[May 23, 2012] Marlink Enhances Service Efficiency With C-Band On iDirect Tweet May 23, 2012 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Marlink, the world's largest maritime communications service provider, is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of new C-band services on the iDirect platform, which will enhance network efficiency and open up new options for customers using SealinkTM global C-band coverage for business critical applications. The services will be among the first in the industry to utilise DVB-S2 with Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) technology on regional, multi-regional and global maritime C-band. The implementation of a new state-of-the-art platform for Sealink global C-band coverage has been made possible following the recent upgrade of Marlink's global VSAT network with the integration of iDirect's Evolution® X5 Satellite Router and latest operating software release. The improved efficiency of C-band services through the use of DVB-S2 with ACM and Automatic Beam Switching on iDirect is supported with Sealink's proven reliability, user friendly operation and high flexibility, which enables customised scalable options. With 'always-on true broadband access' offered by Sealink, Marlink C-band services are designed for vessels requiring constant, high-speed IP access for converged voice, data and Internet applications, all delivered through a single platform. Current generation customised Sealink services already offer high levels of network efficiency based on the SCPC platform and Marlink's decision to offer C-band on the new iDirect platform offers greater choice for customers whilst securing performance for the future. The introduction of iDirect features such as Automatic Beam Switching on Sealink C-band enables seamless, virtually global coverage and enhanced quality of service with data rates based on customer requirements, ranging up to 8 Mbps and in some cases beyond. Due to the flexibility inherent in Sealink services, Marlink is able to tailor a communication solution for specific requirements and business critical applications across the maritime transport, oil and gas, cruise and ferry and luxury vessel segments. "Bringing the iDirect platform to our C-band services is part of our overall strategy to offer increased choice in customised Sealink services, which are available alongside our standardised WaveCallTM portfolio," comments Tore Morten Olsen, CEO, Marlink. "The use of DVB-S2 with ACM is new to maritime VSAT on C-band and we believe that the seamless communication that this technology enables is very attractive for vessels with high requirements for bandwidth and quality of service on a global basis." Sealink services are uplinked from Marlink owned Teleports, ensuring the company has full control of the entire network chain, so customers can benefit from high levels of flexibility in terms of service offering and customisation, in addition to a single point for worldwide support services. Marlink is part of the Telecom Commercial division of Astrium Services, a world leading provider of satellite services. Providing access to the broadest range of product and service choices, Marlink can support virtually any requirement for maritime connectivity worldwide. The company's unrivalled portfolio includes on-demand services such as Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya, as well as its own range of C-band and Ku-band VSAT solutions. Marlink routes communication through its own teleports to ensure high quality, reliability and flexibility for its customers. With offices worldwide, including Athens, Brussels, Dubai, Hamburg, Houston, London, Mumbai, Oslo, Washington DC, Singapore, Stavanger and Tokyo, Marlink is able to support its wide-ranging portfolio with installation and customer support that is offered on a global basis. www.marlink.com Astrium is the number one company in Europe for space technologies and the third in the world. In 2011, Astrium had a turnover close to EUR5 billion and 18,000 employees worldwide, mainly in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Astrium is the sole European company that covers the whole range of civil and defence space systems and services. Its three business units are: Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure; Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment; Astrium Services for comprehensive fixed and mobile end-to-end solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security and broadcast satellite communications equipment and systems, and bespoke geo-information services, worldwide. Astrium is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group - comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter - generated revenues of EUR 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of over 133,000. www.astrium.eads.net For further information, please contact: Knut Natvig Marlink T: +47 48 030 911 E: [email protected] www.marlink.com Press materials, images etc: Saul Trewern Saltwater T: +44 (0)1202 669 244 E: [email protected] www.saltwaterpr.com ((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]