Remote Communication Solutions News

Intelligent remote communication solutions provider Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) said it has entered into a joint venture with Wright Technologies, a provider of marine electronics services to the South Pacific markets.AST Group Managing Director, Gregory Darling, said the companies will jointly offer remote data applications through new technology and software to improve operational effectiveness.The newly formed company, AST Wrights Ltd, has its headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand, with offices in Auckland and Christchurch.The combined companies bring expertise in remote monitoring and control of fixed and mobile assets, extension of coverage beyond GSM, integration of radio and satellite networks.

Stratos announced that it is ranked sixth on the 2001 Deloitte & Touche Technology 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on five-year percentage revenue growth from 1996-2000. Stratos' revenue growth over this period was an explosive 73,000 percent. "Ranking sixth this year in the Fast 500 further validates that our acquisition and organic growth strategy made sense in today's rapidly evolving marketplace," said Carmen Lloyd, Stratos CEO. "Making the Deloitte & Touche Technology Fast 500 is a testament to a company's leadership, commitment to technology, and ability to deliver the right solution at the right time," said Mark A. Evans, managing director, Deloitte & Touche Technology & Communications Group.

Advanced Remote Communication Solutions (ARCOMS) has promoted Charles J. Drobny, Jr. to COO for its business unit, Boatracs. Drobny, who has served as vice president of Application Development for Boatracs Gulfport since November 1997, brings a vast amount of senior level management experience along with knowledge in the development of various critical software integration solutions for the marine industry. A graduate of The U.S. Military Academy with a B.S. in Engineering, Drobny holds an M.B.A. from The University of Cincinnati.

The satellite communications sector of the marine market has not been immune from the corporate consolidations that have swept all other corners of the industry, and while this particular niche has been widely regarded as fragmented, it is yet to be seen what the end effect will be for the communication users. However, it can be assumed that competition is still keen, and the name of the communication game continues to center on quality, reliability and capabilities. With an increasing emphasis on the transmission of data rather than traditional voice or fax, it can be assumed that continued efforts will center on widening the information "pipeline" between vessel and shore.

Captain Marine Services, Inc. of Dana Beach, Fla. has been servicing the yachting and sport diving industries for the last nine years for all of their need above and below the waterline as well as, providing immediate procurement consolidation and delivery of marine parts, supplies, and diving equipment. President Capt. Thomas J. Dunzelman recently announced the opening of a new shipping, receiving and agents office in Turtle Cove Marina, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI. With many years of experience in the Turks & Caicos Islands, they can advise your clients as well as your crew on what to do and see while visiting Providenciales. Captain Marine Services provides an office where a captain can talk to another captain/engineer about their equipment needs.

Boatracs, a business unit of Advanced Remote Communication Solutions, Inc., has appointed new personnel to better service clients, and expand sales coverage in the Pacific Northwest. In newly created positions, Robert Trainor joins the company as Sales Engineer, managing activities for the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and western Canada, and Steven M. Bryan, Sr. as Manager of Projects, Design and Development. Both positions report to Charles J. Drobny Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Boatracs. Trainor is responsible for expanding Boatracs' regional coverage by delivering products and services that improve safety, integrate information, manage data, and facilitate fishermen's ability to obtain the best price for their catch while at sea.

Boatracs, a business unit of Advanced Remote Communication Solutions (ARCOMS) has formed a strategic alliance with Nobeltec Corp., a developer of charting and navigation software. Together, they will spotlight ChartView Celestial Mariner, Boatracs' and Nobletec's nautical charting navigation and communications software, which was presented at the 1999 Fish Expo in Seattle during November. The product was shown again at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans in December. ChartView is a complete electronic charting and navigation solution for the marine navigator. It includes all the renowned planning and navigation features that mariners need, while offering auto-pilot controls, an integrated captain's log and the GPS Data Manager.