Pole Star Upgrades Marine Asset Tracker Software

Pole Star Space Applications, a provider of realtime asset tracking and monitoring systems, has announced the launch of Marine Asset Tracker (MAT) 2.0, the first product released on its next generation Purplefinder Pro software platform. MAT 2.0 is targeted at owners and operators of coastal and inland workboats, tugs and barges and the offshore oil and gas market. It allows users to monitor mixed fleets of tugs, barges, rigs and other assets to manage fleet-wide operations and regulatory requirements. Pole Star will unveil MAT 2.0 at Sea Asia Maritime Conference and Exhibition, April 9-11, 2013.
 
MAT 2.0 offers a brand new software platform with a sleek user-interface, support for Globalstar, Thuraya and IsatData Pro satellite networks, a range of new satellite tracking devices, flexible service plans and intelligent realtime reporting options.
 
Built on Pole Star’s brand new software platform, Purplefinder Pro, MAT 2.0 delivers an enhanced user experience. The software features intuitive fullscreen Google maps and marine charts, dynamic vessel history trails, graphical weather and zone and overlays, interactive ship tiles and S-AIS data in partnership with ORBCOMM. In addition, users will be able to upload key documents and ship images, link directly to Seaweb and subscribe to event-based and summary notifications.
 
“It’s not just the user interface that’s evolved,” commented Andrew Peters, Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve redeveloped the platform from the ground up so that it works the same way our users do.”
 
MAT 2.0 introduces support for hardware on the Globalstar, Thuraya and IsatData Pro satellite networks. As a result, Pole Star has added a host of new tracking devices to their range, from low-cost self-powered devices ideal for tracking unpowered marine assets, to sophisticated devices that deliver intelligent realtime reporting at a lower cost than previously possible. “Each of the satellite networks we support offers unique capabilities and coverage, and we’re pleased to pass that choice on to our customers,” said Jeff Douglas, Chief Technology Officer.
 
“New to MAT 2.0, and indeed to Pole Star, is the introduction of ‘intelligent’ reporting which automatically adjusts a vessel’s reporting rate based on its status,” he continues. “This means, for example, that we can reduce a vessel’s reporting rate when it stops moving, giving our customers the benefit of high-rate reporting when the vessel is at sea, while minimizing costs when it’s in port.”
 
MAT 2.0 also includes flexible pricing per asset. Customers can create custom hardware & service plan combinations that meet the unique needs of each asset in their fleet. The flat-rate monthly service plans range from basic daily tracking to realtime or intelligent reporting.
 
Existing Pole Star MAT customers will have the opportunity to upgrade to MAT 2.0 free of charge.

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