Email Services News

Iridium Communications Inc. today announced Iridium GO!, the industry’s first portable satellite hotspot that connects to any smartphone or tablet, dramatically extending voice and data coverage for personal devices when they are out of range of cellular networks. Iridium GO! creates a satellite-backed Wi-Fi zone anywhere on the planet, enabling up to five smartphones to make calls, get their email, text and use some apps, even when terrestrial networks are non-existent, unreliable or costly.

Global Marine Networks Inc. How to stay in touch with family, friends and information through radio, satellite voice, email and Internet services while at sea with laptops and smartphones is the subject of the GMN offering. Blue water cruisers, and other boaters have more choices than ever when it comes to staying in touch while at sea, but some choices are better than others, according to a new report from Global Marine Networks (GMN), called Staying In Touch Offshore: Global Marine Networks’ Guide To Blue Water Cruising Communications. “The changes we are seeing in communications technologies everywhere are affecting boaters, and particularly those who spend time cruising in blue waters,” said Dr. Luis Soltero, Chief Technology Officer of Global Marine Networks.

Telaurus Communications, a Globecomm Maritime company, has unveiled a significant enhancement to its crew email solution, combining the functionality of its se@COMM software suite with readily available wireless network components. Crew communications – particularly SMS and email services – have developed from being an ‘optional extra’ to an essential service for shipowners and managers serious about crew welfare. Evidence from seafarers suggests that communication with loved ones while at sea not only improves morale and the overall productivity…

McQuilling Services has released its January 2008 Tanker Market Outlook for the period 2008 through 2012. The report, produced each year in January, presents a forecast for 10 trades in the five major tanker sectors through 2012. Six dirty trades and four clean trades are evaluated and discussed. Since a year ago the world economic outlook has changed significantly in the short term. Growth is expected to slow from 5.2% in 2007 to 4.8% in 2008. The slowdown was sparked by the US economy and its travails in the sub-prime mortgage market which have spread to the international financial markets.

Disaster preparedness and recovery plans have taken on new aspects and urgency since September 11. For many who didn't have disaster recovery plans, they have been inspired to create them. Now operations managers of maritime companies who are responsible for their communications and smooth functioning of office systems must also consider more possible threats. Is your company prepared to continue operating if forced to evacuate your offices due to an anthrax exposure? What if your office, vessels, or people were directly affected by violent terrorist attacks? What happens if your suppliers are unable to provide you communications links, phone lines, or power? Your plan should consider all of these catastrophes and more.

ENSCO International Incorporated announced that they will install a new communications system onboard all of its Gulf of Mexico jackup rigs. The company will provide VSAT, telephone, fax, broadband internet, data and email services, all through a secure onshore hub facility. C. Christopher Gaut, ENSCO Senior Vice President, commented on the new service, ``We believe this enhanced system will enable us to better meet the communication needs of our customers and other service providers on our rigs. Tom Chapman, ENSCO's Director of Information Technology, continued, ``Telecommunications on a mobile offshore structure presents some difficult challenges. Limited real estate, short well durations, and changes in infrastructure drive up costs for our customers.

Globalstar, Inc., will with software and communications company, OCENS, to launch a new suite of data services. OCENS Mail, WeatherNet and GRIB Explorer products are now available to Globalstar subscribers in the United States, providing optimized email transfer speeds and important weather and ocean information services via the Globalstar satellite network. OCENS Mail for Globalstar will provide satellite customers with the capability to transfer emails 20 times faster than when using standard email software. The program is optimized for the Globalstar network, offering virus scanning, filtering and mail forwarding services and works with existing email services such as Outlook Express.

Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) announced an agreement with Silversea Cruises to provide a complete package of onboard communications capabilities. MTN’s DirectNet technology will allow passengers and crew members to use any type of communications desired, including: receiving and transmitting seamless voice, data and email services via satellite worldwide. The World Wide Web is readily available at MTN's onboard Internet Café with online computer stations, and MTN’s technology also facilitates WiFi “hot spots” for wireless Internet access. With MTN’s new Maritime Satellite Television Networksm (MSTV), using MTN’s global satellite network and onboard communications enhancements…