“Enterprise Cloud Manager represents the advancement of CradlePoint’s work with customers and partners over several years to develop and hone its existing cloud-based management solution, WiPipe Central,” said George Mulhern, CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Enterprise Cloud Manager builds on the WiPipe Central solution integrating a new application-based architecture, open API, improved user interface, and secure, real-time wireless access to devices to increase network reliability and improve IT productivity.”

Distributed enterprises in verticals like retail, finance and transport utilise CradlePoint 3G/4G networking solutions to enable their mobile initiatives and customer engagement applications like network failover, digital signage, kiosks, pop-up stores, vehicles, and in-store WiFi. A major pain point for IT managers with hundreds or thousands of remote routers is the need to have immediate visibility, management, and configuration of these devices and their associated data plans over a secure wireless connection from a central location.

“As one of the world’s largest digital signage manufacturers, we’ve deployed thousands of signs across the country,” said Justin Montalto, Network and Wireless Communications Administrator for YESCO. “In evaluating Enterprise Cloud Manager, we are very pleased with the ability to deploy, configure, and manage our networks in real-time. We now have the ability to create accounts and sub-accounts for network administrators across different regions. These administrators have complete access to the CradlePoint devices for intelligence like signal strength, data usage, connection speeds, specific carriers, and downtime. With this information, administrators can more effectively manage the fleet of service trucks in their respective regions. Our field technicians also rely on CradlePoint to connect their trucks and power their WiFi tablets to facilitate troubleshooting with our regional network administrators. I believe Enterprise Cloud Manager’s rich feature set is going to help us change the digital signage industry.”

With Enterprise Cloud Manager, real-time access to network devices over wireless networks means administrators can immediately optimise configurations and be more strategic with deployments. In some cases, Enterprise Cloud Manager has increased the speed to deployment five-fold versus traditional means. From a troubleshooting standpoint, IT managers have the visibility, intelligence, and agility to quickly drilldown on disruptions, maximizing uptime to improve network reliability and prevent lost revenue. Enterprise Cloud Manager’s open, application-based architecture enables CradlePoint and Partners to release new customer-driven applications that solve specific business problems. In addition, Enterprise Cloud Manager’s open API allows integration with a customer’s third party network applications like SolarWinds and HP Business Technology Optimization Software (HP OpenView).

CradlePoint Enterprise Cloud Manager is in beta testing with customers. Production release is planned for July 2013. For further information on range of CradlePoint devices available, contact Westbase Technology on +44 (0)1291 430 567, info@westbaseuk.com or complete our contact form.

The post CradlePoint Enterprise Cloud Manager announced for next generation network management appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

Run by digitalsignage.NET, the cloud-based digital signage software of Dynamax, the project was launched last year as an attempt to raise engagement with shoppers and present the hidden features of the Rohan clothing range, using IAdea digital signage devices.

Here’s an excerpt from the article covering the use of visual technology in retail:

Outdoor clothing specialist Rohan, for example, has used screens to inform customers about the benefits of its products and the contexts in which they are worn. Working with digitalsignage.NET, the retailer installed monitors in three of its high-traffic stores in order to gauge the reaction from consumers.

“The point with Rohan is that we make performance clothing in a way where the benefits are almost hidden,” explains chairman Colin Fisher.

“In relatively high-traffic stores, it doesn’t matter how well trained the staff are, they can’t see and help everybody. So it struck me when I first saw this [technology] that it was a good way for us to put together presentations of our products.”

Fisher says the screens have had a positive effect in engaging people – especially shoppers who are reluctant to ask for help but appreciate visual aids. Rohan started off displaying simple slide show presentations on the screens before moving on to create its own videos.

“There are people who want to inform themselves and don’t necessarily want to interact with staff until they are ready to buy something,” he adds. “For those people this has been invaluable. Other people will immediately engage and say ‘I’m looking for such and such’ and for them it’s less relevant. Given the nature of what we do, quite a lot of our customers are in the first group – particularly men. said Fisher“

You can read more about the Rohan project on the digitalsignage.NET website here.

