Fastrack M1306B GSM/GPRS modem offers new features and compact size
Wavecom SA (NASDAQ: WVCM; Euronext: AVM; ISIN: FR0000073066) announced today the launch of a new GSM/GPRS modem for machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, the Fastrack M1306B.
In countless applications in sectors ranging from security and health care to telemetry and fleet management, wireless connectivity is being used to provide a communications link to fixed and mobile islands of information. Wireless M2M combines telecommunications and information technology to automate processes, to integrate all a company’s assets with its IT system, and to create value-added services. Market researchers expect that “calls” between machines will outnumber voice calls by 2006, as more and more companies discover the advantages of adding wireless connectivity to remote assets.
Wavecom invested in the wireless M2M market as early as 1997, and has continued to lead the way with innovations such as the introduction of the first open software platform for wireless M2M modules in 2001 and the first integrated GSM/GPRS/GPS module in 2003. Its range of Fastrack modems has proven itself for stable, reliable performance on wireless networks worldwide for more than five years. Updated with new features, Fastrack continues to deliver rapid time to market and painless integration for M2M applications.
The Fastrack M1306B modem is perfect for adding robust and compact wireless capability to existing applications, such as remote control and monitoring, vending, and fleet management. By embedding applications directly onto the modem using Wavecom’s open software environment, Open AT, developers can reduce the number of components needed and thereby the cost of the total solution.
Housed in a rugged metallic casing measuring only 73 x 54 x 25 mm, weighing 82 grams, the Fastrack M1306B offers two general purpose input/output access points, which can be multiplexed with an I2C bus to connect peripherals. In addition, a new serial auto shut down feature enables a programmable energy conservation mode especially valuable for battery-powered applications. Fully certified, the dual-band 900/1800 MHz Fastrack M1306B offers GPRS Class 10 capability and supports IT protocols such as IP connectivity.
Commenting on the announcement Olivier Beaujard, Wavecom’s Vertical Applications Marketing Director, said: “Having pioneered the vertical applications market for many years, we are extremely satisfied to see it becoming the business reality we foresaw. With a dedicated organization including adapted support and engineering, Wavecom will continue to provide M2M customers with tailored solutions as applications grow more sophisticated and wireless networking standards evolve.”
The Fastrack M1306B will be available in the third quarter of 2004.