SES Networks and Patrakom Enhance Connectivity in Indonesian Waters

Patrakom will provide connectivity for over 80 vessels via the SES-9 satellite

LUXEMBOURG-Tuesday, May 23rd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) and Patrakom, a leading provider of telecommunications and network solutions in Indonesia, announced today a partnership to provide seamless, high-speed connectivity to passenger vessels and oil barges traversing domestic routes in Indonesia.

As part of a multi-year agreement, SES Networks and Patrakom will be providing connectivity for over 80 vessels via SES-9 located at 108.2 degrees East. SES-9 is SES’s largest satellite for Asia-Pacific, and has a powerful mobility beam to provide coverage for vessels sailing across the East Indian Ocean.

The newly-created highly customer focused data division SES Networks is leveraging the extensive infrastructure, networks and operations to better meet the distinct needs of SES’s customers. The SES Networks business unit allows SES to deliver increasingly differentiated satellite-enabled solutions for data-centric segments, one of them being Mobility.

“At Patrakom, we provide daily connectivity to hundreds of vessels sailing across the Indonesian waters. Today, many of these vessels are limited by the level of connectivity due to the high entry barriers to get access to satellite communications. SES-9’s high-power mobility beam delivers seamless and reliable coverage over high-traffic domestic routes, enabling a cost-effective usage of bandwidth for our maritime customers,” says Endi Fitri, Director of Business Development at Patrakom.

Steve Collar, Chief Executive Officer at SES Networks, said, “We recognise a growing need for easily customisable and scalable connectivity solutions for the evolving maritime market. We are continuously enhancing our mobility capabilities with this in mind, and are pleased to support Patrakom with tailored bandwidth and coverage, offering them the flexibility to cater for the diverse connectivity needs of their maritime customers. The capacity provided by SES-9, with its dedicated mobility beam for maritime communications, is also well-suited for comprehensive coverage over Indonesian waters.”

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About SES

SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 12 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in two key business units: SES Video and SES Networks. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions. SES’s portfolio includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) television reach in Europe, O3b Networks, a global managed data communications service provider, and MX1, a leading media service provider that offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. Further information available at: www.ses.com

Contacts

SES
Markus Payer
Corporate Communications
Tel. +352 710 725 500
Markus.Payer@ses.com

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3955/en

Neffos X1 Unboxing: Can Router Company TP-Link Make A Good Smartphone?

Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Monday, May 29th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

When we talk of routers, modems, and other networking products, TP-Link may come to mind. And why not? The company has been leading the way in the Wi-Fi solutions market for 20 consecutive quarters, and it isn't showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.

But while TP-Link has been a household word for years, its mobile business under sub-brand Neffos is only gaining traction now. Still, the connection makes a lot of sense, particularly in the home or office, where smartphones typically connect to the internet using a wireless router.

But can a router company make a good smartphone — preferably one that ticks the right boxes at the right price?

As the industry continues to mature and boom in developing countries, as feature-phone owners upgrade to more capable, internet-connected handsets, TP-Link is hoping that its flagship X series smartphones under the Neffos brand yields a favorable answer.

Today, we'll be taking a closer look at the Neffos X1, which is the more affordable option in the lineup.

The phone comes in a white, square box that's about two inches deep.

Interestingly enough, it doesn't have the TP-Link branding. Instead, it has Neffos logos with gold detailing on the face and on the side, as well as multiple, subtle engraved lines that form an "X." It is clean and understated, much like the accessories that are bundled with the unit.

Inside, you'll find the usual stuff: a wall charger in white with a color-matching microUSB cable; a pair of black earbuds connected by a flat cable; two differently sized earbud tips; a metal SIM-eject tool; and some documentation.

Everything seems to be standard smartphone business, though it bears noting that the 5-volt, 1-amp charger is smaller than normal, which is a pleasant surprise.

The phone itself is visually appealing in gray, featuring a curved aluminum backplate for aesthetic points and easy handling. A sheet of 2.5D glass on the front is there to cover the 5-inch touch display and makes interacting with the screen more comfortable.

Another plus is how small it is compared to many other devices in the category. The Neffos X1 is only 7.95mm-thick and has a high screen-to-body ratio, so it fits snugly in our hands.

It also feels as if it is built solidly enough to withstand the rigors of daily use, as well as jostling around our jeans and bag pockets just fine. And there are no creaks, rattles, or flex from the body.

The fingerprint reader — as quick and accurate as we've seen on any Android smartphone — sits on the back of the Neffos X1, just below the back-facing camera. You can register up to five fingerprints and use any of them to unlock the device, or individual apps. Neffos even allows you to take photos using the sensor, convenient when you're shooting a selfie.

