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Lacuna and Semtech Expand LoRaWAN® Coverage through IoT to Satellite Connectivity

Semtech Corporation | January 17, 2022

Semtech Corporation, a leading global supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, today announced a joint initiative with Lacuna Space to further increase coverage and resilience of LoRaWAN® connectivity.

In areas of the world without cellular or Wi-Fi signals, satellites fill connectivity gaps – especially in hard-to-reach areas. Since it is affordable and simple to install, LoRaWAN is the unique standard that is capable of bridging terrestrial networks with worldwide satellite connectivity in order to offer low power ubiquitous connectivity and fills this gap.

“We now have trials and demonstrations underway in many countries and regions that were previously thought to be inaccessible to IoT. Our collaboration with Semtech and the enablement of its LR-FHSS device accelerates IoT adoption for a safer, more resilient and resource-efficient world. With this collaboration, we expect to begin commercial services within the first half of 2022.”

Rob Spurrett, CEO at Lacuna Space

The collaboration is built on Long Range Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS), the latest addition to the LoRaWAN standard. LR-FHSS is unique because it takes up less room on the network, which future-proofs capacity while maintaining low power consumption capabilities – which, in turn, enables affordable and simple satellite IoT platforms.

“The addition of LR-FHSS to the LoRaWAN standard further increases capacity and resilience of ubiquitous connectivity,” said Marc Pégulu, vice president of IoT product marketing and strategy for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Lacuna’s application of this affordable and simplified technology will further expand access to connection through their satellite technology.”.

About Semtech’s LoRa® Platform
Semtech’s LoRa device-to-Cloud platform is a globally adopted long range, low power solution for IoT applications, enabling the rapid development and deployment of ultra-low power, cost efficient and long range IoT networks, gateways, sensors, module products, and IoT services worldwide. Semtech’s LoRa devices provide the communication layer for the LoRaWAN® protocol, which is maintained by the LoRa Alliance®, an open IoT alliance for Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) applications that has been used to deploy IoT networks in over 100 countries. Semtech is a founding member of the LoRa Alliance. 

About Lacuna Space
Lacuna Space, located in the United Kingdom, provides low-cost, simple and reliable global connections to sensors and mobile equipment. The Lacuna network is an ultra-low cost tracking and detection service for short data messages that is ubiquitous. The network works everywhere, and all the time, so companies can focus on using data from sensors or tracking the status of moving assets. 

About Semtech
Semtech Corporation is a leading global supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms for infrastructure, high-end consumer and industrial equipment. Products are designed to benefit the engineering community as well as the global community. The Company is dedicated to reducing the impact it, and its products, have on the environment. Internal green programs seek to reduce waste through material and manufacturing control, use of green technology and designing for resource reduction. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol SMTC.

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The Business Value of Dell Technologies APEX Multicloud and As-a-Service Solutions

IDC’s research demonstrates that enterprise organizations are prioritizing digital infrastructure (DX) resiliency as a foundational element of their IT strategy. Organizations are looking for richer levels of visibility, cross-platform control, advanced data management, and protection that spans the entire ecosystem, including public or private cloud, on premises, colocation facility, and edge. DX initiatives rely on data-driven insights to deliver competitive differentiation, increased customer engagement, streamlined business operations, increased staff productivity, and growth in revenue and profitability. IT infrastructure is one of the crucial pillars of DX. In fact, DX cannot succeed without IT transformation, aligned with business strategy to meet or exceed service-level objectives for data-driven insights. Because of this realization, organizations are now focused on managing outcomes instead of IT infrastructure and looking to vendors and partners to help reach this goal.

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Spotlight

The Business Value of Dell Technologies APEX Multicloud and As-a-Service Solutions

IDC’s research demonstrates that enterprise organizations are prioritizing digital infrastructure (DX) resiliency as a foundational element of their IT strategy. Organizations are looking for richer levels of visibility, cross-platform control, advanced data management, and protection that spans the entire ecosystem, including public or private cloud, on premises, colocation facility, and edge. DX initiatives rely on data-driven insights to deliver competitive differentiation, increased customer engagement, streamlined business operations, increased staff productivity, and growth in revenue and profitability. IT infrastructure is one of the crucial pillars of DX. In fact, DX cannot succeed without IT transformation, aligned with business strategy to meet or exceed service-level objectives for data-driven insights. Because of this realization, organizations are now focused on managing outcomes instead of IT infrastructure and looking to vendors and partners to help reach this goal.

