Close WindowCTIA WIRELESS 2000, New Orleans, La. | Feb 28, 2000 —Aeris.net South America and DAMOS SudAmerica today announced their agreement to offer integrated MicroBurst data messaging service and ORBCOMM LEO satellite-based data communications service, for wireless data and messaging applications in South America. The hybrid solution will combine the cellular coverage of MicroBurst service with the global satellite-based service offered by DAMOS SudAmerica using the ORBCOMM LEO satellite data communications system. This solution will provide increased reliability, coverage and redundancy for a variety of critical applications. Aeris.net South America and DAMOS SudAmerica expect to offer the joint service to customers in the second half of this year.
The Aeris.net South America and DAMOS SudAmerica hybrid solution will maximize the capabilities of the MicroBurst network and the ORBCOMM system to provide reliable two-way communication for tracking and monitoring services. The MicroBurst service is a low-cost wireless data and messaging technology that enables a wide range of short packet data applications such as Automated Vehicle Location (AVL), high value cargo tracking and remote monitoring of security alarms and other devices. The ORBCOMM system will enable these data and messaging communications to be completed even when a tracking, monitoring or positioning device is outside the reach of the cellular network.
"We are very excited to offer hybrid Aeris/ORBCOMM services in South America, expanding our market especially in segments such as car recovery, road assistance, security and metering," said Marzio Laurenti, CEO of DAMOS SudAmerica. "We will take full advantage of these complementary technologies in order to better serve our customers."
The hybrid Aeris/ORBCOMM solution is intended to lower the cost and expand the coverage of tracking and monitoring services, by using an "intelligent" radio device capable of determining the appropriate radio network for a given geographic location. When within the cellular network, the device will utilize MicroBurst's cellular control channel solution for data and messaging capabilities. When the device is outside the cellular network, it will utilize the ORBCOMM LEO satellite data communications system to transmit the position or status of the equipment being monitored. The combined aggregated data, regardless of the communication vehicle used, will be delivered to end users in a single presentation, with all customer services and billing handled by either Aeris or DAMOS SudAmerica depending on customer requirements.
"We are extremely pleased to be working with DAMOS SudAmerica to provide ubiquitous service in South America," said Robert Schoenfield, president and CEO of Aeris.net South America. "Together, we will provide unparalleled coverage and reliability, while maintaining the lowest cost in the marketplace."
MicroBurst technology is a proprietary utility that enables short data packets to be transmitted over control channels in cellular networks using standard IS-41C signaling mechanisms. These short data packets are transmitted by cellular devices and are routed to the Aeris central hub facility over existing SS7 (Signaling System 7) networks. The Aeris hub identifies the service provider, the ultimate recipient for the data, and routes the data for delivery via one of several available back-end links, which include Internet, dial-up and dedicated connectivity.
MicroBurst technology provides ubiquity of service and the lowest possible cost structure. All data distribution is handled by Aeris' central clearinghouse facility. This distribution strategy makes MicroBurst technology fully mobile and enables all MicroBurst devices to roam throughout the North, South and Central America.
ORBCOMM is a LEO satellite-based communication system providing two-way monitoring, tracking and messaging services, using a 35 satellite constellation. Short and variable length messages are transmitted by low-cost satellite VHF communicators through an ORBCOMM gateway, using Internet mail protocols for delivery via Internet, X.25, dial-up and other dedicated connectivity.
Aeris.net South America is a joint venture between Aeris.net and KKE LLC. KKE LLC is headed by Jim Dixon, former president of Nextel Communications and of Latin America for International Wireless. Aeris.net South America, headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, provides wireless connectivity for a broad array of short packet signaling and messaging services using the proprietary MicroBurst utility. MicroBurst technology employs the control channel infrastructure of the cellular network as a transmission medium to achieve low cost of service and ubiquitous coverage. Aeris.net South America is currently deploying the MicroBurst technology in South and Central America. Initial applications include vehicle position and condition reporting, security and equipment monitoring, and utility meter reading. For more information on Aeris.net South America, call (54-11) 4372-6653.
DAMOS SudAmerica S.A. is a joint venture formed by Telespazio SpA (Telecom Italia) (64%), Inepar Group (Brazil) (30%), Entel Chile (4%) and BGH Group (2%), from Argentina. The company was founded in 1997 to represent and market the ORBCOMM satellite system, and it operates in seven Latin American countries: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay. In order to serve those markets, DAMOS SudAmerica maintains a Control Center, located in Rio de Janeiro, and two ground stations - one in Itaboraí, in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and another in San Luis, Argentina. The commercial structure of the company is formed by seven Country Representatives responsible for the development of the domestic market in each country.
Aeris.net, headquartered in San Jose, Calif., provides wireless connectivity for a broad array of short packet signaling and messaging services using its proprietary MicroBurst utility. MicroBurst technology employs the control channel infrastructure of the cellular network as a transmission medium to achieve low cost of service and ubiquitous coverage. Aeris.net currently has contracts to deploy MicroBurst technology in over 97 percent of cellular service areas in the United States and 100 percent of Canada. Initial applications include vehicle position and condition reporting, security and equipment monitoring, and utility meter reading. For more information on Aeris, call 408/557-1900 or visit the Aeris web at http://www.aeris.net.
MicroBurst® and VBurst™ are trademarks of Aeris.net, Inc. Aeris is a registered trademark of Aeris.net. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
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