May 09, 2012, post by Artur Nowak
Globecomm Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: GCOM), a leading global provider of communications solutions and service, announced today that as a Cisco Service Provider Video Technology Partner, it has been selected to deliver an enhanced communications distribution infrastructure for the Navy’s newest nuclear supercarrier, Gerald R. Ford (CVN78). The contract, valued at $3.5 million, represents a significant technological upgrade to the Navy’s existing analog system for video acquisition and onboard content delivery.
As a turnkey solutions provider / systems integration (SI) subcontractor to Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding operation, the Globecomm/Cisco team has employed best-in-class solutions from Cisco’s digital media suite. The design consists of a multi-functional, satellite-based entertainment system for a ship under construction—the first of the new Ford-class supercarrier. The new enhanced SITE TV—the first IP video system for the U.S. Navy fleet—will provide tremendous cost savings, along with enhanced quality, scalability, and flexibility to add new capabilities and services in the future. Globecomm and Cisco will document the architecture for publication to potential customers illustrating the enticing business case of enhanced services and the potential for OPEX reductions.
A 10G Cisco backbone will support the system as well as the ship’s video surveillance capabilities, providing sailors with access to live streaming media options, multimedia programming access while at sea, as well as pier-side cable services. It will also provide an interface to the ship’s onboard video production studio where live or pre-recorded broadcasts can be accessed and viewed. Other capabilities include video on demand (VoD), digital signage and collaborative access via Cisco’s Show and Share webcasting and video sharing application.
Keith Hall, President and Chief Operating Officer of Globecomm Systems, said: “Highly individualized system design and a proactive approach to future-proof infrastructures are at the heart of Globecomm’s expertise in the design, implementation and integration of content delivery systems and mobile technologies. Globecomm’s designation as an Authorized Service Provider Video Partner required extensive training and program prerequisites to sell, deploy and support Cisco’s solutions. As a Cisco silver partner, we believe that Cisco’s advanced digital media capabilities provide the highest quality solution for this important installation and we will continue to identify opportunities to implement innovative solutions for projects with similar requirements to SITE TV.”
Bart Spriester, Director of IP Video Systems, Cisco Service Provider Video Technology Group, said: “This SITE TV project represents a first of its kind video entertainment system that can impact tens of thousands of sailors and officers across the Navy fleet. As one of the most complex deployments of the Cisco Digital Media System, it is truly a new application of existing technologies, encompassing Cisco CAST and Show-and-Share applications, along with Cisco encoding technology.”
Apr 25, 2012, post by Artur Nowak
The Department of Defense (DoD) wants to design a new miniature atomic sensor system for missiles and other military technology platforms to eliminate their dependence on global positioning system (GPS) when that technology is not available. Through the Defense Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Chip-Scale Combinatorial Atomic Navigator (C-SCAN) project, the DoD’s research arm aims to develop an atomic inertial sensor that can measure orientation in environments that don’t allow for GPS, according to the agency.
Source: www.designnews.com
Mar 23, 2012, post by Artur Nowak
The universal adoption of biometric passports will influence eGate implementation which will become the main revenue generator for the global civil and military biometrics market in the near future. In addition, portable devices used by the police and the military will become a common tool in the fight against crime and terrorism. Biometrics is set for almost universal use in the identification of citizens through eGovernment programmes in which eIDs, eDrivers licences, and eHealthcards will be used.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.aerospace.frost.com), Global Civil and Military Biometrics Market Assessment, finds that the market earned revenues of $ 4.494 billion in 2010 and estimates this to reach $14.685 billion in 2019. The research covers key trends related to biometrics within the border control, military, law enforcement and eGovernment verticals. Over the forecast period, the most significant market driver for biometrics will be border control and the implementation of eGates.
“The civil and military biometric market will be highly influenced by the universal adoption of biometric passports,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Krzysztof Rutkowski. “This will pave the way for the adoption of other measures, such as eGates, that will enhance the biometric possession experience.”
Large-scale government programmes have been a catalyst in the adoption of biometric passports. Related to this, the adoption of eGates is crucial to ensure that biometric passports yield effective but economical security. eGates may also become a new standard at all international airports.
The events of 9/11 have heightened the focus on security. EU regulation No. 2252/2004 resulted in biometrics being implemented into European Union (EU) passports in 2005. Such measures have also been aimed at controlling illegal immigration. Biometric passports are on their way to being universally adopted; North America and Europe have already led the way, with the rest of the world expected to follow.
While offering several benefits, slow return on investment (ROI) and high initial investment costs are the main restraints to the widespread uptake of biometric technologies. Projects related to universal census or the issuance of eIDs might result in extremely high costs due to sheer volumes. Another crucial aspect restraining the adoption of biometrics are concerns related to privacy as well as lengthy sales cycles in governments.
“While the ROI may not be visible at the very outset, nevertheless, once the technology is in place, faster verification and portable devices will decrease the amount of travel required, which will be beneficial in the long-run,” remarks Rutkowski. “Privacy is the main hindrance in biometric government programmes; detractors believe that this type of identity verification can be offensive, distasteful, invasive, or simply embarrassing.”
As the market gathers momentum, becoming a recognisable participant will be crucial since the majority of customers are governments.
“Becoming more significant through the acquisition of competitors will not only positively influence a company’s market share but will support an enhanced position on the international markets,” concludes Rutkowski. “Acquiring a foreign company may decrease the affect of protectionism by certain governments.”
Global Civil and Military Biometrics Market Assessment is part of the Defence Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: United Kingdom Civil Security Market – Revenue Opportunities & Stakeholder Mapping, and Revenue Opportunities and Stakeholder Mapping in the French Land Defence Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
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