nissan, Daimler, TomTom, Omron, Scania, Qualcomm Enterprise Services, Hitachi and Securitas. The company was established in 2008 and originates from the successful M2M business within Telenor Sweden. Telenor Connexion is wholly owned by Telenor Group, one of the world’s major mobile operators.
For more information please visit www.telenorconnexion.com
Source: Telenor Connexion
RACO Wireless Hires John Horn as President
“John Horn is an outspoken evangelist and visionary for the M2M industry and brings a decade of experience to RACO Wireless,” said Rob Adams, CEO of RACO Wireless. “With his experience and our expertise and technology platform, we will continue to expand on T-Mobile’s goal of being the easiest to do business with in the M2M space.”
Through the Omega Management Suite™ (OMS), RACO Wireless delivers unprecedented visibility into its network in addition to essential tools designed to simplify SIM management. OMS is a robust information tool which provides advanced reporting and alerting features including: real time SIM monitoring & reports, overage reports & alerts, SIM activation & maintenance, SIM management, web based billing, and APN system hardware status monitors. RACO Wireless provides a variety of connectivity options and customizable data rate plans that can meet the needs of any unique M2M application.
About RACO Wireless
RACO Wireless, a subsidiary of RACO Industries in Cincinnati, OH and a T-Mobile partner for ten years, is a leading provider of wireless data solutions to the machine-to-machine industry specializing in delivering wireless data your way, with a data solution portfolio based on innovation, flexibility, and reliability.
Source: Business Wire
Photo: Courtesy of M2M World Congress
EDMI Selects Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ for Smart Residential Automatic Meter Management
EDMI is using the AirPrime SL6087 module, winner of the GSM Association's award for Best 2G Module in 2010, with a ruggedized Embedded SIM. The combined solution allows a compact design with complete integration of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) functionality. It also offers an optional Zigbee RF interface to connect a remote display panel. EDMI smart meters with embedded wireless connectivity comply fully with internationally recognized standards, providing a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective solution to allow users to optimize their energy consumption.
In February 2011, Sierra Wireless and EDMI together won the GSMA Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Innovation for Utilities at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The award recognized EDMI's EWM100 modem for smart metering applications, which uses Sierra Wireless AirPrime™ embedded modules to provide robust cellular communications.
"EDMI promises to deliver utilities and consumers better control over electricity generation, distribution, and energy conservation. We need a strong partner in smart metering communications to achieve these goals," said Graeme Lees, COO, EDMI. "Sierra Wireless has proven reliability with a track record of delivering industrial-grade communication solutions, and we are happy to recognize Sierra Wireless as a long term collaborator in our smart metering project."
"EDMI continues to offer innovative solutions for smart metering, playing an important role in helping customers around the world to use energy more efficiently," said Jin Pak, Vice President, Asia Pacific Sales for Sierra Wireless. "We believe that reliable, robust wireless solutions for smart meters can help meet this goal by providing more efficient management and longevity in the field, and we are very pleased that EDMI has once again selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime modules for its smart metering product line."
For more information about AirPrime embedded wireless modules, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/airprime. For more information about Sierra Wireless solutions for energy equipment manufacturers and utilities, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/energy.
To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call +1 (604) 232-1488 or email sales@sierrawireless.com.
About EDMI
EDMI is a market leader in the provision of smart energy meters and advanced metering solutions with its headquarters and manufacturing based primarily in Singapore. Its research and development facilities are strategically situated in Brisbane, Singapore and Shanghai to provide continuous product development and support to its growing global customer bases in Europe, the ASEAN region, Middle East, South Africa and the rest of Asia. EDMI has established marketing offices and regional hubs in Singapore, Australia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, France and the UK. These centers serve as regional customer service and technical support hubs responsible for supporting specific local market requirements for our metering products. For more information visit, www.edmi-meters.com
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. 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. For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit http://www.sierrawireless.com.
Source: Sierra Wireless
S&C Expands Layered Intelligence Offering by Acquiring Grid Optimization Solutions
The volt/VAR management solution further evolves S&C's smart grid solutions portfolio, which includes self-healing technology through the award-winning IntelliTEAM SG™ Automatic Restoration System, dynamic communication systems, and energy storage, and will help utilities realize greater grid efficiency and energy savings through conservation voltage reduction.
