ROW Short Takes

Kyberpass announces wireless security strategyKyberpass Corp, Ottawa, has unveiled plans for its wireless security strategy for the e-business market. The company has introduced a prototype wireless security suite, dubbed the Kyberpass K2 for the Palm OS that will enable Palm OS applications to operate securely over the standard TCP/IP networks using public key infrastructure. Bridgewater Systems makes splash into wireless marketBridgewater Systems has introduced its first wireless product offering, called NetProfile, which is to help wireless carriers create profiles of its subscribers based on what services they use. Company executives say that by doing this, it will enable carriers to better charge people for different types of services not based on minutes used. Under the current wireless architecture, fees are based on usage and that doesn’t leave the carriers enough flexibility to charge additional fees for other services. Sierra inks development agreement with Telus Sierra Wireless Inc has signed an agreement with Telus Mobility for the development of a next-generation CDMA PC card for use in laptops and handheld devices, such as PDAs. The new card will accommodate voice and data communications at speeds up to 144 kbs, a 10-fold increase over current PC card speeds. Sierra is also developing other wireless modems capable of providing next-generation data rates. The company recently received $9.9 million in funding from Industry Canada’s Technology Partnerships Canada program.Stream Intelligent Networks lands third-round financingStream Intelligent Networks Corp has secured third-round financing from CDP Capital Communications, a subsidiary of la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. During the troubled financial markets, this investment demonstrates Stream’s strong business plan and CDP’s confidence that the company will be successful in executing its strategy. Rent Express Communications to resell for Iridium SatelliteToronto-based Rent Express Communications Inc has signed a non-exclusive agreement with Iridium Satellite LLC to be a top-tier reseller of Iridium’s satellite voice communications services. Iridium plans to launch service on April 1. Rent Express president George DeMarchi says the company expects to play a leading role in building Iridium’s customer base. Webraska and Surefire to develop location servicesFrance-based Webraska and Surefire Commerce Inc, Montreal, are teaming up to provide advanced location-based mobile commerce services around the world. The two companies will provide technology and m-commerce solutions for merchants and wireless carriers by combining Surefire’s proprietary e-commerce systems and Webraska’s personal navigation API. The initial product offering will allow merchants to target selected customers, through mobile personalized purchase offers based on their proximity and individual profile. COM DEV to unveil new product at CTIA 2001COM DEV International Ltd, Cambridge ON, will reveal its new wireless Internet system, dubbed M/ERGY, at the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Associations’ (CTIA) Wireless 2001 show taking place at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. The M/ERGY system, which incorporates voice-over IP capability, enables service providers to offer their customers high-speed wireless Internet access at a fraction of the cost of providing cable modem or DSL service. The system is also capable of providing high-speed service to those traveling at more than 160 km/h. Sirois sells interest in two cellular companies in BrazilTelesystem International Wireless has signed an agreement to sell its minority interest in two Brazilian-based cellular operators for more than US$150 million. A Bell Canada International venture has picked up the interests in Telet SA and Americel SA, which means BCI’s joint venture Telecom Americas Ltd controls four Brazilian wireless companies. Speculation has it that TIW let go of the interests because it needs the money to fund fledgling UK operator Dolphin Telecom PLC. 3G deployment will take place in four stagesThe deployment and consumer acceptance of third generation wireless systems and services will happen in four stages according to wireless market research firm Alexander Resources: Stage 1 – data network deploymentStage 2 – interoperation and standards convergenceStage 3 – new wireless device proliferationStage 4 – full 3G wireless and mobile Internet realization TMI and Cabit team up for mobile applicationsTMI Communications has signed an agreement with Toronto-based Cabit Systems to develop new mobile communications applications for TMI’s service providers to the North American trucking industry. More specifically, Cabit will develop a suite of advanced packet data applications for trucking fleets. U.S.-based FCC holds public forum on foreign entryThe Federal Communications Commission’s International Bureau held a public forum on March 14 to discuss issues related to U.S. companies entering telecommunications markets in foreign countries. There is no word on whether any Canadian companies participated in the forum. Mitec Telecom still on track to meet targetsMitec Telecom, Montreal, asserts that it is still on target to meet its guidance for Q4 figures. The company expects to attain income of $35-$40 million in 2000Q4 with a top line revenue of $73-$78 million.Voice Mobility develops next-gen communicationsVoice Mobility International Inc, Vancouver, has signed an agreement with Aliant Inc to jointly develop the specifications for a next generation unified communications platform. The to-be-announced platform will address both the current needs and the anticipated needs of carriers and is expected to have the capacity to handle millions of users. Voice Mobility intends to launch and deploy this product to Aliant’s customer base by early 2002 and to major telecommunications carriers worldwide. SiGEM scores record revenue for fiscal yearSiGEM Inc achieved record revenue in fiscal year 2000 with an increase of more than 100% over FY99 revenue. In 2000, the company recorded sales of $13.7 million compared to $1.1 million in 1999. Revenue was also geographically dispersed with 62% coming from North America, 22% from the UK and 15% from the rest of the world. By market, fleet management generated nearly 70% of revenue, while telematics products contributed more than 30%. Bell Mobility beefs up news to mobile usersBell Mobility has formed a partnership with BizRelations Inc to give its subscribers access to event and association information wirelessly wherever and whenever they need it. This agreement follows Bell’s commitment to providing its subscribers with access to timely and valuable content on the go. In other Bell Mobility news, those stock tracking subscribers can now get access to E*TRADE Canada on Bell’s finance menu in its mobile browser. More money committed to technology research in CanadaIn a joint announcement, both the minister of Industry and the minister of Finance have committed another $750 million to the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to boost academic and medical research at universities and other Canadian institutions. This new round of investment for the CFI will take it through to 2010 and also builds on the $500 million committed in the 2000 mini budget. The government of Canada has now raised its total investment in the CFI to $3.15 billion.Telesat and CSA commit to improve satellite-based servicesTelesat Canada and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) are launching a new initiative that will dramatically improve emergency medical response to marine vessels traveling in Canadian waters. The Marine Interactive Satellite Technologies (MIST) program is the third in a series of multimedia-based initiatives led by the CSA and Telesat that are providing vital services to Canadians in remote regions of the country. The other two programs are the Remote Communities Services Telecentre (RCST) and Integrated Emergency Medicine Network (IEMN).

ROW Short Takes

News | March 19, 2001

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