Cisco Systems Inc News

Global shipping and offshore oil and gas operations are increasingly dependent on integrated networks, based on various software and data transfer solutions. Systems and equipment onboard are interconnected, monitored and controlled through an onboard automation network. Onboard systems are increasingly also connected ashore to the owners’ or technology providers’ control centers. Equipment manufacturers want to remotely upgrade the software of their systems and monitor their use to be able to optimize operations and to scheduled needed maintenance service.

The maritime industry is at an historic crossroad — and the direction that companies take can determine whether their future is filled with success or failure. Consider this — maritime accounts for 96 percent of all transportation — driving much of the momentum of the world economy. Meeting these global needs has meant that modern maritime has embraced such advances as containerization and intermodalism. Now however, the industry is poised to accept the most dramatic change yet — digital networking and electronic commerce. While this new e-business (electronic business) model represents perhaps the greatest challenge yet faced by the industry, it also offers dramatic opportunities.