"Utilities are challenged with maintaining grid stability and power reliability, while reducing overall energy usage and conforming to renewable portfolio targets," said Mike Edmonds, S&C's Global Smart Grid Strategies Director. "The addition of a mature volt/VAR solution with proven installations enhances our smart grid offering, making it more flexible and scalable to meet diverse customer needs. S&C is now in an even better position to solve the broad range of distribution system operating and protection problems, positioning utilities to create the intelligent, dynamic grid needed to power our energy future."
About S&C Electric Company
S&C is applying its 100 years of innovation experience to address challenges facing the world's power grids and is thus shaping the future of reliable electricity delivery. S&C works to continually develop new solutions for electricity delivery, fostering the improved efficiency and reliability required for the intelligent grid. For more information about S&C, visit http://www.sandc.com.
Sierra Wireless Reports First Quarter 2011 Results
Revenue for the first quarter of 2011 was $144.3 million, a decrease of 5% compared to $151.3 million in the first quarter of 2010. Mobile Computing revenue was $71.6 million, up 14% compared to $62.6 million in the first quarter of 2010. Machine-to-Machine (“M2M”) revenue was $72.7 million, down 18% compared to $88.7 million in the first quarter of 2010. The year-over-year revenue decrease in M2M was driven by significantly lower sales to Barnes & Noble, declining from $26.7 million in the first quarter of 2010 to $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2011, offset by solid year-over-year revenue growth of 16% in the remainder of the M2M business.
“While we are experiencing some weakness in the first half of 2011, we believe this is a short-term situation and expect to return to year-over-year growth and profitability in the second half,” said Jason Cohenour, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The company continues to execute on our strategy and make good progress on a number of business initiatives. In Mobile Computing, we have a strong pipeline of 4G products and anticipate numerous launches with leading operators and PC OEMs during the year. In M2M, we continue to build on our market leadership position and expand our role in the value chain.”
On a GAAP basis, gross margin was $39.5 million, or 27.4% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2011 compared to $46.3 million, or 30.6% of revenue, in the first quarter of 2010. Operating expenses were $48.9 million and loss from operations was $9.4 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to operating expenses of $50.8 million and a loss from operations of $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2010. Net loss was $7.8 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011 compared to a net loss of $7.5 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2010.
On a non-GAAP basis, gross margin was 27.4% in the first quarter of 2011, compared to 30.7% in the first quarter of 2010. Operating expenses were $43.2 million and loss from operations was $3.6 million in the first quarter of 2011, compared to operating expenses of $42.3 million and earnings from operations of $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2010. Net loss was $2.4 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2011 compared to net earnings of $4.1 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2010.
Non-GAAP results exclude the impact of stock-based compensation expense, acquisition amortization, integration costs, restructuring costs, foreign exchange gains or losses on translation of balance sheet accounts, and tax adjustments. We disclose these non-GAAP amounts as we believe that these measures provide our shareholders with better information on actual operating results and assist in comparisons from one period to another. The reconciliation between our GAAP and non-GAAP results of operations is provided in the accompanying schedules.
Financial Guidance for Second Quarter
The following guidance for the second quarter of 2011 reflects current business indicators and expectations. In the second quarter of 2011, we expect revenue to remain relatively flat sequentially from the first quarter and we expect Non-GAAP gross margin percentage to increase modestly compared to the first quarter of 2011 as we realize targeted product cost reductions. Primarily due to unfavourable foreign exchange created by a strengthening euro and Canadian dollar, we expect Non-GAAP operating expense to increase modestly compared to the first quarter of 2011.
With respect to the recent natural disaster in Japan, we expect to see some modest impact on our business in the second quarter of 2011. We are experiencing some component supply constraints and, in the second quarter, we expect the impact to be approximately $2 million in revenue.
For the second half of 2011, we expect year-over-year revenue and earnings growth.
Inherent in this guidance are risk factors that are described in greater detail in our regulatory filings. Our actual results could differ materially from those presented below. All figures are approximations based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions.
