Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions provider Orbcomm [ORBC] and satellite communications services provider Inmarsat are teaming to take advantage of what they called the rapidly growing M2M market with a goal of creating a standard satellite-based global M2M network.
Orbcomm and Inmarsat will work together to create a standard satellite platform and develop cost-effective hardware and flexible service pricing models for the global M2M industry, according to an Orbcomm statement. Orbcomm is building a series of interchangeable modems powered by the company’s OG2 very high frequency (VHF) network and Inmarsat’s L-band network that are expected to have the same footprint, connectors, power input and programming environment.
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| The pictured GT1100 is a solar-powered M2M device designed for tracking and monitoring unpowered assets like shipping containers and trailers. Photo: Orbcomm. |
Orbcomm CEO Mark Eisenberg said yesterday in a conference call the OG2 modem will be ready for developers late this year while Inmarsat’s modem is expected to follow by mid-2014.
Manufacturers and partners will be able to drop in the appropriate modem that corresponds with either the Orbcomm or Inmarsat network based on geography, message size and delivery speed. Users will also be able to use Orbcomm’s relationships with tier one cellular providers for dual-mode service including either satellite network. Orbcomm will also offer its unique Multi-Network Access Point Platform (MAPPTM), which seamlessly translates and integrates the communications from its network service partners into a uniform set of commands and information.
Inmarsat CEO Rupert Pearce said yesterday during the conference call the company had been looking at the satellite M2M market for some time and that by partnering with Orbcomm, it will avoid years of investment in development to reach market segments like heavy equipment manufacturers. Orbcomm’s customers include Caterpillar [CAT], Hitachi Construction Machinery and Hyundai Heavy Industries.
M2M is often used to describe technology that allows networked devices to perform actions and exchange information without human assistance. Companies use M2M services to monitor equipment and see what it is doing, where it is and if it needs service.