Co-Developed Solution Speeds Time to Market For Automotive and M2M Customers Worldwide
Issy-les-Moulineaux (France)and Seattle, WA (USA) - Airbiquity Inc., a leading provider of wireless data communications software solutions, today announced a partnership in which it provides Wavecom SA with Airbiquity's GSM and CDMA in-band modem software technology. As a result of the global licensing agreement, Wavecom, a leader in pre-packaged wireless communications solutions for automotive, industrial (machine-to-machine) and fleet management applications, and Airbiquity will be able to offer complete end-to-end data communication solutions that reduce overall development time for customers.
The co-developed solution improves upon existing technology offerings by integrating Airbiquity's aqLink in-band modem software directly into Wavecom's automotive and M2M wireless CPU® product line. While similar solutions use external processors and require additional engineering resources, Wavecom solutions have been extensively tested to ensure seamless connectivity without adding resource-intensive set up. This key advantage over other technologies is reduced development time, which accelerates the customer's time to market.
Technology based on the combined solution will be available for integration into automobiles starting as soon as the first quarter of 2008. Together, Wavecom and Airbiquity have already attracted multiple major automotive OEM customers for designs that will begin integrating the solution into their vehicles for model years 2009 and 2010. Many of these new car designs specifically respond to the Pan-European eCall (emergency call) initiative that was recently adopted by Germany and Austria and now counts nine European countries as supporters of the initiative.
"Today's announcement is an important extension of our long-standing partnership with Wavecom to develop technology that provides lasting, innovative solutions to the automotive industry," said David Jumpa senior vice president, global business development, Airbiquity. "We're especially excited about the opportunity for these partnered solutions to benefit the growing telematics market and the Pan-European eCall initiative. The new combined solution will allow OEMs to get to market quickly with a cost-effective eCall solution."
Wavecom and Airbiquity have been developing the integrated communication module since announcing a joint marketing partnership in 2005 and have co-marketed products and services in both the North American and European regions. By merging Airbiquity's expertise in developing patented software that enables real-time data transmissions via wireless voice channels with Wavecom's Open AT® Software Suite and accompanying Integrated Development Environment (IDE), both companies have broadened their offerings to reach new customers in many markets across the globe. Customers using a Wavecom wireless CPU® that integrates Airbiquity's VIAaq managed data service will have immediate access to an end-to-end telematics solution.
"Our co-marketing partnership enhances the Wavecom offer and will open new opportunities for Airbiquity both in the automotive industry and beyond," said Pierre Piver, VP, Automotive for Wavecom, SA. "This co-developed communication software is the direct result of our combined efforts to provide customers with reliable, easy-to-use solutions, with reduced time-to-market, whatever their specific need."
About Wavecom:
Wavecom is a worldwide leader in embedded industrial wireless communication solutions for automotive, machine-to-machine and mobile professional applications. Wavecom's solutions include the Open AT® software platform encompassing the Wavecom Open AT Operating System, a wide range of Plug-Ins, the Open AT Integrated Development Environment (IDE) along with a market-leading range of Wireless CPUs (Central Processing Units), and an expanding portfolio of services. These complete embedded solutions enable makers of all types of machines to develop a new breed of intelligent wireless applications, without the need of external processors and other ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and components.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered near Paris, Wavecom has subsidiaries in Hong Kong (PRC), Research Triangle Park, NC (USA), and Camberley (UK). Wavecom is publicly traded on Euronext Paris (Eurolist) in France and on the NASDAQ (WVCM) exchange in the U.S.
The press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Because these statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could affect actual results include: the company's limited operating history, the need for additional financing, variable economic conditions and customer tastes, regulatory risks, and restrictions imposed by existing debts and future payment obligations.