KVH Thinks Outside The Box And Scores A Record (SatCom)

[SatNews] Just because it’s a box doesn’t mean that KVH is ‘square’ — au contraire.

KVH Industries, Inc., [Nasdaq:KVHI] today announced the shipment of its 1,000th CommBox™ Ship/Shore Network Manager, marking a milestone for the company and an increasing integration of onboard IT networks and shipboard communications as shipping, fishing, and other commercial maritime industries worldwide are quickly becoming more advanced users of mobile satellite communications technology. The CommBox will soon benefit 1,000 commercial vessels around the globe, where its dedicated shipboard network management hardware, network hub options for enhanced performance and network control, and proven software modules will vastly expand onboard communications capabilities.

“KVH is committed to providing the best, most flexible, and most reliable satellite communications products and services for our customers, and the CommBox is an integral part of our end-to-end line of information technology and communications (IT & C) solutions,” says Morten Aasen, managing director of KVH Norway AS. “The demand for this highly customizable onboard IT manager has been growing steadily since its release, and we’re quite pleased to be shipping our 1,000th unit with that demand still going strong. Clearly, the CommBox is the preferred solution for fleet IT managers in need of convenient integration of onboard networks with satellite communications services, and we are committed to keeping it that way.”

CommBox is a network management tool available for mariners, functioning as e-mail server, relay server, and web server in one rugged package. With two shipboard hardware options, your choice of value-added software modules, and the flexibility to work with any maritime communications service (including mini-VSAT Broadband(SM), Inmarsat Fleet and FleetBroadband, GSM cell service, and all compatible hardware for these services), the fully configurable CommBox offers unmatched optimization and cost savings for any fleet. KVH is continually working to update the CommBox solution to meet the needs of professionals both on vessels and in fleet IT departments on shore.

Recent system enhancements include:

• Simpler ways to download attachments from personal and business e-mail accounts
• The ability to configure custom settings for maximum usage cutoffs, tracking, and notifications
• Easy ways to implement settings for roaming crew e-mail and Internet accounts
• Simpler configuration for the security-enhancing firewall module
• An expanded CommBox dashboard for comprehensive network and onboard communications management.

“Ship operators face increasing operational challenges requiring more sophisticated onboard networks linked to affordable broadband connections,” explains Aasen. “These include ECDIS, interactive voyage planning, remote engine maintenance and monitoring, crew morale initiatives, and increased regulatory reporting requirements. The CommBox R8 and C2 hardware, suite of customizable ‘Quick’ service modules, and convenient hub options, along with our continuing enhancements, are examples of how the solution has already evolved to meet our customers’ needs. We look forward to continuing to adapt and help mariners create communications solutions that meet the individual needs of each company and each vessel we serve.”