Amazon web services opened to shipping

Speedcast International has just achieved advanced consulting partner status in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) partner network (APN), in a move that brings cloud-based services closer to shipowners.

The Australia-listed company is the first satellite services provider to achieve APN advanced consulting partner status.

The designation from Amazon means Speedcast has sufficiently demonstrated its ability to deliver services using cloud-based technologies on Amazon’s AWS platform. And the decision opens cloud-based services, hosted on AWS, to shipping fleets that are connected using Speedcast VSAT and to onshore data and operating centres.

With the designation, Speedcast can now design, implement, migrate and maintain these solutions in the maritime sector. The group already uses AWS to provide Tempo software, e-learning and media services over its global satellite communications.

“We are able to simplify our customer experience and evolve our services by taking advantage of AWS’s cost, security, agility and innovation benefits,” said Speedcast chief executive Pierre-Jean Beylier.

“Our products will benefit from our expanded relationship with AWS, with an increased connection between edge and cloud for management of our products and for the actual workload and data processing.”

Ultimately, the decision means that Amazon has taken another step into maritime connectivity by way of its agreement with a supplier of satellite communications to ships.

• Conduits open for smart navigation platforms
• Crew wifi portal added to VSAT service
• Owners use VSAT to enhance operations

Amazon Web Services is already used on ships by onboard engineers who use augmented reality technology for remote advice and support, using XM Reality’s remote guidance application on mobile devices to access real-time assistance from shore centres during installation and maintenance of communications systems. XM Reality is a scalable subscription service hosted on Amazon Web Services and is used by IEC Telecom Norway’s service engineers.

Speedcast provides C- and Ku-band VSAT and Inmarsat’s Ka-band Fleet Xpress to fleets of ships worldwide. It also uses coastal and offshore 3G and 4G/LTE networks for vessel and rig connectivity.

Earlier this month (June 2019), Speedcast teamed up with wireless connectivity leader XipLink Inc to develop technologies that maximise efficiencies in data transfers across wide area networks. Within the partnership, Speedcast will integrate XipLink technology into its cellular backhaul solutions to improve network efficiencies. XipLink will be hosted on Speedcast’s Sigma Gateway network management devices on ships enabling wide area networks to be established and used for fast data transmissions.