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Comcast’s MachineQ Extends its Indoor Asset Tracking IoT Solution

businesswire | July 21, 2023

MachineQ, a Comcast Company, today announced newly extended capabilities of MachineQ for Indoor Asset Tracking, a real-time location system (RTLS) solution the company launched last year with new asset tracking tags and a space utilization solution. The company is unveiling a suite of active asset tags, including the Nano RT, Nano LP, the Dura ET, Dura PT, and Dura AC. These low-energy tags bring diverse form factors, environmental ratings, and capabilities to meet customers’ unique asset tracking needs—from low-profile tags for tracking small, hand-held assets to ultra-durable tags designed to withstand harsh environments. The Nano RT and Nano LP tags, in particular, offer enterprises distinct features and capabilities typically unavailable in a tiny form factor. For example, the Nano RT, one of MachineQ’s smallest tag form factors, has an up to 8+ year battery life and includes a remotely triggered LED for last-meter item finding in high-density environments. The Nano LP offers an up to 2+ year battery life and ultra-slim form factor, making it ideal for tracking hand-held assets, like tools or pipettes, without interfering with the ergonomics of the equipment. “These tags were purpose-built to offer customers flexible options for tracking and monitoring equipment and assets critical to their day-to-day operations,” said Gaurav Naik, Head of Engineering at MachineQ. “We leaned into the operational expertise of our team to evaluate how to fit in as many features and capabilities without compromising base requirements such as extended battery life. As a result, in life sciences, for example, these new tags can enable companies to track assets through solvent-based wash cycles in a wide temperature operating range – from -40ºC to +80ºC.” In addition to debuting the new asset tag form factors, MachineQ is augmenting its current suite of indoor asset tracking and facilities wellness solutions by adding space utilization. This new solution leverages privacy-centric sensors to count the number of people occupying a room, helping facility managers understand space utilization and traffic patterns. With real-time and historical occupancy data – visualized through the MQinsights application – organizations can make data-driven decisions regarding space allocation and layout, resource distribution, and operational efficiency. In life sciences, for example, lab management and facilities teams can identify if lab space and equipment are being over or underutilized and optimize the distribution of lab equipment, helping provide scientists with the tools and space they need to perform science and drive revenue. Additionally, the data derived from the space utilization capability provides procurement and finance teams with information to help them optimize budgets and right-size inventory – from consumables to equipment – bolstering the data’s value across the broader enterprise. "We're thrilled to diversify our product and solution set to meet the evolving needs of our customers," said Steven Corbesero, Jr., Director of Product and Solutions at MachineQ. He adds, "We’re helping to provide organizations with peace of mind knowing they can use our tools to support monitoring their operations in real-time for immediate, corrective, and predictive actions. Plus, we’re doing so with the total cost of ownership in mind and continuously looking to roll out new solutions on top of the same IoT network connectivity platform our customers already use for their asset tracking needs." With these bolt-on products and solutions, enterprise customers can help maximize the value of capital investments by increasing data visibility, reducing issues relating to leak detection and temperature and humidity monitoring – improving the quality and safety of operations, and attaining a holistic view of asset health remotely and in real-time. About MachineQ MachineQ, a Comcast Company, makes it simple for enterprises to build, connect and deploy IoT solutions at scale. Our fully integrated IoT network connectivity platform delivers enhanced security and reduced total cost of ownership, while giving customers a single provider for technology, development, service, and support. Our end-to-end IoT solutions and partnerships with leading solution providers address a wide range of business challenges in key markets such as real estate, food service, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, utilities, government, and agriculture.

