Boatracs Inc., provider of integrated satellite
communications and software solutions to the maritime industry, and KVH Industries
Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), provider of in-motion
satellite TV and communication systems, say they have established a strategic
partnership to deliver an end-to-end mini-VSAT Broadband solution for small to
medium sized businesses in the commercial workboat and fishing markets.
Sold through Boatracs, the Boatracs mini-VSAT Fleet
Management Solution includes a TracPhone® V3 (to be called the Boatracs
mini-VSAT V3), for global broadband connectivity as well as Boatracs’ web-based
fleet management platform, Boatracs BTConnect®. Boatracs’ other maritime
software products will also be available including BTForms™, an electronic
forms solution that the company says automates and simplifies vessel data collection
for operations, reporting and compliance record keeping. This new solution will
be made available and supported through KVH and Boatracs’ loyal certified
dealer network.
“We are very excited to partner with an innovative top-tier
company like KVH to integrate the award winning TracPhone® mini-VSAT Broadband
system with Boatracs’ software solutions for the commercial maritime market,” says
Irwin Rodrigues, president and CEO of Boatracs in a press release. “With
increased regulatory compliance reporting and heightened competition, the needs
of our customers have evolved dramatically over the past few years. We’re
seeing a growing need for simple yet highly effective integrated solutions that
drive operational efficiencies, vessel productivity and compliance. The
Boatracs mini-VSAT Fleet Management Solution meets these requirements in an
affordable package through a single provider known in the industry for reliable
service and a dedication to customer support.”
The TracPhone V3 is the world’s smallest maritime VSAT
antenna, KVH says, designed for vessels as small as 30 feet. With airtime
rates 1/10th the cost of L-band systems, the company says, the mini-VSAT
network offers downloads as fast as 2Mbps at 99 cents per MB and phone calls worldwide
at only 49 cents per minute. Powered by the largest VSAT network in the world,
Boatracs’ unique offering will enable commercial maritime owners and operators
to justify the need for reliable satellite communications on board their fleets
of vessels, the companies say.
Boatracs BTConnect® is a web-based solution that integrates
message and mapping functionality, providing access to fleet-wide data from
anywhere on any device. With features such as route planning, custom landmarks
and global map layers, Boatracs says, BTConnect ties together the critical
functions of visually managing a fleet with two-way messaging to improve
dispatching, accelerate invoicing and streamline shore side operations.
“KVH and Boatracs share the vision of making broadband
accessible to small and medium fleets as critical software applications
continue to drive the need for increased bandwidth,” says Brent C. Bruun, senior
vice president of global sales and business development at KVH Industries. “By
offering this combination of leading products and services in a turnkey
package, workboat and commercial fishing companies can implement a high-speed
voice and data service and be realizing the benefits of fleet management
software immediately. We are pleased to partner with Boatracs as a demonstrated
leader of integrated satellite communications solutions.”