SkyBitz, a provider of remote asset tracking and information management solutions, and Iridium Communications. a provider of global mobile satellite services, announced a strategic partnership that will position Iridium to provide two-way global mobile satellite service (MSS) for SkyBitz. Through this partnership, the companies are developing a two-way remote asset-tracking and monitoring solution through the integration of SkyBitz Global Locating System (GLS) technology with the recently announced Iridium 9602 satellite data transceiver.
The companies says the Iridium-based SkyBitz solution will feature lower power consumption and a longer battery life, and will be built around the Iridium 9602, a small, lightweight and low-cost transceiver that enables global two-way satellite links for low-latency real-time data transmission. By integrating SkyBitz GLS technology with the Iridium 9602, the companies say they will create an open architecture and scalable platform that is not restricted to custom mobile terminal hardware.
The new cost-effective solution that SkyBitz and Iridium are building is suited for markets such as trailer tracking, oil, gas, chemical, rail, cargo shipping and government, where there are requirements for intelligent sensor solutions and power-efficient two-way communications to deliver critical insights on valuable assets; in addition, these markets require continuous, global in-transit visibility from origin to final destination.
“Working with SkyBitz has the potential over time to substantially increase our M2M subscriber base,” says Matt Desch, Iridium chief executive officer. “The adoption by SkyBitz of the new Iridium 9602 further validates Iridium as the platform of choice for global asset tracking.”
The two companies already have co-developed solution prototypes and conducted testing. Upon the new solution’s commercial availability, SkyBitz plans to offer this as part of its suite of GLS solutions to its customers for their asset-tracking needs in both the United States and abroad.
“This partnership provides our existing and prospective subscriber base of several hundred thousand the ability to manage their assets for the first time ever on a global scale anywhere, anytime,” says Homaira Akbari, SkyBitz president and CEO. “We are proud to be partnered with Iridium, and we are committed to leveraging their unique capabilities for our new global two-way M2M communications solution.”