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Software and Tools, Security

Ericsson Joins AWS and Hitachi America R&D to Unlock Innovation

Ericsson | September 05, 2023

In a partnership, three major technology giants, Ericsson, Amazon Web Services, and Hitachi America R&D, have recently united to spotlight the transformative potential of existing 5G, artificial intelligence, and automation solutions within the manufacturing sector. Their collaborative effort aims to elevate productivity, enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, bolster safety measures, and curtail costs. This milestone was realized through a private 5G infrastructure trial orchestrated by the three companies at Hitachi Astemo Americas' electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Berea, Kentucky, USA. Real-time video feeds from the component assembly operation, processed using Hitachi video analytics, were transmitted across the Ericsson private 5G network. This approach enabled the early detection of defects, thereby minimizing material wastage and production losses. The primary objective was to construct, train, and implement these models to elevate product quality on the manufacturing floor, a substantial stride in integrating multiple technological components within the industry. It demonstrates the potential for improving product quality, operational efficiency, and supply chain optimization. Ericsson Private 5G, built upon Ericsson's 4G and 5G radio technology and dual-mode core, facilitates a wide array of applications in both indoor and outdoor environments. It seamlessly integrates with business operations, devices, and applications, ushering in elevated levels of efficiency in productivity, cost-effectiveness, and energy consumption. This pre-integrated product will ensure swift deployment, offering advanced and intelligent operations while safeguarding sensitive data on-site. The adaptability of Ericsson Private 5G extends to various use cases, industries, and complexities, catering to the diverse needs of enterprises. The deployment results have showcased significant operational and business impacts, from enhanced product quality and cost reduction to optimizing the entire supply chain ecosystem. Notably, the implementation of use cases through Ericsson Private 5G has been an achievement, as evidenced by the swift setup of cameras on a live production assembly line for electric vehicle motor components. The seamless transfer of vast video data to AWS Snow Family devices, enabled by 5G's low latency and high throughput, enabled streamlined decision-making. On Thursday, August 24, 2023, Ericsson hosted a webinar discussing the full deployment and highlighting how private 5G is a dependable, flexible, and high-performance network for manufacturing use cases involving AI and ML automation models.

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Infrastructure, Certifications and Training

Renesas to Acquire Cellular IoT Technology Leader Sequans Through Tender Offer

businesswire | August 09, 2023

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723, “Renesas”), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, and Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS, “Sequans”), a leader in 5G/4G cellular IoT chips and modules, today announced that the two companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MoU”). Pursuant to the terms of the MoU, Renesas will, following consultation of the Sequans’ works council and favorable recommendation by the Sequans Board, commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares, including American Depositary Shares (ADS) of Sequans for $3.03 per ADS (each ADS representing four ordinary shares) in cash. The transaction values Sequans at approximately $249 million, including net debt, and is expected to close by the first quarter of calendar year 2024, subject to confirmation of tax treatment from relevant authorities, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Upon closing of the transaction, Renesas intends to integrate Sequans’ breadth of cellular connectivity products and IP into its core product lineup, including microcontrollers, microprocessors, analog and mixed signal front ends. The acquisition will allow Renesas to immediately expand its reach to the Wide Area Network (WAN) market space encompassing a broad range of data rates. It will also enhance Renesas’ already rich portfolio of Personal Area Network (PAN) and Local Area Network (LAN) connectivity products. The market for cellular IoT technology provided by companies like Sequans is growing rapidly, fueled by demand for smart meters, asset tracking systems, smart homes, smart cities, connected vehicles, fixed wireless access networks, and mobile computing devices. An industry study forecasts the number of cellular IoT devices will continue to grow by more than 10 percent annually. “We are thrilled to take our partnership with Sequans to the next level,” said Hidetoshi Shibata, President and CEO of Renesas. “Sequans is a leader in the fast-growing cellular IoT market with wide cellular IoT network coverage. The company’s technology gives Renesas a path to offer broad connectivity capabilities across IoT applications to address the evolving customer needs.” “We have been working closely with Renesas to serve the growing market demand for massive IoT and broadband IoT customers,” said Georges Karam, Chairman and CEO of Sequans. “As many telecom operators around the world continue to invest in 5G infrastructure and with the expanding deployment of IoT applications, combining with Renesas opens up vast opportunities to usher in a new era of seamless connectivity and digital mobility that can transform a multitude of industries.” The acquisition of Sequans is the latest effort by Renesas to expand its offering of connectivity products through strategic acquisitions, including the purchases of Dialog, Celeno and, most recently, Panthronics. Renesas and Sequans have been collaborating since 2020 to deliver full-scale solutions that combine Renesas’ embedded processors and analog front-end products with Sequans’ wireless chipsets for massive IoT and broadband IoT applications. Founded in 2003, Sequans is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and develops chipsets and modules for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Offering products with extensive 5G/4G cellular categories, including 5G NR, Cat 4, Cat 1 and LTE-M/NB-IoT, Sequans provides reliable IoT wireless connectivity without the need for a gateway. The company also has proven expertise in low-power wireless devices, which is crucial in supporting massive IoT applications operating at low data rates. Its certified solutions are designed to work with all major radio frequency regulatory specifications by leading carriers in North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. is a leading developer and supplier of cellular IoT connectivity solutions, providing chips and modules for 5G/4G massive and broadband IoT. For 5G/4G massive IoT applications, Sequans provides a comprehensive product portfolio based on its flagship Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT and Calliope Cat 1 chip platforms, featuring industry-leading low power consumption, a large set of integrated functionalities, and global deployment capability. For 5G/4G broadband IoT applications, Sequans offers a product portfolio based on its Cassiopeia Cat 4/Cat 6 4G and high-end Taurus 5G chip platforms, optimized for low-cost residential, enterprise, and industrial applications. Founded in 2003, Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, South Korea, and China.

