Airbiquity Signs Telematics Deal with BMW
Airbiquity, a company that develops wireless in-band modem
software solutions for automobile manufacturers and suppliers, today
announced the signing of a licensing agreement with BMW of North
America, LLC, for use of Airbiquity's aqServer product. The aqServer
product will be used in conjunction with Airbiquity's aqLink modem
software to be installed on future BMW vehicles.
The aqServer is a versatile, robust commercial off-the-shelf
(COTS) server that utilizes Airbiquity's patented aqLink technology to
effectively transmit, receive and process real-time critical
information transported through the voice channel of any UMTS, CDMA,
GSM, or AMPS wireless network. Airbiquity's well-proven products are
already being used by several of the world's leading automakers and
have been integrated by major telematics service centers in the U.S.
and Europe.
"The decision by the world's leading premium automaker to license
our technology strengthens Airbiquity's position in the automotive
industry. We're very excited about this announcement," said David
Jumpa, Airbiquity's senior vice president of global business
development.
"Innovative telematics offerings enable vehicle manufacturers to
create competitive differentiation and strengthen customer
relationships," says Thilo Koslowski, vice president and lead
automotive analyst at Gartner, Inc. "Market penetration of
telematics-enabled vehicles will increase rapidly over the next six
years in response to growing consumer demand for vehicle-centric
information and communication technologies."
The BMW Assist service employs advanced technology to bring the
attention of a trained response specialist to the driver's aid
whenever needed. Combining an integrated wireless telephone and
advanced digital and analog service for communication with a Global
Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver to determine the vehicle's
location, the service helps deliver safety, security and convenience
benefits to enhance the driving experience.
"Airbiquity's technology will make the safety and convenience of
the BMW Assist service even faster and more reliable for services we
plan for the future," said Alan E. Harris, vice president of
Aftersales for BMW of North America.
Automotive telematics combines global positioning satellite (GPS)
tracking and other wireless communications for services such as
automatic collision notification and remote diagnostics. Airbiquity's
patented in-band telematics modem software enables data transmission
over wireless voice networks and is already deployed in more than five
million cars and trucks. The company recently signed an agreement to
license its aqLink modem software to Continental Automotive Systems, a
supplier of telematics control units (TCUs) to auto manufacturers.
About Airbiquity
Airbiquity provides software solutions that enable product
suppliers and service providers in the M2M and telematics industries
to deliver reliable and ubiquitous data communications by leveraging
existing wireless networks. Used by some of the largest automotive
manufacturers in their telematics service offerings, Airbiquity's
patented aqLink software modem performs in-band signaling for data
communications over digital wireless telecommunications networks. To
learn more about Airbiquity, please visit their web site at
www.airbiquity.com.