Electronics Review Vol 23 No. 3 - ST Electronics

N E W SiDirect to build ground network infrastructurefor Inmarsat’s Global Xpress ServiceWhen Inmarsat launches the GlobalXpress commercial service in 2013, itwill be based upon a satellite groundnetwork infrastructure designed anddeveloped by iDirect.Inmarsat awarded a US$60m(about S$77m) contract to iDirect,ST Electronics’ related US satellitecommunication company, to supplythe Global Xpress ground networkinfrastructure along with the coremodule technology that will beembedded into maritime satelliteterminals, as well as terminals thatwill be developed for the aeronauticaland government sectors.The network and core modules thatiDirect will deliver are expected tosupport Global Xpress objectivesto deliver 50Mbps downlink speedsto 60cm aperture terminals. Tofacilitate the delivery of the GlobalXpress promise of global broadbandconnectivity, iDirect will leverage itscore platform capabilities and itsadvancements in mobility, quality ofservice and network management.Mr Leo Mondale, Managing Director ofInmarsat’s Global Xpress Programmeis, “delighted to be working withacknowledged VSAT expert – iDirect.iDirect has built its market leadershipin IP-based VSAT network technologythrough constant innovation andresponsiveness to customerrequirements.”The use of the iDirect solutions willenable Inmarsat to, “draw on thevery best that VSAT technologyhas to offer, and combine itwith Inmarsat’s longstandingcommitment to quality, globalcoverage and seamlessmobility,” added Mr Mondale.“This is another big step forus towards setting the newstandard in VSAT, by offering reliable,easy-to-use broadband connectivitysolutions for remote and mobileplatforms on land, at sea and in theair, wherever they are needed,” heconcluded.Mr Lee Fook Sun, President ofST Electronics said that, “iDirect isproud to be part of Inmarsat’s GlobalXpress service. It confirms iDirect’sleadership role in the satellite industryand the superior reputation of theiDirect platform.”iDirect CEO, Ms Mary Cotton (left), and Mr Leo Mondale, Managing Director of Imarsat’sGlobal Express Programme, at the contract signingST Electronics acquires and renames PM-BOn 5 January 2011, ST Electronics(Info-Software Systems) announcedthe acquisition of theremainingFrom left: Ng Fui Chiow, Senior Finance Manager, ST Electronics (Info-Software Systems);David Lim, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Planning, ST Electronics;Nicky Ting; Chang Yew Kong, President, Software Systems Group and ST Electronics(Info-Software Systems)30 percent equity stake of PM-B PteLtd from the existing shareholder, MrNicky Ting.PM-B has also been renamedST Electronics (Data CentreSolutions) Pte Ltd.This name changealigns its businessbrand with the otherbusinesses under theST Electronics group.Established in1991, the companyspecialises inthe design andimplementationof mission critical, customiseddata centres, and disaster recoveryfacilities of up to Tier-3 plusstandards. Leveraging ST Electronics’capabilities, it successfully starteddata centre co-location services.As a wholly-owned subsidiary,ST Electronics (Data Centre Solutions)augments ST Electronics’ establishedtrack record in mission criticalsystems, forming a strong platform togrow ST Electronics’ data centre andcloud computing business.For more information, please contactPatricia Loh at (65) 6413 1620 oremail: patricialoh@stee.stengg.com4 ELECTRONICS REVIEW