OnStar Opens Services to Super Bowl Attendees
DALLAS, 21 Jan. 2011 - To alleviate confusion over road closures, Super Bowl organizers have asked fans to turn off GPS units and follow directions on their parking passes.
OnStar subscribers, however, will have special access to information on routes and road closures with a simple push of the blue button. Super Bowl organizers have provided specially trained OnStar advisors with the information they'll need to route fans straight to Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday,6 February.
The service will be open to current OnStar subscribers, regardless of their subscription plan.
About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. Currently available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon will be available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. OnStar safely connects its more than six million subscribers, in the U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the technology category.
SOURCE: General Motors
Xact Technology Partners With Iridium to Offer Satellite Connectivity
In addition to high quality devices and global data network coverage, the Xact platform offers several portals to view and analyze data. Customers have a variety of options for viewing and using data thanks to several tailored user interfaces including logistics portals and highly integrated portals for fleet management, usage-based insurance, telemedicine, smart grid, and security applications.
"Xact has the capability to build high quality tracking devices in large scale that in turn will lead to lower price points for these dual-mode devices," said Patrick Shay, vice president and general manager of Data Services for Iridium. "With Iridium's reliable, global, low-latency short-burst data links and Xact's open-architecture platform, we see this as the perfect solution for offshore energy and global logistics companies, as well as anyone who needs asset tracking and mission critical M2M data in remote regions."
About Xact Technology, LLC
Xact Technology is a leading solutions provider (hardware, software, network and portal) for the GPS tracking, Location-Based Services (LBS) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) industries. Xact's open-architecture platform offers end-to-end solutions in less time and with lower cost. Xact Technology is a DMC Capital Funding portfolio company.
About DMC Capital Funding, LLC
DMC Capital Funding is a privately held growth equity firm, serving companies in the consumer and enterprise technology sectors. Beyond capital, DMC Capital Funding brings to its investments wide-ranging experience, deep industry expertise, and an assortment of value-added business services. DMC Capital Funding is a part of the DMC group of companies.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium Communications Inc. is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-Earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The company is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A.
SOURCE: Xact Technology, LLC
WellComm Releases App-Based Open System Enabling SmartPhone Connectivity to Digital Health and Wellness Resources
To leverage and maximize the WellComm App, an individual can create a customized solution on WellComm.org, called a Prescriptive™. A Prescriptive, which is also available for free, can be configured as a survey, a customized publication or an integrated mHealth app, which can be instantly sent to any WellComm able device. Creation and customization are made simple for the user, with no programming or technical knowledge required.
“WellComm.org and the WellComm App provide the hub of connectivity for all electronic health and wellness resources. The mission of our organization is to advance and improve the health and wellness of the individual, to cultivate innovation in medical research, and to provide the open mHealth infrastructure that will foster innovative health and wellness SmartPhone apps, devices and sensors. WellComm makes real the promise of mHealth”, states Brent Gutekunst, CEO, adding, “In the end, since no one else was doing it, we developed a solution to our own problem. Fortuitously, the solution is one that addresses many of the fundamental issues plaguing mHealth at this point in its early evolution. So we've decided to share it will the rest of the world to see, if together, we can change Health and Wellness as Usual. Developers, this is your invitation.”
About Wellcomm
Founded in 2010, WellComm capitalizes on the most dramatic social and technological revolution of our lifetime, the ubiquitous connectivity of the SmartPhone. WellComm transforms the SmarthPhone into the Key to access, utilize, manage and communicate with resources & technologies that improve health and wellness. WellComm is the trusted independent connectivity to and between existing disparate and disperse systems, resources, expertise, and the individual. WellComm moves personal health and wellness beyond the constraints of traditional systems.
Source: Wellcomm
Numerex Settles Acquisition Dispute
ATLANTA, 10 Jan. 2011- Numerex Corp, a leading single source provider of secure machine-to-machine (M2M) products and services, announced today that it has come to terms with the owners of Orbit One Communications, Inc. and affiliates, settling the dispute amongst the parties for a net cash outlay of $1.73 million and a buy-back of 320,833 shares of Numerex common stock (acquired at Friday, January 7th closing price of $9.03) that were earned and previously escrowed as part of the acquisition earn-out agreement.
About Numerex
Numerex Corp 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® that includes hardware and smart Devices, cellular and satellite Network services, and software Applications that are delivered through Numerex FAST™ (Foundation Application Software Technology). Numerex is ISO 27001 information security-certified.
SOURCE: Numerex Corp
Omnilink: Tracking the World of Connected Devices a Key Topic at CES
In 2010, Omnilink advanced the market in the following areas:
• AmberWatch GPS: Omnilink launched, with the AmberWatch Foundation, a mobile solution available to parents that need or want to know their child's location any time of the day. Based on Omnilink's award-winning FocalPoint™ platform and an array of different tracking devices, AmberWatch GPS uses cellular networks and GPS to track the location of children of all ages. From the AmberWatch GPS site parents can view their child's location on a map, set up schedules when they want their child to be located automatically, create "safety zones", and set up a range of different text and email notifications.
