[SatNews] Airbus Defence and Space will highlight the benefits to crew welfare of its innovative new BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) solution for the XChange communications management platform at Posidonia 2014.
Introduced earlier this year, the BYOD solution enables crew to use their own devices on board for voice and data communication, seamlessly with Pharostar VSAT, FleetBroadband or Iridium OpenPort. The BYOD Solution combines the latest WiFi technology standards, a set of free apps and the newest version of the XChange communications management platform. It is a cost-efficient and convenient crew welfare tool allowing smartphone and tablets access to a vessel’s VSAT and MSS (Mobile Satellite Services) links.
BYOD offers a more cost effective solution compared with traditional cellular solutions for maritime. It comprises hardware and service support, without any additional or hidden costs. For crew, the new apps and XChange v3 take the complexity out of using personal devices on board. With the new XChange Voice app, crew can comfortably use their smartphones to call family and friends, or even anyone else on board, in just one click. Messaging and Internet access is provided through the easy-to-use XChange Data app. Crew can surf the web, send emails, check news or access social media sites, while resting in their cabin.
“This package of new functionality helps ship-owners to enhance their crew welfare programmes quickly and easily,” said Tore Morten Olsen, Head of Maritime satellite communications activities at Airbus Defence and Space. “In the crew survey we conducted, officers and crew expressed a desire for more personal access to connectivity. Our focus on BYOD is in response to this need for more privacy and comfort when communicating at sea.”
Airbus Defence and Space service providers including Marlink (stand 1.116) and SRH Marine Electronics (stand 1.113) are highlighting the BYOD solution during Posidonia 2014 in Athens, June 2-6.
Additionally, Airbus D&S has now shipped the 1000th XChange communications management system, reaching a key milestone since its introduction in the summer of 2011. This success is driven by the system’s diverse capabilities, providing seamless global connectivity and high-level communications service management functionality.
XChange is a core component of the Airbus Defence and Space Pharostar VSAT services used on merchant and offshore vessels worldwide. Designed to optimise voice and IP communications between ship and office, XChange’s innovative feature set harmonizes networks to provide seamless communication. In just three years it has become established as one of the most popular maritime communication technologies available. XChange has continued to evolve, with version 3 released this spring to further improve the flow of operational data between ship and shore through powerful voice and connectivity service management. XChange v3 allows more efficient use of on-board connectivity as well as a reduction in operational costs as vessel IT can be cost-effectively monitored from shore. This highly versatile solution also introduces WiFi connectivity to crew through the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) solution, so users can make calls, send messages and access the Internet using their own smart phones and tablets.
“Partners and customers today understand the value of the XChange solution, which is being used by 122 major shipping companies and service providers as an on board IT management solution,” said Tore Morten Olsen. “We’re delighted to have reached 1000 XChange systems delivered. As a key part of our AuroraGlobal network concept and the Pharostar and Pharostar Plus services, XChange will continue to evolve in order to meet the changing requirements of our diverse user-base.”
The Airbus D&S infosite contains additional information at https://airbusdefenceandspace.com/