For further information on the IAdea digital signage product range, contact Westbase Technology on +44 (0)1291 430 567, info@westbaseuk.com or complete our contact form.

The post Rohan’s digital signage solution profiled in Marketing Week appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

Six months after 4G was launched by EE, the roll-out continues across the UK with coverage now available in Aylesbury, Berkhamsted, Billericay, Blackpool, Brentwood, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Lytham St Annes, Marlow, Pontefract, Thame and Windsor.

4G from EE now covers the homes and businesses of more than 50% of the UK population. By the end of June, EE is committed to launching 4G in at least another 18 towns and cities, bringing the total to 80, and aims to cover 70% of the population by the end of 2013. EE’s mobile service currently provides coverage to 99% of the population with 2G and 98% of the population with 3G.

“Our 4G rollout is ensuring that we’re connecting people right across the UK to one of the fastest mobile networks in the world, as quickly as possible. Consumers and businesses in the UK use mobile internet more than any other market, and we’re working to meet that demand right across the country. We’ll roll out 4G to 98% of people in 2014, including the double-speed 4G that will launch this summer,” Olaf Swantee, Chief Executive Officer of EE, said in a statement.

The opportunities for 4G are significant, not just socially but commercially too:

1) Connecting Things - 4G mobile broadband will open up better information sharing and data performance between the devices and resources a business employs. That might be a vending machine automatically requesting more products as its low on stock, or it could be environmental monitoring technology reporting back the performance of an estate located across the country.

2) Cloud Computing - Businesses are adopting more and more cloud-based services. With those same services integrating across different platforms and devices, being able to access your product database, customer contacts or financial data as a mobile workforce will benefit hugely from 4G mobile broadband performance and speed.

3) Business Efficiency - As all businesses look to strengthen their market position and reduce their costs, the deployment of M2M (machine-to-machine) technologies or smart systems will become paramount in delivering effective business services, 4G will help to improve business sustainability and improve access to mobile broadband networks, where speeds will surpass more traditional broadband connectivity in parts of the country.

Earlier in March, EE also committed to the doubling of speed and capacity on its 4G network in the UK, using its unique spectrum portfolio. Ten UK cities will see the roll out of double-speed 4G by summer. They include Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, and Sheffield.

The post EE delivering 4G services to 62 UK towns and cities appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

Each year Earth Day is held today on April 22, marking the anniversary of what many consider to be the birth of the modern environmental movement way back in 1970. Earth Day seeks to broaden the support, commitment and involvement for environmental programs around the world through a broad range of events and activities.

Any one person, group of people, governments or companies can get involved. It can range from simply volunteering on a local environmental project to installing climate change mitigation measures globally, all with the expressed aim of making a real and tangible difference.

Making a difference is what truly matters and it’s a stance that commercial bodies have long held as critical for driving a business forward.

I’m sure that if you were to ask any business owner to make a change in how they run or manage their business they would likely ask “what difference will it make?”, “where’s the benefit?”, “what’s the impact going to be?”, “what’s the return on investment?”

All very pertinent and obvious questions, so why not look at the bigger picture. Let’s apply those same questions to climate change. I’m afraid the answers are very obvious…making a difference will lead to a cleaner and better environment for us all.

The use of M2M technology can make a great difference to a business. Firstly by improving business communications and processes and ultimately improving all round performance. Secondly, by translating that improved performance into a reduced environmental footprint with increased socio-economic benefits.

M2M, can be applied and used in a variety of situations:

Remote Connectivity – M2M technology can be deployed to ensure reliable connectivity for people, devices and assets even in harsh environments. Reducing the need for on-site activities and support, making better use of resources and cutting back on the multiple environmental impacts associated with transportation

Environmental Monitoring – Whether it’s the monitoring and measurement of water usage, humidity levels, gas, dust or pollutant emissions, M2M technology can be deployed in multiple situations to offer real time analysis. Ensuring that business and industry are always aware of and seeking to address their own environmental impact.

