Marine Electronics
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For integrating onshore and offshore offices together, Stratos Global Corporation has introduced AmosConnect 8, a communications package that addresses the broadband communications needs of ship managers and crewmembers.
With the new software, entire fleets and offshore offices can be tied in to corporate networks, all as if they were at headquarters. The software package, designed to bring on ship communications into the Internet age, integrates email, fax, telex, GSM text, and interoffice communication into a single messaging system.
Stratos designed the software not only for an offshore office look, but also with always-on satellite communications in mind. The package not only ensures managers and crewmembers have instant 24/7 corporate network access, but also lowers offshore satellite communications costs.
Making use of cost-driven communications algorithms, AmosConnect 8 has integrated and enhanced the usability of a range of broadband IP-based maritime satellite network services. These include FleetBroadband, Iridium OpenPort and the VSAT solutions OceanVSAT and StratosITek. Besides these broadband solutions, AmosConnect 8 also supports all narrowband satellite connections.
For ease of deployment and optimum use of expensive satellite airtime, Stratos has also integrated the StratosNet Accelerator into the package. The Accelerator allows for extended remote configuration, cost allocation and message filtering. The accelerator optimizes file transfers for minimized cost and fastest data transfer time through a method of compressing and caching of communications transfers.
The new offshore software is expected to meet not only the present but also the future broadband needs of the maritime industry. According to Stratos President and CEO Jim Parm, “AmosConnect 8 brings AmosConnect into the broadband era. Its modular, flexible design ensures it will meet both present and future maritime application requirements. It is the latest example of our ongoing efforts to improve crew welfare and business efficiency for ship managers and ship owners.”
Besides AmosConnect 8, Stratos has also introduced an Internet Café add-on just for crewmembers. Crewmembers can now get the same features on the corporate network for their personal Internet life.
The AmosConnect Crew CommCenter is an all-in-one communications solution for crewmembers. It includes AmosConnect and Stratos ChatCard, which permits low cost ship–to–shore calling, email and SMS (short messaging system) at inexpensive flat global rates. With the service, offshore vessels can assign each crewmember their own separate account complete with prepaid web browsing, prepaid chatting and news services as well as standard email.
The CommCenter is considered a solution to cost problems associated with crewmembers use of corporate communications networks. Ship managers had requested that Stratos develop a crew specific communications product that would give the crew all the features that an onshore system would. Parm says “This new version enables ship managers to derive maximum value from their FleetBroadband and OpenPort broadband terminals. It also allows seafarers to communicate onboard in the same manner as they do ashore. It fully meets crew preferences for robust, integrated communications, as well as management preferences for simplified administration and cost control.”
Because upgrading to AmosConnect 8 is expected to be relatively easy, the nearly 200,000 officers and crewmembers who now use the AmosConnnect system are expected to have access to the new software shortly.