• Alzheimer's Association: 2010 saw the one-year anniversary of the Alzheimer's Association Comfort Zone powered by Omnilink launch. Comfort Zone was the first comprehensive location management system designed specifically for Alzheimer's, giving people with the disease more freedom and independence in their community while providing their family with some peace of mind.
• Sprint M2M Collaboration Center: Omnilink joined Sprint's M2M Collaboration Center as an inaugural team partner. The M2M Collaboration Center provides a venue where partners and enterprise customers can work side by side to develop commercially viable offerings based on M2M, or machine-to-machine technology.
• CEO Named: Omnilink named Kelly Gay as its President and CEO in 2010. Ms. Gay came to the company with unparalleled experience as an outstanding operational leader, market mover and dynamic marketing and sales executive.
Omnilink is present at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week held in Las Vegas speaking to location tracking for consumers.
About Omnilink Systems
Omnilink Systems is a leading provider of end-to-end LBS (location-based services) for any tracking solution. Working with tier-one carriers, Fortune 100 companies, leading nonprofits and hundreds of government agencies through its Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) model, Omnilink helps ensure the safety, security and productivity of people and valuable assets.
SOURCE : Omnilink Systems
OnStar Expands Beyond GM Cars
"We're proud to be OnStar's first strategic retail partner for this innovative offering, which is one more way Best Buy can help our customers stay connected whenever and wherever they want," said Lisa Farrell, senior vice president and general manager portable electronics customer solutions group at Best Buy. "We provide a one-stop solution for consumers. In addition to purchasing the device at Best Buy, we offer our customers the convenience of having it installed by our Geek Squad Auto Techs – all at one location."
Ingram Micro will serve as the key distributor of this product and is the main contact for interested retail outlets.
Currently, the OnStar mirror is certified to work on 99 percent of the top 20 selling non-GM vehicles over the last 10 years, or approximately 55 million cars and trucks. OnStar expects to certify additional models in the months ahead.
Key features of the OnStar mirror include:
• Automatic Crash Response. An accelerometer built into OnStar the mirror detects the sudden shock of an impact from the front, side, or rear of the vehicle and automatically calls an OnStar advisor. If the driver doesn't respond, or responds to say there has been a crash, an OnStar advisor will direct emergency responders to the exact GPS location of the vehicle.
• Link to Emergency Services. By pressing OnStar's red emergency button, drivers are immediately connected to a specially trained emergency advisor for assistance in situations occurring inside or outside of their vehicle.
• Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. If the vehicle is reported stolen to local law enforcement, OnStar subscribers can call 1-888-4-OnStar (1-888-466-7827) from any phone. OnStar advisors, available 24/7, can attempt to locate the vehicle through the mirror's internal GPS and provide the location to law enforcement.
• Turn-by-Turn Navigation. With OnStar's most popular service, drivers can press OnStar's blue button and ask OnStar advisors for directions to a specific location or ask the advisor to find a point of interest such as a gas station or nearby restaurant. The directions are then downloaded to the OnStar system, which provides spoken turn-by-turn directions for reaching the destination.
• Roadside Assistance. In non-emergency situations, drivers can push the blue button or call 1-888-4-ONSTAR for help with problems such as keys locked in the vehicle, a flat tire, or running out of gas.
• Hands-Free Calling. OnStar allows drivers to make hands-free, voice-activated calls either through a Bluetooth connection to the driver's mobile phone or through prepaid packages of minutes purchased through OnStar.
All these services are available directly through the OnStar mirror, without requiring the driver to bring along a mobile phone or even own a mobile phone. In the event of an accident, emergency services are alerted even if there is no mobile phone in the vehicle, the phone is damaged in a crash or the driver is unable to use a phone.
OnStar is now in its ninth generation of technology. The first-generation OnStar product in 1996 was comprised of 38 individual components and could take up to four days to install. Now all of the technology required to deliver the OnStar experience fits inside a rearview mirror weighing only 23 ounces, and professional installation is expected to take less than an hour. This requires removing the vehicle's current rearview mirror, replacing it with the OnStar product and running an electric power source to the new mirror.
About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology. Currently available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models, OnStar soon will be available for installation on most other vehicles already on the road through local electronics retailers, including Best Buy. OnStar safely connects its more than six million subscribers, in the U.S., Canada and China, in ways never thought possible. OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is a recipient of the 2010 Edison Award for Best New Product in the technology category.
Source: General Motors
Photograph courtesy of General Motors
Nissan LEAF cars connected at all times through Telenor Connexion
"Telenor Connexion’s dedicated telematics solution connects Nissan LEAF’s onboard unit to the Nissan CARWINGS Data Center in a private network environment allowing Nissan to deliver a secure and stable product to our customers", says Pierre Loing, Vice president of product strategy and planning at Nissan International SA and head of the company’s European zero emission business unit. Nissan International, located in Rolle, Switzerland, is the headquarters of Nissan in Europe.
