Inmarsat and VT iDirect today announced an extension of their long-term strategic partnership with the formation of a joint research & development (R&D) team – i2 – to support the development of the next generation satellite communications (satcom) technologies. This venture is a logical next step in the Inmarsat and VT iDirect relationship, having worked successfully together over the past four years to develop the GX programme.
The R&D project team, which will be based at Inmarsat’s headquarters in London, will focus on the proof-of-concept and prototype phases for new satcom technologies. Inmarsat and VT iDirect will jointly assess the commercial potential of each new technology before the decision is taken to deploy it in the form of a new product or service. Both companies’ partners and end-users will enjoy privileged access to the new technologies.
Among the first projects the team will address are the creation of new solutions to support the growing integration of satcom and terrestrial networks, the requirement for smaller, more powerful satcom terminals, and the boosting of waveform performance.
“This is a highly practical relationship with the objective to deliver a continual flow of market-leading new technologies,” said Michele Franci, Inmarsat’s Chief Technology Officer. “Inmarsat and VT iDirect have been close partners for many years. We share a common vision of the future development of satellite communications – particularly its growing integration with terrestrial networks. It makes complete sense to combine our resources and capabilities in this way.
“This new R&D partnership with VT iDirect helps further to underpin Inmarsat’s long-term technological leadership. It is fully aligned with our broader building block development strategy, which includes the Inmarsat Communications Evolution (ICE) initiative, a Public Private Partnership between Inmarsat and European Space Agency (ESA).”
“The i2 initiative is a natural extension of VT iDirect’s existing partnership with Inmarsat to broaden our R&D focus and accelerate new technologies to market,” said Mary Cotton, VT iDirect’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’re bringing together the skills and resources to optimize the satellite and ground infrastructure assets to innovate on broader industry level and develop advances in satellite economics and performance, while transforming the user experience.”
For further information:
Inmarsat
Jonathan Sinnatt/Alison Stokes
Corporate Communications
jonathan.sinnatt@inmarsat.com
alison.stokes@inmarsat.com
+44 (0)20 7728 1935/1492
VT iDirect
Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
jbettinger@idirect.net
+1 703 648 8155
About Inmarsat
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L).
The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on @InmarsatGlobal.
VT iDirect
VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable our partners worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. For more than 20 years, the VT iDirect organization has focused on meeting the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Today, the product portfolio, branded under the name iDirect, sets new standards in performance and efficiency, making it possible to deliver voice, video and data connectivity anywhere in the world. VT iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including mobility, military/government and cellular backhaul. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information please visit www.iDirect.net.
VT Systems
VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.
