Becker Marine ties up with Iridium Satellite

Becker Marine Systems will fully integrate the Iridium OpenPort service with its umc.connect optimisation server and its umc.global network managed services, offering the solution as ‘umc.connect skylink Iridium OpenPort+’. It will be completely integrated with the managed services of the umc.global network, providing one of the most comprehensive and universal communication solutions to the maritime industry, according to the company.

Through use of a sophisticated wireless optimisation protocol and a context-sensitive compression algorithm, umc.connect skylink Iridium OpenPort+ will optimise the throughput of Iridium OpenPort dramatically. With global, always-on, secure and managed internet and VPN corporate network connections, plus three voice lines that can be used simultaneously, it will deliver the most reliable, cost-effective and flexible communication solution for vessels around the globe, according to Becker. It also offers a back-up solution for any VSAT service while out of band or in shutdown mode.

The services are provided with easy and transparent volume-based flat rates. The system comes with fully integrated managed services to enhance crew welfare, such as unified messaging for e-mail, SMS, fax, secure VPN tunnelling, distributed shipborne/shore-based firewall, anti-virus, anti-malware and anti-spam protection.