New version introduces real-time access to remote terminals with high maintenance savings potential
2 December 2014 – Airbus Defence and Space has announced the addition of BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) M2M (Machine-to-Machine) devices to its Proximity M2M platform. With this evolution of the platform, all BGAN terminals in an M2M network can be accessed for reconfiguration, updating and maintenance without physical intervention via satellite. The ability to update software and troubleshoot via Proximity will help service providers and end-users save significant maintenance costs whilst ensuring high uptime for critical M2M data communication with equipment in often remote locations.
In addition to interacting with the BGAN M2M terminal using SMS commands, terminals can now also be remotely accessed via the user-friendly Proximity Portal. The new version provides a wealth of information on a terminal‘s status via a clear graphical user interface. Within the portal a terminal can be put on stand-by or re-activated and data usage can be checked, while Tracking and Geo Fencing parameters can be controlled to add an additional level of security. An engineer can also quickly determine the Inmarsat beam number, signal level and retrieve log files, making the functionality especially relevant for live troubleshooting without needing an engineer on site.
The new functionality is part of the next generation of the Airbus Defence and Space Proximity M2M platform. The Enterprise Satcom business unit has re-developed the system to meet the evolving needs in the M2M sector, with the goal of establishing one entry point for all M2M applications using satellite connectivity and terminals with standard methods.
“We will continue to invest in the evolution of Proximity, and we plan to have improved ergonomics and an additional reporting capability ready within a few weeks“, said Danny Cote, head of Enterprise Satcoms in Airbus Defence and Space. „M2M is a key area of our research and development activities, as we expect the satellite based M2M market to double in the next 10 years.”