Speaking of, the sometimes-difficult task of shooting selfies falls under the lens of a 5-megapixel camera, while a 13-megapixel rear-facer takes care of regular shots.

Camera quality is pretty good given the hardware. Images don't come out fuzzy most of the time; colors are well-balanced and saturated nicely; and the 0.2-second phase-detection autofocus or PDAF works well. It is easily the high point of the main camera, as it allows us to quickly lock onto a subject and take a shot, as claimed.

And then there's the performance aspect. The Neffos X1 is powered by a midrange MediaTek Helio P10 processor coupled with up to 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

There’s a variant with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory, but our unit has 2GB of RAM and half the storage at 16GB. However, this shouldn't be a concern if you own or are planning to get a sizable microSD card, as storage is upgradeable to an additional 128GB. Sticking an SD card into the phone will cancel out the second SIM slot, though.

Out of the box, the Neffos X1 runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow with the company's own custom skin on top.

Thankfully, the customization is relatively light, and there was never a moment when we thought the user interface was bogging things down. The icons are minimalist, and the notifications shade and settings app also get a material-inspired look.

We haven't used the smartphone long enough to come to a conclusion on speed and multitasking prowess — or even get reliable readings on battery life from its 2,250mAh cell. But our experience has been nothing but positive so far. Let’s see if our favorable impressions stick when we’re done reviewing it.

However, if you already love what you're seeing, you can grab the Neffos X1 in Cloudy Gray or Sunrise Gold from AED649 in UAE markets.

To view images of the new phone, please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hjtmb5zxkhm5eeq/AACAiTv9JYtJIR5EjewIOyGHa?dl=0

Contacts

TP-Link Middle East FZE

Dia Hamdan, Regional Marketing Manager

Tel: +97143966356 Fax: +97143795721

E-mail: dia.hamdan@tp-link.com

Web: www.tp-link.com

Dolly Lakhani, Marketing Executive

Office. (+971)043966356

Mob. (+971)506741731; 0561981527

Web: www.tp-link.com

Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3988/en

TP-LINK MEA Urges Channel Partners to Specialise in the SMB Sector

Networking Vendor Wants Solution Providers to Develop Domain Expertise in the SMB Segment

Dubai, United Arab Emirates -Sunday, May 28th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

TP-Link Technologies Co Ltd, a global provider of SOHO, SMB networking products and wireless LAN solutions, has urged its channel partners serving the SMB space to specialise and develop some domain expertise if they are to differentiate themselves in this market segment.

The call was made at the second annual “ConneXions” Partner Meet 2017 on 9th May in Dubai, where the networking vendor outlined its SMB strategy and new products for channel partners serving small businesses in the Middle East and Africa.

According to the vendor which manufactures a broad range of products targeted at the consumer, SOHO and SMB markets, including Wireless solutions, ADSL, Routers, Switches, IP Cameras, Powerline Adapters, Print Servers, Media Converters, Network Adapters and Smartphones, the SMB segment is the most sought-after market in the Middle East and it’s important that partners develop some domain know-how on how to serve customers in this space.

The vendor said demand for high performing business networking solutions is increasing in the SMB sector across the Middle East hence TP-Link wants partners to develop some specialisation in this important market sector.

TP-Link’s SMB and business line products include JetStream Switches, Auranet Business WiFi, Pharos Wireless Broadband and SafeStream Router range.

Dia Hamdan, Regional Marketing Manager, TP-Link MEA FZE, said the market conditions maybe challenging at the moment in the region, but the future of the regional networking industry is bright.

Hamdan said for the regional economy to thrive, SMBs in the various industries need to be supported with superb technology solutions and continuous business innovation. “That’s why at TP-Link we believe that for the Middle East to have sustainable economic growth and development, a vibrant SMB market needs to be allowed to thrive,” he said.

He added that TP-Link wants to see its channel partners in MEA take advantage of the many opportunities and business needs that small businesses seek in the networking and wireless LAN space to enhance connectivity and optimise their networks in order to boost productivity.

Hamdan said the company firmly believes that behind every successful small business in the Middle East and Africa, there is TP-Link. “We believe we have the products, solutions and team to support the growth of our SMB offerings and to ensure that our partners thrive in the market with our solutions,” he said.

About TP-Link

TP-Link is a global provider of SOHO & SMB networking products and the World's No.1 provider of WLAN products, with products available in over 120 countries to tens of millions customers. Committed to intensive R&D, efficient production and strict quality management, TP-Link continues to provide award-winning networking products in Wireless, ADSL, Routers, Switches, IP Cameras, Powerline Adapters, Print Servers, Media Converters and Network Adapters for Global end-users.

