Partnership in Response to High Demand for Secure Asset Tracking
SkyBitz, the leader in remote asset tracking and information management solutions, announced today a partnership with QinetiQ's GPS enabled telematics business, a high sensitivity business which delivers tracking solutions in difficult operational environments. The two companies are joining forces, to provide a global terrestrial asset tracking solution. SkyBitz is now able to address customer markets and operations both in North America and internationally, such as high-value load transportation, local delivery operations, heavy and construction equipment, as well as goods movement using flatbed and less than truckload (LTL) assets that have a need for a high-data rate solution via a ruggedized device and secure terrestrial network.
"As QinetiQ has a strong track record in international defense and security markets, we are pleased to be able to leverage the leadership and expertise of its GPS enabled telematics business to ensure our asset tracking solutions meet the stringent security and durability demands of our customers both in North America and worldwide," said Homaira Akbari, president and CEO, SkyBitz. "The SkyBitz Falcon Series GXT1000 offers better security measures for flatbed assets through its ability to be installed virtually anywhere, which allows for a concealed or covert placement. It also provides real-time visibility for optimal management of assets."
The first offering under the agreement will be the SkyBitz Falcon Series GXT1000, which sets a new standard with its ability to operate in harsh environments that demand a reliable, high performance tracking device with accurate reporting and increased security requirements. This new terrestrial-based solution will leverage the experience of QinetiQ's GPS business in developing and delivering services and solutions for surveillance, vehicle and trailer tracking, and the security of goods in transit or portable assets for governments and commercial customers.
The SkyBitz terrestrial solution will operate on a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) platform, building upon SkyBitz's existing GSM network relationship with KORE Telematics, the world's largest digital wireless services provider specializing in machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. The SkyBitz Falcon Series GXT1000 terrestrial-based solution complements SkyBitz's forthcoming two-way global satellite solutions from Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), the only provider of truly global mobile satellite services (MSS).
Lex Alexander, QinetiQ Managing Director GPS Enabled Telematics said, "We are particularly pleased to be partnering with SkyBitz as it expands our global offering of telematics products into the United States. SkyBitz has an excellent reputation as well as a premium position in the transportation tracking marketplace. Working together our GPS enabled telematics business and SkyBitz can penetrate additional security and defense sectors."
The SkyBitz Falcon Series GXT1000 is ideal for transporting high-value goods or recovering stolen assets like containers, trailers, construction and other heavy equipment due to its self-contained design, no external antenna and stealth installation capability. The device's IP67 (environmental protection designation) rating means the solution has been designed for extreme durability for customers that need tracking in demanding environments. Information is delivered to end-users via SkyBitz's InSight, a best-in-class asset management tool for tracking, monitoring and managing a broad range of assets for multiple industries and has an adaptable application program interface (API) that can accept data feeds from any other system. For more information on the Falcon Series GXT1000, please visit: http://www.skybitz.com/solutions/mobile_terminal.html#gxt1000.
QinetiQ's GPS Enabled Telematics business draws on over 25 years' experience in satellite navigation and tracking systems. The company has a long history of navigation technology research for the UK Ministry of Defence, and latterly also the US Department of Defense. Ocellus products draw on this experience and are based on QinetiQ GPS technology - the ultra-reliable Q20 High Sensitivity GPS module.