Source: Sierra Wireless
Iverify Awarded $39m Video Monitoring Contract
The company, founded by industry veteran Mike May, was established in 2005 and has grown dramatically over the last six years, capturing Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 awards for the last two years. The company's annual growth rate over five years has been in excess of 50%, speaking to the effectiveness of the service that Iverify provides. The Loss Prevention industry has struggled to implement an effective business model with video that delivers value and results that are sustainable and meaningful for retailers. Iverify broke the mold when it demonstrated you could reduce robberies, improve employee safety and reduce losses from shrink at lower costs than traditional security services.
Industry icon Mike Barnes offered the following statement: "Iverify has been at the forefront of delivering improved value in security operations for National Retailers while reducing the cost of security expense." Barnes continued, "Mike May has built a sophisticated team of Loss Prevention Professionals that remotely deliver security services at a very low cost. They have driven robbery and shrink rates down by over 50% at a number of national retailers. Mike's company is leading the industry into a new and highly effective business model that will be the standard for the delivery of security services for some time to come."
"Iverify will provide services under the contract that will secure over 550 stores for the next five years with its "I Guard" and "I Control" products, delivering projected savings of $62.5 - 70.0 million, net of costs. The suite of services will reduce guard costs, lower losses from theft, and improve employee safety. The outcome is that we will enhance overall operational compliance with security and safety practices while assisting this retailer with improved profits," said May.
In a recent press release, one of Iverify's notable clients, Family Dollar, operator of over 6300 stores nationwide, identified an improvement in their net income in Q1 based on reductions in shrink losses.
Source: Iverify
Hiliary Clinton Announces New Partnership to Harness Mobile Technology to Improve Maternal and Child Health
Mobile health messages are able to quickly and easily disseminate information that will inform women of ways to care for themselves during pregnancy, dispel myths and misconceptions, highlight warning signs, connect women with local health services, reinforce breast feeding practices, explain the benefits of family planning, and make new mothers aware of how best to care for their babies.
Over the next three years, the partnership, which is expected to mobilize $10 million, will work across an initial set of three countries, Bangladesh, India and South Africa, to help coordinate and increase the impact of existing mobile health programs, provide resources and technical assistance to promising new business models, and build the evidence base on the effective application of mobile technology to improve maternal health. Lessons learned from these and other initiatives will be shared globally in a coordinated exchange of information. The partnership will foster collaboration among similar initiatives in other countries to accelerate efforts to reach millions of women with mobile phone access around the world.
“If we are going to improve public health across the developing world, our solutions must be focused on reaching the hard to reach with health information they would otherwise not receive,” said USAID Administrator Raj Shah. “This partnership will harness the power of mobile technology to provide mothers with information about pregnancy, childbirth and the first year of life, empowering these women to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families.”
“Better health for communities starts with better health for expectant and new moms. This public-private partnership adds another way we are extending our commitment to moms everywhere,” says Bill Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson. “It’s part of fulfilling our commitment to the UN Secretary General's Global Strategy to advance the Millennium Development Goals.”
“Instead of imagining a world where the health of mothers benefits from mobile phones, we are answering the call today to make it happen,” said Kathy Calvin, CEO of the UN Foundation and member of the Partnership Board of the mHealth Alliance. “This new initiative will take the vision that world leaders and the UN Secretary-General announced last year and turn it into action.”
“This is an exciting approach to using technological innovation to address development challenges,” said United States Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra. “The growing global network of mobile health information programs will deepen our understanding of how best to use mobile phones as a tool to improve women’s and children’s health.”
Each institution will play a unique role in this partnership. Founding partners, USAID and Johnson & Johnson, will provide funding and strategic leadership. Supporting partners, including the UN Foundation, mHealth Alliance, and BabyCenter LLC, part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, will provide expertise, tools, resources and a forum to exchange knowledge and share best practices to support the research and extend the reach of promising initiatives.
The partnership supports President Obama’s Policy Directive on Global Development, his Global Health Initiative and the United Nations Secretary General’s Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health
Source: mHealth Alliance
Photograph Courtesy US State Department web site