Based on the confidence of tens of millions of customers, TP-Link is now growing to become one of the most competitive providers of networking products with aspirations to become one of the top 3 networking brands in the world and striving for a larger global market share, while further advancing in the world of networking to better serve our most valued customers with products that make their lives easier.

Contacts

TP-Link Middle East FZE

Dia Hamdan, Regional Marketing Manager

Tel: +97143966356 Fax: +97143795721

E-mail: dia.hamdan@tp-link.com

Web: www.tp-link.com



Dolly Lakhani, Marketing Executive

Office. (+971)043966356

Mob. (+971)506741731; 0561981527

Web: www.tp-link.com

















Permalink : http://www.me-newswire.net/news/3985/en

GLIDE’s 18th Annual eBay Auction for Power Lunch with Warren Buffett, Runs June 4 – 9

SAN FRANCISCO-Tuesday, May 23rd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GLIDE is pleased to announce the 18th Annual eBay for Charity Auction for Power Lunch with Warren Buffett. Offered through eBay for Charity, bidding for this year’s auction runs Sunday, June 4 at 7:30pm PDT to Friday, June 9 at 7:30pm PDT. The annual Power Lunch with Buffett has supported GLIDE in its mission to provide San Francisco’s homeless, poor and most vulnerable residents with unconditional support and love. The winning bidder will have the opportunity to dine with Buffett and seven friends at Smith & Wollensky in New York City. The bidding starts at $25,000 and all bidders must pre-qualify prior to bidding at eBay.com/GLIDE. To date, with the help of eBay for Charity, over $23 million has been raised for GLIDE.

“Mr. Buffett is a steadfast believer in the power of inclusion and opportunity, and that’s what we provide to San Francisco’s most marginalized residents. Through our programs, we are a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of unconditional love for all,” said GLIDE’s Co-Founder and Minister of Liberation Reverend Cecil Williams.

“Everyone that has experienced GLIDE comes away a believer,” said Buffett. “They have to see it to believe it, but when they see it, they do believe it.”

“We believe in building bridges, not walls,” said GLIDE Co-Founder Janice Mirikitani. “Warren Buffett and the generous bidders enable us to provide a holistic array of high-quality services that meet critical needs, improve lives and elevate the human spirit.”

“With eBay for Charity, we make it easy for every transaction to have a meaningful impact for thousands of charities,” said eBay’s President and CEO Devin Wenig. “To date, our platform has helped raise over $725 million dollars. We continue to be huge supporters of GLIDE and hope this auction will help further its mission of promoting equality and inclusiveness for all.”

The winning bids have ranged from $25,000 (prior to eBay’s involvement) to $3,456,789. Funds raised go directly to support GLIDE’s programs, which help people overcome hunger, poverty and homelessness.

For more information about the Auction, please contact 415.674.6060, Buffett@GLIDE.org or visit eBay.com/GLIDE. For more information about GLIDE, please visit GLIDE.org.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170522005307/en/

Contacts

for GLIDE
Denise Lamott, 415-381-8793
Denise@DeniseLamottPR.com
or
eBay
Kari Ramirez, 408-219-5120
karamirez@ebay.com


Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3950/en

mTAB® Expands Global Marketing Research Capabilities

ANAHEIM, Calif.-Tuesday, May 23rd 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- mTAB, a U.S.-based leading provider of survey data analysis and visualization solutions, today announced an expansion of its global capabilities. Through the acquisition of Gamma Associates in the U.K., establishment of an office in Japan, and a partnership with Analytic Edge in China, mTAB will provide enhanced in-market support for clients.

“We’re so pleased to unite our two companies to provide our client base with the global support they expect,” said Alex Gelman, CEO of mTAB. “Gamma’s focus on quality and customer success fits perfectly with our values at mTAB. Gamma’s data visualization software, mTABView®, will become one of the core pillars of the mTAB platform and growth story.”

Since 1990, Gamma has been mTAB’s partner in Europe. The two businesses will be fully integrated under Gelman’s leadership, enabling mTAB’s global clients to access a more seamless customer experience.

Additionally, today mTAB announced a significant expansion into Asia. mTAB has been working closely with leading Japanese companies since 1996, and establishing a local office will further strengthen these relationships.

“As we plan to expand our business globally, establishing an operating entity in this important market was a natural decision for us,” said Keiko Yoshimi, head of the newly formed mTAB Asia Pacific office.

In China, the growing market research industry is increasingly demanding the same tools that mTAB provides in its Japanese, European and American markets. To support the Chinese market, mTAB has formed a strategic partnership with market research training firm, Analytic Edge.

