ROW Short Takes

CRC releases new software for SDR designThe Communications Research Centre (CRC) has released new software that is designed to help manufacturers accelerate the rollout of software defined radio (SDR) technology. The SCARI software suite provides companies with a complete blueprint for designing and implementing SDR, which will help ensure interoperability between SDR-based devices from a variety of manufacturers. "CRC has made a strategic investment in a forward-looking technology that will ensure military and public safety organizations have faster access to radios that are interoperable and hence can communicate with each other. The product released today demonstrates CRC’s longstanding commitment to excellence in the telecommunications field," acting CRC president Veena Rawat said in a news release. The software is based on Software Communications Architecture version 3 specifications published by the U.S. Department of Defense Joint Tactical Radio System. VCom and ARRIS announce RUS funding approvalB.C.-based VCom Inc. and ARRIS have announced that their jointly developed 700 MHz broadband wireless access system has been accepted by the Rural Utility Service (RUS) for purchase by service provider under the RUS Broadband Loan Program. "We are the first organizations to meet the RUS Buy American provision and receive acceptance as broadband wireless equipment providers under the RUS Wireless Networks classification. Our BWIN solution excels when catering specifically to residents and businesses in rural areas where the Broadband Loan Program is key to implementing this technology," VCom’s VP systems Richard Blenkinsop said in a news release. Besides offering a system in the 700 MHz band, the two companies can supply similar systems operating in a number of other frequency allocations. Telus Mobility debuts latest multimedia handset Telus Mobility, in conjunction with Nokia, has introduced the Nokia 3205i, a handset focused on multimedia messaging and do-it-yourself personalization features for the mobile trendsetter. The Chameleon, available exclusively through Telus Mobility, features an integrated camera, large colour screen and MMS capability, allowing users to take advantage of Telus Mobility’s picture and video messaging service. "The Nokia 3205i mobile phone is a funky, unique handset that really allows Telus Mobility clients to make it their own. With its customizable cut-out covers and wallpaper screen images, the Chameleon is focused on making a statement," Nokia Products Ltd.’s director of marketing Grace Belmonte said in a news release. Robert Blumenthal, VP of products and services at Telus Mobility, said in the same release, "It’s the perfect phone for clients who want to combine the latest in multimedia messaging services with the ability to maximize their own personal style." Telesat and Helius strike deal on IP offeringsTelesat Canada has joined Helius Inc.’s strategic alliance program with the goal of offering enterprise customers better access to IP applications, services and other IP-based offerings. "In addition to creating new products and customer benefits, this strategic alliance will allow Helius and Telesat to create joint solutions for distribution through both companies’ sales channels," reads a November 16 news release. "We are excited to work with Telesat as this alliance allows us to integrate the industry’s leading broadcast services offerings with IP expertise. With our combined technologies, Telesat will deliver cutting edge business solutions that provide new opportunities for market acceptance," Helius president and CEO Ron Heinz said in a news release. Rogers Wireless makes big investment in PEIRogers Wireless Inc., the country’s largest national wireless operator, will invest in Prince Edward Island to enhance mobile wireless service across the country’s smallest province. The value of the network upgrade and enhancement was not revealed in the news release. The company also announced that, in partnership with Ericsson Canada, the two companies would make a $500,000 contribution to the province’s Technology Development Fund. Blue Tree sells modems to NY’s PetroMontreal-based Blue Tree Wireless Data Inc. has announced that Petroleum Heat and Power (Petro) has deployed Blue Tree’s wireless modems throughout its fleet in New York and Long Island NY, as part of an integrated call management system for real time field service and point of sale billing. The implementation called for the installation of 361 Blue Tree modems in Petro vehicles. "A larger percentage of our work requires same day response. Our business is becoming more demanding and we have to be responsive. We have found the Blue Tree Wireless solution to be very reliable. We can now take real time information from our customers and relay it immediately to our field technicians," VP of IT for Petro Stephen Loizeau said in news release. Consilient part of new push email systemA Consilient and Oracle designed push email solution is being implemented by Nokia on its 9500 Communicator and 9300 enterprise smartphone models. The decision is part of a long-standing alliance between Nokia and Oracle. Consilient, a Newfoundland-based firm, develops the client-server software for push email and calendar on mobile devices and phones. "The ongoing collaboration between Oracle and Nokia has successfully produced mobile solutions for enterprise voicemail, email, calendaring, directory services, file management and search capabilities for Nokia’s family of business devices. The solutions provide mobile professionals with a one-stop source for integrated communications across multiple mobile devices and platforms," reads a news release. NL Irish Loop to get broadband access Newfoundland-based Irish Loop Development Board has partnered with Aliant, Industry Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador to bring high-speed Internet access to the region. Investment will be approximately $4 million and will provide for broadband access to 83% of homes and businesses in the Irish Loop region. Industry Canada will chip is 45%, Aliant 27%, ACOA 19.5%, the Newfoundland government 7% and the Irish Loop Development Board 1.5%. Contec partners with WINBC on innovation contestContec Innovations has partnered with the Wireless Innovation Network of British Columbia (WINBC) to allow a greater number of entries into the Wireless Innovation Contest 2005 through use of its Hornet mobile applications development server. "We realize there are lots of developers out there with ideas and the ability to build those into applications for the Internet. By introducing Hornet Accelerator to WIC ’05 we are extending the codes and tools that developers will need to mobilize those ideas and applications," Perry Quan president and CEO of Contec Innovations said in a news release. Sierra Wireless announces availability of MP 775Vancouver-based Sierra Wireless Inc. has announced that the MP 775 GPS rugged wireless modem is now available in the United States on Cingular Wireless’ EDGE network. With quad-band functionality for worldwide connectivity and data transfer rates averaging 100 to 130 kbps, the MP 775 offers fast, secure wireless access to key corporate data. The MP 775 is designed for use in public safety, field service, military and transportation industries. "We believe that the MP 775 GPS modem is a compelling EDGE device for government agencies and businesses that require a ruggedized solution for their mobile data needs," Cingular’s VP of government sales Chris Hill said in a news release. Spectrum Signal releases new flexComm productSpectrum Signal Processing Inc. has announced the availability of the flexComm SDR-3000 MRDP, a MILCOM Rapid-Prototyping Development Platform, and the industry’s first RF to Ethernet commercial off-the-shelf specifically targeted at military communications programs. This software communications architecture-enabled platform integrates Spectrum Signal’s SDR-3000 with a DRT-2110 RF front-end receiver from Digital Receiver Technology Inc. "Using a turnkey system such as the SDR-3000 MRDP is expected to save our customers months of integration effort, even if they are already familiar with the individual components," Spectrum Signal’s director of marketing Mark Briggs said in a news release.

ROW Short Takes

News | November 19, 2004

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