Iridium, Quake Global to enhance new generation of intelligent satellite transceivers

MCLEAN & SAN DIEGO, USA: Iridium Communications Inc. and Quake Global Inc. are expanding on their value-added manufacturing agreement.

As part of the new arrangement, QUAKE will integrate Iridium's short-burst data (SBD) service into its new line of next-generation intelligent industrial satellite transceivers. Quake transceivers are used around the world for two-way, satellite data communications services required for global remote tracking and control monitoring.

"We are committed to this further integration of the Iridium SBD service into our next-generation Q4000 and Q-Pro tracking devices," said Sergio Ramos, CTO of Quake Global. "Iridium offers uniform worldwide coverage, low-latency and two-way data links with high network reliability – perfect for our customers requiring near real-time data for mission-critical applications."

"This enhanced relationship with Quake, one of the premier manufacturers of satellite and wireless tracking products, enhances our ability to further serve the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) sector, our fastest growing market," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of global distribution channels, Iridium. "We are proud to deliver global communications to meet the needs of QUAKE customers."

QUAKE's customer base includes companies such as Marine Instruments, PeopleNet, Faria Watchdog Inc., Fleet Management Solutions Inc. and many others.

Though only the size of a deck of cards, the Q4000 modem combines dual-mode operability over the Iridium satellite network and GSM terrestrial networks in an industrial-grade, all-in-one remote asset tracking solution.

"The Q4000 modem is designed to meet stringent automotive power conditioning protocols and power management requirements for low-voltage applications. It also incorporates an application programming interface (API) that allows developers to utilize its functions to create customized onboard applications," Ramos said.

"Utilizing QUAKE's patented technology, system integrators can develop applications using a single communications protocol across multiple networks along with GPS. This functionality not only significantly reduces development time and costs, but also provides end users with unparalleled flexibility to choose the most economically appropriate network to meet their varied network needs and usage patterns."