“The Chinese market is so unique and large that it requires in-market presence,” said Junbo Zhu, founder of Analytic Edge.

With the expansion, clients can expect a seamless user experience through a fully integrated software and services delivery platform in the comfort of their own language and time zone.

For further information visit www.mtabsurveyanalysis.com.

About mTAB

mTAB enables companies to maximize value from past and present marketing research by providing fully serviced web-based software that makes large non-uniform datasets easy to analyze, insightful and immediately accessible for everyone. mTAB makes it easy for anyone to discover stories behind the research data warehouse to help make key business decisions.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=51561270&lang=en

Contacts

mTAB
Katie Duffey, 1-714-693-3110
kduffey@mtabsurveyanalysis.com

Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3945/en

Hytera Communications Completes Acquisition of Sepura

Global Leader in Professional Mobile Radio Solutions Sees Further Opportunity to Grow in TETRA, DMR and LTE

SHENZHEN, China & LONDON-Saturday, May 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hytera Communications Corporation Limited (002583.SZ), the leading global provider of innovative professional mobile radio (PMR) communications solutions that improve organizational efficiency and make the world safer, announced that as of 24 May 2017 it has completed its acquisition of the Sepura Group PLC, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom, the leading provider in TETRA products and solutions for organizations worldwide.

"The PMR communications industry is seeing rapid evolution, and Hytera leads in incorporating new technologies and attractive features that deliver more effective solutions for our customers," said Mr. Qingzhou Chen, founder, chairman and president of Shenzhen, Guangdong-based Hytera. "Adding the Sepura Group complements our strengths in technological innovation, especially in TETRA, along with adding sophisticated engineering talent and an experienced operating team, and enhances our channel partnerships around the world."

Sepura is a market leader in 20 countries and has end-customers in more than 100 countries, and has the second-largest market share in public security in Europe. Hytera's acquisition of Sepura adds approximately 700 professionals and staff to Hytera's organization.

"Hytera has been investing strategically in Europe," said Mr. Chen. "In 2011, Hytera acquired what is now Hytera Mobilfunk GmbH in Germany, growing it into a significant PMR provider in Europe and one of our most important research centers. By adding Sepura, Hytera now has two more innovation centers, in the United Kingdom and Spain. With enhanced capabilities, we can better serve local markets and help to address increasing security challenges in Europe," added Mr. Chen.

Established in 1993 in Shenzhen, China, Hytera Communications is the world's fastest-growing PMR solution provider, and the world's #1 DMR Tier III Trunking provider. Its more than 7,000 employees serve organizations in more than 120 countries, including in government, the public security sector, the utilities, transportation, and oil and gas industries, and a range of other businesses.

In 2016, both Hytera and Sepura provided PMR solutions for event management and public safety at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil. Next year, Hytera will provide similar PMR communications solutions for security and event management for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"Joining with Hytera gives us access to a broader cross-section of the market, gives our dealers the advantage of a wider range of products and solutions, and provides growth opportunities for our engineers and research and development technicians," said David Barrass, the interim Chief Executive Officer of Sepura. "With its growing momentum in the PMR space and some very high-profile opportunities, Hytera is executing a clear strategy as it expands globally. It's a terrific opportunity."

Last year, Hytera reported year-over-year growth of 39%. In 2016, Hytera's overall sales of terminals were up 52%, and its overall sales of infrastructure increased 86%.

The announcement of the Sepura deal's closing comes in the wake of Hytera's highly anticipated debut at Critical Communications World 2017 in Hong Kong of its new LTE-PMR Convergence Solution, which comprises cutting-edge Multi-mode Advanced Radio terminals, narrowband-broadband infrastructure, and management software. Hytera's LTE-PMR Convergence Solution incorporates feature-rich broadband technologies while ensuring that critically important voice services remain reliably accessible using narrowband technologies such as TETRA, DMR, and PDT.

Hytera Chairman Qingzhou Chen will visit Sepura's offices in the U.K. and Spain in June to deepen relationships with key management and to meet personnel. "Hytera has tremendous momentum in the marketplace," he notes. "Last year, we became the second-largest PMR communications provider in the world, and we believe there remain excellent prospects for growth in key markets."