Metering and Management – Smart M2M technology is transforming the way the world manages its precious water, gas and electricity resources, obtaining accurate information about how and when resources are used. Not only does this approach reduce associated costs, it also reduces the need for and dependency on those resources.

Enhancing the operations of a business or industry with M2M technology will deliver a greater commercial benefit, which will likely translate into a reduced environmental impact.

Is this not a plug for M2M products and solutions then? No. It’s being written from the point of view of someone who has also worked for an environmental charity, seeing the difference that the smallest changes can make, worked with businesses on reducing their environmental impact and is now aware just how M2M technology options can really open the door to combatting climate change.

The fight for a cleaner and better environment continues everyday against a backdrop of increasing urgency, building a clean, healthy, diverse world for generations to come, not just in terms of commitment, but also in terms of real and measurable change.

Social change, economic change and technological change working together can bring about environmental change!

Feel free to get in touch with us about anything in this blog, or find us elsewhere online at the usual suspects: Like us on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter / Connect on LinkedIn / Join us on Google+

The post M2M technology supporting Earth Day 2013 appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

The CradlePoint COR IBR600 will be the first data communications device from the CradlePoint portfolio to be made available across Europe by Westbase Technology, a specialist distributor of wireless technologies for commercial and industrial M2M applications.

As part of a new agreement with CradlePoint covering the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, Westbase Technology will distribute 3G and 4G routers to vertical markets, mobile network operators, value added resellers, systems integrators and blue-chip companies.

The CradlePoint COR IBR600 is a 3G HSPA+ M2M router, a fully self-contained solution for high-bandwidth applications, ideal for deployment in Energy, Retail, Finance, Security, Transport and other industries. Entering the European marketplace, the CradlePoint COR IBR600 will also be available as a 4G LTE model for businesses taking advantage of developing 4G mobile networks across Europe.

Sacha Kakad, Managing Director, Westbase Technology said, “Our agreement with CradlePoint expands the Westbase portfolio and supports our customers in taking full advantage of the evolving 4G LTE data communications landscape. With most of the major mobile network operators due to launch 4G services in the UK this year, businesses can now take advantage of the benefits of data communications with this highly featured low-cost instant impact M2M router from CradlePoint.”

Tony Puopolo, Vice President of International Sales, CradlePoint said “When CradlePoint decided to expand further into Europe and the UK, we searched for a distributor that could showcase our brand and support our valuable customers. We found these traits and more in Westbase, they bring expertise in cellular connectivity, carrier relationships, and the ever changing needs of the market. We are very excited to be partnering with Westbase.”

Applications for the versatile CradlePoint 3G and 4G network solutions cover all instances where data communication is essential. The CradlePoint COR IBR600 can be deployed as either a primary mobile broadband connection or failover when a wired connection is disrupted, with enhanced security features to ensure critical data is protected. Supplied with external mobile broadband and WiFi antennas, the router delivers mission-critical 3G and 4G connectivity for M2M, industrial and remote business applications.

The CradlePoint COR IBR600 will be the first data communications device made available by Westbase Technology from the CradlePoint portfolio. The portfolio will cover a broad range of data communication and business requirements, including M2M, Retail, Transport, Digital Signage, Small Office and Mobile Workforce.

Large deployments of the CradlePoint routers can be managed remotely using WiPipe Central, CradlePoint’s cloud-based service management platform. WiPipe Central provides a single control point for configuration, real-time monitoring, maintenance and alerts for hundreds or even thousands of remotely deployed 3G and 4G data communication devices across a distributed enterprise.

For further information on the CradlePoint COR IBR600 and other devices available, contact Westbase Technology on +44 (0)1291 430 567, info@westbaseuk.com or complete our contact form.

The post 3G and 4G M2M CradlePoint Routers launched across Europe appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

The Welsh Government Broadband Support Scheme has recently been extended until 30^th September 2013.

