These new additions to the Vizada SolutionsTM portfolio optimize the basic broadband and IP-based connectivity services of the market’s leading mobile satellite network operators, including Inmarsat Fleet, Inmarsat FleetBroadband and the upcoming Iridium OpenPortSM. Through close coordination with shipping company customers, some of the world’s leading references, Vizada had identified three priorities in extending the basic services: security, crew communications and data interconnection.

For increased security, Vizada today launches the SkyFile® Anti Virus software, protecting against all malware (malicious software) including viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spyware, adware, etc. Automatic updates are performed daily via Vizada’s SkyFile® Mail client.

With Vizada’s new Terralink® Data Manager, the IT & communications officer on board is able to set up a personalised firewall, and if required, apply this setting in one click to all work stations and PCs on board an entire fleet of ships. In contrast, other market solutions require a setting per computer.

Vizada has also developed a full set of crew communications tools for both data and voice connectivity over broadband and IP-based mobile satellite services. Scratch & Web prepaid service for private email / internet / FTP use is now available over the Inmarsat FleetBroadband solution. For voice, Vizada’s Universal CardTM prepaid solution can be used with both Inmarsat and Iridium mobile satellite terminals.

Lastly, Vizada’s Terralink® Interconnect provides end-to-end connectivity from the vessel infrastructure to the shipping companies’ corporate network. For high-performance and secure data connectivity over broadband and IP-based mobile satellite services such as Inmarsat FleetBroadband and Iridium OpenPortSM, Terralink® Interconnect provides VPN, leased line and MPLS according to the customers’ requirements.

Growth in broadband and IP-based mobile satellite connectivity services* on board merchant shipping vessels increased by more than 10% in 2007 and 2008 according to a 2008 TMF Associates study.

“Vizada has more than three decades’ experience serving the world’s major international shipping companies. We also have some of the industry’s leading satellite networking experts to develop our broadband and IP-based solutions,” said Erik Ceuppens, CEO, Vizada EMEA & Asia. “We have capitalized on these assets to really tailor the newest broadband mobile satellite services to our shipping customers’ activity and ensure that they obtain the most from them.”