CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) has been commissioned, as part of a consortium, by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop standardized satellite communications (SATCOM) interfaces.
In addition to enabling the best possible use of available resources, these will help open up the market to more operators and service providers and encourage long-term cooperation within the European satellite communications industry. The first such open source-based interface is now available in a public repository and being continually refined.
The project’s goal is to strengthen the European satellite communications sector by making the best possible use of existing resources. Opening up the market in this way will encourage long-term collaboration within the European satellite communications industry. The interfaces have been designed to ensure the interoperability of “pooling and sharing” systems for satellite communication services.
There are also plans to link these systems to other European Union systems; examples include the GOVSATCOM hub, which is designed to provide communication services in connection with natural disasters, maritime emergency aid, border surveillance, and satellite navigation, and the European IRIS² satellite constellation, which will also be available for use by governmental organizations.
Version 1.0 of the interfaces has already been developed and is available in GitHub, a public repository. It already includes highly detailed functions that take into account feedback received from both members of the commissioned consortium and external observers. This version will be developed further within an open-source community in response to user feedback and industry requirements.
“While closely collaborating with everyone involved on this digitalization project, we’ve succeeded in meeting the prerequisites for efficiently using European space capacities and resources, these interfaces will enable the creation of a digital Satcom marketplace, simplifying the match between the demands and the offers,” said Stephane Pirio, Technical Officer at ESA. “A special aspect of this project is that it’s the first one to use agile methods in this field. This has made it possible to very quickly create a working standard that takes market requirements and direct feedback from partners into account.“
“For CGI, this project sets yet another milestone in providing innovative solutions for the satellite communications industry,” said Ulli Leibnitz, Senior Vice President for Consulting Services and in charge of CGI Space Germany. “The biggest challenge in this project was designing standardized interfaces while aligning the competing interests of European satellite operators and service providers. As a result of this extremely collaborative partnership, we’re now able to release the first version, which provides a solid foundation going forward. We will continue to improve on established open-source communication standards such as TM Forum and MEF and make the results of our work available to the general public.“
The CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) Board of Directors has appointed François Boulanger as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2024.
Mr. Boulanger is currently President and Chief Operating Officer for CGI’s operations in Canada, U.S. Commercial and State Government, Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence, and Global IP Solutions.
George D. Schindler, currently President and Chief Executive Officer, will retire effective September 30, 2024. Mr. Schindler will continue to serve on the Board and, for a transition period, will serve as strategic advisor to Serge Godin, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board.