This means that the Scheme will continue to accept new funding applications to improve existing broadband access up until that time.

This is great news for those rural and remote communities across Wales, or those who have very limited broadband.

According to the Welsh Government website ‘If your Internet broadband download speed is less than 2 Megabits per second you could claim up to £1,000 to cover the upfront costs of purchasing a broadband solution’.

Of course when people think about broadband their minds drift off to traditional fixed line installations. Unfortunately those haven’t always proven effective in delivering internet connectivity, especially in areas where the physical nature of the landscape or the existing infrastructure makes it difficult to roll out improvements to fixed-line broadband.

Of course there are alternatives, specifically mobile broadband devices like the WiBE.

The Welsh Government are looking for value for money in their investment in broadband infrastructure for communities and businesses across Wales, the WiBE delivers exactly what they are looking for.

The WiBE is a revolutionary 3G router unlike any other,  delivering mobile broadband connectivity for businesses and communities, with speeds of up to 21 Mbps and an average of up to 8 Mbps even in the most remote or rural locations.

A patented antenna system makes the WiBE unique. Its high gain directional antenna array tests and selects the best connection from all available 3G base stations, selecting the connection for best data throughput not necessarily the highest signal strength, it continues scanning to ensure that the best connection is maintained at all times.

The WiBE can be deployed quickly and easily providing instant internet access, ideal for situations and applications that are bandwidth intensive, temporary set-ups and rural or remote locations where other devices may fail to connect.

The best thing of all is the fact that anyone can install a WiBE within a matter of minutes thanks to its self-configuration and simplicity of plug and play.

Westbase Technology has two models available, the WiBE HS21 for mobile broadband connectivity from the comfort of indoors, along with the WiBE PRO which delivers the same high performance but can be installed outdoors.

Westbase Technology are Master UK and European Distributors for the WiBE, however there are resellers operating across Wales, this includes Rural Broadband (www.ruralbroadband.co.uk) and Country Broadband (www.countrybroadband.co.uk).

So if you or your community is looking to take advantage of the funding that is available for a low cost yet effective and easy to install mobile broadband device, then feel free to get in touch with either of the above.

Of course Wales is not the only area where this sort of funding or initiatives exist, so if you are struggling anywhere across the UK with your broadband visit www.wiberouter.com for more information on the WiBE.

Feel free to get in touch with us about anything in this blog, or find us elsewhere online at the usual suspects: Like us on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter / Connect on LinkedIn / Join us on Google+

The post Broadband Support continues rolling across the hills of Wales appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

Updating your Firmware is only recommended if you are having problems with your product or have been asked to do so by a NetComm Reprentative. It is critical to select the correct firmware for your product, before proceeding please confirm you are on the correct webpage by checking the sticker on the base of your NetComm equipment for the part/product number. You should also read the firmware upgrade instructions – located below – before starting the download.

Please take caution while upgrading the firmware. Installation of the incorrect firmware file, disruption to the power source or a break in the connection to your computer during the upgrade process may render your device unusable and void the product warranty.

Step 1 – Download the Firmware and Upgrade Instructions

3G22WV Firmware Upgrade – ntc_3g22wv_1.1.33.2.zip (11.8 MB)

3G22WV Release Notes – 3G22WV_Release_Notes.pdf (277.3 KB)

Step 2 – Before Installing firmware

Ensure that ALL Antivirus/ Firewall/ Security programs are turned OFF before performing the firmware upgrade. Also ensure that you are performing this firmware upgrade when connecting to the modem/router with Ethernet cable.

Do NOT use a Wireless connection to upgrade the firmware.

Step 3 – Prepare the files

If the file’s extension is “.dat”, “.cdi”, “.img” or “.bin”, do not try to open the files on your computer as they can become corrupt. You need to follow the instructions from the Firmware Upgrade Instructions Guide.

If the file’s extension is “.zip” then you need to unzip the compressed files to a location on your computer to get the actual firmware file using UnZip or WinZip software and then follow the instructions from the guide.