Read More

Enterprise Iot, Platforms

Comcast’s MachineQ Extends its Indoor Asset Tracking IoT Solution

businesswire | July 21, 2023

MachineQ, a Comcast Company, today announced newly extended capabilities of MachineQ for Indoor Asset Tracking, a real-time location system (RTLS) solution the company launched last year with new asset tracking tags and a space utilization solution. The company is unveiling a suite of active asset tags, including the Nano RT, Nano LP, the Dura ET, Dura PT, and Dura AC. These low-energy tags bring diverse form factors, environmental ratings, and capabilities to meet customers’ unique asset tracking needs—from low-profile tags for tracking small, hand-held assets to ultra-durable tags designed to withstand harsh environments. The Nano RT and Nano LP tags, in particular, offer enterprises distinct features and capabilities typically unavailable in a tiny form factor. For example, the Nano RT, one of MachineQ’s smallest tag form factors, has an up to 8+ year battery life and includes a remotely triggered LED for last-meter item finding in high-density environments. The Nano LP offers an up to 2+ year battery life and ultra-slim form factor, making it ideal for tracking hand-held assets, like tools or pipettes, without interfering with the ergonomics of the equipment. “These tags were purpose-built to offer customers flexible options for tracking and monitoring equipment and assets critical to their day-to-day operations,” said Gaurav Naik, Head of Engineering at MachineQ. “We leaned into the operational expertise of our team to evaluate how to fit in as many features and capabilities without compromising base requirements such as extended battery life. As a result, in life sciences, for example, these new tags can enable companies to track assets through solvent-based wash cycles in a wide temperature operating range – from -40ºC to +80ºC.” In addition to debuting the new asset tag form factors, MachineQ is augmenting its current suite of indoor asset tracking and facilities wellness solutions by adding space utilization. This new solution leverages privacy-centric sensors to count the number of people occupying a room, helping facility managers understand space utilization and traffic patterns. With real-time and historical occupancy data – visualized through the MQinsights application – organizations can make data-driven decisions regarding space allocation and layout, resource distribution, and operational efficiency. In life sciences, for example, lab management and facilities teams can identify if lab space and equipment are being over or underutilized and optimize the distribution of lab equipment, helping provide scientists with the tools and space they need to perform science and drive revenue. Additionally, the data derived from the space utilization capability provides procurement and finance teams with information to help them optimize budgets and right-size inventory – from consumables to equipment – bolstering the data’s value across the broader enterprise. "We're thrilled to diversify our product and solution set to meet the evolving needs of our customers," said Steven Corbesero, Jr., Director of Product and Solutions at MachineQ. He adds, "We’re helping to provide organizations with peace of mind knowing they can use our tools to support monitoring their operations in real-time for immediate, corrective, and predictive actions. Plus, we’re doing so with the total cost of ownership in mind and continuously looking to roll out new solutions on top of the same IoT network connectivity platform our customers already use for their asset tracking needs." With these bolt-on products and solutions, enterprise customers can help maximize the value of capital investments by increasing data visibility, reducing issues relating to leak detection and temperature and humidity monitoring – improving the quality and safety of operations, and attaining a holistic view of asset health remotely and in real-time. About MachineQ MachineQ, a Comcast Company, makes it simple for enterprises to build, connect and deploy IoT solutions at scale. Our fully integrated IoT network connectivity platform delivers enhanced security and reduced total cost of ownership, while giving customers a single provider for technology, development, service, and support. Our end-to-end IoT solutions and partnerships with leading solution providers address a wide range of business challenges in key markets such as real estate, food service, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, utilities, government, and agriculture.