About Hytera

Hytera Communications Corporation Limited is the leading global provider of innovative professional mobile radio (PMR) communications solutions that improve organizational efficiency and make the world safer. Established in 1993 in Shenzhen, China, Hytera Communications is the second-largest PMR provider in the world, the world's fastest-growing PMR solution provider, and the world's #1 DMR Tier III Trunking provider. Hytera's more than 7,000 personnel serve customers in 120 countries and regions, including government organizations, public security institutions, and customers in utilities, transportation, oil-and-gas, and other sectors. Fully 40% of Hytera's personnel are engaged in engineering, research and development, and product design. In 2011, Hytera became a publicly-listed company in China, trading on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (002583.SZ); by the end of 2016, Hytera's market capitalization had grown 500% since going public. More information is at www.hytera.com.

About the Sepura Group

Founded in 2002 and serving customers in more than 100 countries, the Sepura Group has become a market leader in the design, manufacture, and supply of digital radio products, systems, and applications for business and mission-critical communications. The Sepura Group's portfolio includes TETRA, DMR, P25, and LTE system solutions for public safety organizations and commercial customers in transportation, utilities, oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, hospitality and construction. The Sepura Group includes Spanish PMR provider Teltronic S.A.U., and Finnish applications developer Portalify. More information is at www.sepura.com.

About Teltronic

Teltronic S.A.U. has more than 40 years of experience in the design, manufacturing, and implementation of turnkey TETRA, P25, and LTE digital and analog land mobile radio communications solutions worldwide, for customers in the transportation, public safety, utilities, and industrial sectors. Teltronic's portfolio includes end-user applications and systems for integrated command-and-control centers and custom surveillance. With more than 300 network references in 50 countries, Teltronic is dedicated to provide complete radio network infrastructures, control centers, and end-user equipment, including specialized onboard systems. For information is at www.teltronic.es.




Contacts

Hytera Communications Corporation Limited
Media Enquiry
Johnny Jian, +86 755 26972999
johnny.jian@hytera.com
www.hytera.com




Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3975/en

TouchTunes and PlayNetwork Complete Merger

Combined company gains global scale and resources to accelerate innovation for music and branded entertainment media experiences.

NEW YORK-Saturday, May 27th 2017 [ ME NewsWire ]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TouchTunes and PlayNetwork today announced the completion of their previously disclosed merger to create the global market leader for music and branded entertainment media experiences.

The merger joins two industry leaders and their complementary expertise to create a new company with the global scale and resources to expand licensed music libraries, accelerate innovation, and impact customer success. Together the company will redefine how businesses use music and original content, AV systems, technology and performance insights to increase consumer engagement in-venue, on-device and beyond. From small business to enterprise and luxury segments, the combined company serves 450+ brands, reaching 100M+ consumers every day across 185,000+ locations in 125+ countries.

“Today is a defining moment for our company, and hugely transformative for our partners and customers that prioritize customer experience to drive revenue,” said Ross Honey, President and CEO of TouchTunes. “With the expansion of our products and capabilities, we will create immediate growth opportunities for our 2,500+ operator network to better serve SMB, QSR and franchise customers with the most robust portfolio of solutions for music and media.”

Craig Hubbell, President and CEO of PlayNetwork commented, “This deal creates a powerful business and signifies a major step forward in our industry. Together we will accelerate our efforts to create the most comprehensive technology platform, music library, premium services and advanced capabilities our customers need most. This next wave of innovation will help businesses adapt to change and ultimately transform the way people seamlessly discover, access, and share branded media experiences.”

The combined company has headquarters in New York City and Seattle, with offices in Chicago, Columbus, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Montreal, Santiago and Vancouver.

About TouchTunes

TouchTunes is the largest in-venue interactive music and entertainment platform, featured in more than 65,000 bars and restaurants across North America and 75,000 globally. TouchTunes' platform provides location-based digital solutions that encourage social interactions through shared experiences. Music is the core of TouchTunes' experience, with millions of songs played daily across the network and a mobile app that lets users find nearby jukebox locations, create playlists, and control the music in-venue directly from their phone. Additional services include an integrated photo booth, the first fully-licensed commercial karaoke system, and social TV messaging. For more information visit www.touchtunes.com.

About PlayNetwork

PlayNetwork helps brands engage consumers through entertainment media, in-store and beyond. These experiences add emotion to omni-channel touch points that strengthen the connection with customers and influence lifetime value. Clients work with PlayNetwork for creative strategy development, branded music curation and global licensing, original video production, messaging, audio/visual systems engineering and installation, technology and software development, and more. They partner with 425+ brands across 110,000+ locations in 125+ countries, reaching more than 100 million people every day. For more information visit www.playnetwork.com.




Contacts

TouchTunes
Marc Felsen, SVP Corporate and Product Marketing
mfelsen@touchtunes.com
or
PlayNetwork
Nicole Rikkinen, VP Corporate Marketing
nrikkinen@playnetwork.com




Permalink : http://me-newswire.net/news/3984/en