GNU General Public License

This product may include software code that is subject to the GNU General Public License (GPL) or GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). This code is subject to the copyrights of one or more authors and is distributed without any warranty.

The post 3G22WV Firmware Upgrade appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

AirLink Raven, Raven X, and Raven XE gateways have been successfully integrated into a wide variety of M2M deployments, enabling customers to do everything from monitoring soil conditions in vineyards or vibrations in historic buildings, to managing SCADA equipment remotely, to delivering messages to roadside traffic signs or photos from red light cameras. Building on a proven 20-year track record of over one million deployed AirLink devices, the next-generation AirLink LS300 gateway provides all the benefits customers have come to rely on in the AirLink product line, including best-in-class network connectivity, rugged military-spec design and ALEOS embedded intelligence.

The AirLink LS300 combines the capabilities of the three previous AirLink gateways into one, with multiple interfaces (Ethernet, Serial, USB), and GPS location tracking to support a range of industrial, enterprise, and transportation applications. A free trial of the AirVantage Management Service is included to make the deployment and management of the gateways simple and easy to scale. At 3 x 3.5 x 1.0 inches (76 mm x 90 mm x 25 mm) the gateway is about the size of a compact camera, which makes it practical to install in enclosed spaces like vehicles and vending machines.

“Our customers depend on AirLink gateways to quickly and reliably get their M2M deployments up and running,” said Emmanuel Walckenaer, Senior Vice President, Solutions and Services at Sierra Wireless. “The AirLink LS300 advances the product line even further, with feature improvements that make it flexible to use, as well as management capabilities that make them remarkably easy to configure and deploy. At the same time, we have retained the ruggedness and fail-safe connectivity that our customers expect and appreciate in their AirLink products.”

The AirLink LS300 comes with an intelligent set of configurable options that ensure it connects with equipment out of the box. Customers can set up their own security, networking, and routing parameters, activate GPS location tracking and generate reports without any programming. On board custom logic can also be added to the AirLink LS300 gateway using the ALEOS Application Framework to collect and analyze additional information from connected equipment, send the data to the AirVantage Enterprise Platform, and quickly build M2M applications using web-friendly APIs.

For further information visit our LS300 information page,  alternatively you can pre-order or contact Westbase Technology on +44 (0)1291 430 567, info@westbaseuk.com or complete our contact form.

The post Sierra Wireless launches new LS300 3G M2M Gateway appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

Since the launch of the product in 2010, the company has been advocating the benefits of simple-to-use digital signage solutions. This webinar is intended to demonstrate the user-friendliness of digitalsignage.NET which allows users with little or no technical skills to manage their digital signage systems straight from their web browser.

Available from the end of March, the webinar will teach registrants all they need to know about using the product. With an emphasis on the basic tasks that can be performed using the software such as uploading and scheduling content, adding users and players, the walk-through will show how existing and new HTML5 widgets can be embedded into layouts.

Dynamax is encouraging all individuals from private and public organisations belonging to sectors such as Hospitality, Education, Retail or Healthcare to register. The webinar will teach them how to use the system to give their communications more relevance and oomph. AV professionals, creatives and marketers are equally invited to discover the product’s potential for their customers’ marketing strategy.

For further information visit Dynamax. To sign up for the webinar, please visit www.digitalsignage.net/webinar. For any questions, please email Dynamax at contact@digitalsignage.net.

The post Dynamax launches digitalsignage.NET webinar appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.

This release is live on the Sierra Wireless website and can be found on the GX400 Support Page

Contained in the release are a number of new features as well as some minor bug fixes. Further information can be found in the Release Notes.

This release is a little different to previous releases as it is a two-step process to facilitate the loading of new firmware on the radio module of the GX400. Here is a link to the Technical Bulletin.

If you have any questions about this procedure please do not hesitate to get in contact with Westbase Technology before you start.

The post Sierra Wireless releases ALEOS 4.3.2 for the GX400 appeared first on Westbase Technology the Wireless Communication Specialists.