VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), announced that Marlink, one of the largest maritime VSAT network operators, has upgraded its global service with the integration of iDirect’s Evolution® X5 Satellite Router and latest operating software release, iDX 3.0.
Vessels operating Marlink’s WaveCall™ services have all received the required onboard equipment, enabling Marlink to increase reliability and bandwidth efficiency for core voice, email, Internet and remote business applications. Marlink’s new service upgrade will benefit several maritime customer segments, including leisure, commercial transport, oil and gas, and commercial shipping vessels. iDirect is the world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.
Marlink’s upgrade to Evolution hardware and software are a key element in addressing evolving customer requirements for increased bandwidth and more efficient solutions for core voice and data connectivity. WaveCall™ offers a high level VSAT communications service designed to support remote business solutions along with email, Internet, voice, news, and banking applications. WaveCall™ is built on one of the most extensive global Ku-band networks providing coverage for leisure yachts and commercial vessels.
iDirect’s Evolution product line enhances the efficiency and reliability of Marlink’s satellite service. Evolution is based on DVB-S2 with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), which provides significant bandwidth efficiency gains over legacy systems. ACM helps Marlink ensure maximum service uptime for maritime vessels by automatically adjusting signal strength to overcome rain or solar fade outages. Additionally, iDirect’s built-in Group Quality of Service features allow Marlink to efficiently control how it allocates and prioritizes shared bandwidth by market segment, customer group, and even application type.
“Competition in the maritime VSAT market has recently grown more intense, making it imperative for Marlink to differentiate its services and keep customers satisfied. Our three pillars of distinction are control, flexibility and support – iDirect’s Evolution product line is an integral component to delivering these. By upgrading to Evolution, we have addressed an increased range of customer application requirements and expanded our customer base without sacrificing service quality or affordability.” ~ Tore Morten OLSEN, Chief Executive Officer, Marlink
“As vessels at sea increasingly become integrated with land-based operations, it’s critical for today’s maritime network to handle emerging corporate data and productivity application requirements as well as recreational traffic. Additionally, providers like Marlink must be able to prioritize critical traffic for their customers and guarantee reliable, always-on access to broadband anywhere. Our Evolution product line is engineered to deliver the industry’s highest efficiency and availability, so Marlink can continue providing a world-class maritime VSAT service now and in the future.” ~ Steve TUNNICLIFFE, Regional Vice President, Europe, iDirect
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World Maritime News Staff, February 7, 2012; Image: Marlink