"We are very excited to work with Nissan, who plays a major role in setting a standard for the whole EV industry. This agreementis the start of what we expect to be a long-term partnership. It is of significant value for Telenor Connexion, but above all it reinforces our position as the leading connectivity supplier in the automotive industry. We already have agreements with major global automotive players such as Volvo Cars, Volvo Trucks, Scania and Daimler", says Per Simonsen, CEO of Telenor Connexion.
Nissan LEAF was awarded ”European Car of the Year 2011” and is the world's first mass-production, 100% electric, zero-emission car. The new EV will be on sale in Europe early 2011 with the first deliveries to Portugal, Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands.
About Nissan in Europe
Nissan employs 12,500 people in its European design, research and development, manufacturing, logistics, and sales and marketing operations. In calendar year 2009, the company sold 498,027 vehicles across 40 markets in Western and Eastern Europe including Russia. Furthermore, the company produced a total of 390,727 vehicles in its Spanish and British plants.
About Telenor Connexion
Telenor Connexion is a leading global provider of embedded connectivity for business and life critical applications.
Source: Telenor Connexion
Anixter International Inc. Announces the Acquisition of Clark Security Products, Inc. and the Assets and Operations of General Lock, LLC
Anixter will pay consideration of approximately $36.6 million in cash for all the assets and operations of Clark. The final purchase price will be determined when the net asset balance of Clark is confirmed. Annual sales for Clark are expected to be approximately $115 million for 2010. Anixter expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings in the first full year of ownership.
Commenting on the acquisition, Bob Eck, President and CEO of Anixter, said, "We are pleased to have Clark become part of Anixter and look forward to gaining their insight and partnering with the excellent team that has successfully led these two businesses. As a market leader, Clark immediately positions Anixter as a significant player in the access control market. Combined with Anixter's existing security business, we will continue to lead the security market as it increasingly migrates towards IP (Internet Protocol) based systems. By leveraging Anixter's geographical presence and logistics capabilities, we will first expand the reach of Clark's product set across North America and then into international markets, which is consistent with our stated strategic growth initiatives."
About Anixter
Anixter International is a global distributor of communication and security products, electrical and electronic wire & cable, fasteners and other small parts. The company was founded in 1957 and is headquartered near Chicago.
Source: Anixter International Inc.
OnStar Gears Up to Help Children Find Santa Claus
"It's great to provide our customers with a fun, highly informative benefit during the holidays," said Scott Kubicki, executive director, OnStar Sales, Services and Marketing. "Our advisors also enjoy hearing children's surprise and joy when they learn that St. Nick is only hours away from their home."
For more than 54 years NORAD has used its North Warning Radar System, geo-synchronous satellites with infrared sensors and other technologies to monitor Santa's Christmas Eve travels and share the information with children and families around the world.
"We are excited that OnStar is a NORAD Tracks Santa program sponsor once again this year," said James Graybeal, deputy chief of staff for communication, Headquarters NORAD and USNORTHCOM. "OnStar adds another layer to the program. In addition to tracking Santa on the web or by calling in to the operations center, it's neat that you can locate Santa by pushing a button in your car, wherever you are."
About OnStar
OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. OnStar is available on more than 40 MY 2011 GM models. OnStar provides services to nearly six million subscribers in the U.S. and Canada. Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., a joint venture between OnStar, LLC, Shanghai Automotive Industry Sales Co., Ltd. and Shanghai General Motors, provides services in China.
About NORAD
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a bi-national United States and Canadian organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America.
Source: General Motors
Bluegiga Releases eHealth Products for Medical, Health and Fitness Applications
Continua certified Bluegiga eHealth Gateway connects Bluetooth wireless sensors to back end networks through different interfaces. The product is ideal for an OEM or integrator planning to add gateway functionality from local wireless to wired WAN or mobile networks. Bluegiga OEM modules easily integrate Bluetooth wireless technology to any sensor or device with range requirements up to 1000 meters. The OEM modules are available with Bluetooth Health Device Profile and optional IEEE agent and manager implementations.
"Using standard wireless technologies in the health and medical applications is a fast growing market. Continua Health Alliance is promoting Bluetooth-based wireless products to enable global manufacturer independent compliance between different devices," comments Mikko Savolainen, Bluegiga's Vice President of Product Management. "Bluegiga is the first in the world to offer a complete end-to-end solution that meets the compliance of Bluetooth Health Device Profile and Continua IEEE standards. Bluegiga's Continua certified eHealth Gateway for building networks and Bluetooth eHealth modules for sensor end are available now."
Bluegiga Technologies Inc. provides Bluetooth-based wireless module and access device solutions to OEMs, integrators and teleoperators. The secure, cost effective and easy to integrate devices are used by industry leaders in the areas of health and medical, automotive, audio, industrial, and consumer applications.
Continua Health Alliance Continua Health Alliance is a non-profit, open industry coalition of healthcare and technology companies joining together in collaboration to improve the quality of personal healthcare. Continua is dedicated to establishing a system of interoperable personal health solutions with the knowledge that extending those solutions into the home fosters independence, empowers individuals and provides the opportunity for truly personalized health and wellness management.
Source: Bluegiga Technologies