Read More

Software and Tools, Security

Ericsson Joins AWS and Hitachi America R&D to Unlock Innovation

Ericsson | September 05, 2023

In a partnership, three major technology giants, Ericsson, Amazon Web Services, and Hitachi America R&D, have recently united to spotlight the transformative potential of existing 5G, artificial intelligence, and automation solutions within the manufacturing sector. Their collaborative effort aims to elevate productivity, enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, bolster safety measures, and curtail costs. This milestone was realized through a private 5G infrastructure trial orchestrated by the three companies at Hitachi Astemo Americas' electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Berea, Kentucky, USA. Real-time video feeds from the component assembly operation, processed using Hitachi video analytics, were transmitted across the Ericsson private 5G network. This approach enabled the early detection of defects, thereby minimizing material wastage and production losses. The primary objective was to construct, train, and implement these models to elevate product quality on the manufacturing floor, a substantial stride in integrating multiple technological components within the industry. It demonstrates the potential for improving product quality, operational efficiency, and supply chain optimization. Ericsson Private 5G, built upon Ericsson's 4G and 5G radio technology and dual-mode core, facilitates a wide array of applications in both indoor and outdoor environments. It seamlessly integrates with business operations, devices, and applications, ushering in elevated levels of efficiency in productivity, cost-effectiveness, and energy consumption. This pre-integrated product will ensure swift deployment, offering advanced and intelligent operations while safeguarding sensitive data on-site. The adaptability of Ericsson Private 5G extends to various use cases, industries, and complexities, catering to the diverse needs of enterprises. The deployment results have showcased significant operational and business impacts, from enhanced product quality and cost reduction to optimizing the entire supply chain ecosystem. Notably, the implementation of use cases through Ericsson Private 5G has been an achievement, as evidenced by the swift setup of cameras on a live production assembly line for electric vehicle motor components. The seamless transfer of vast video data to AWS Snow Family devices, enabled by 5G's low latency and high throughput, enabled streamlined decision-making. On Thursday, August 24, 2023, Ericsson hosted a webinar discussing the full deployment and highlighting how private 5G is a dependable, flexible, and high-performance network for manufacturing use cases involving AI and ML automation models.

Read More

Infrastructure, Certifications and Training

Renesas to Acquire Cellular IoT Technology Leader Sequans Through Tender Offer

businesswire | August 09, 2023

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723, “Renesas”), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, and Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS, “Sequans”), a leader in 5G/4G cellular IoT chips and modules, today announced that the two companies have entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MoU”). Pursuant to the terms of the MoU, Renesas will, following consultation of the Sequans’ works council and favorable recommendation by the Sequans Board, commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares, including American Depositary Shares (ADS) of Sequans for $3.03 per ADS (each ADS representing four ordinary shares) in cash. The transaction values Sequans at approximately $249 million, including net debt, and is expected to close by the first quarter of calendar year 2024, subject to confirmation of tax treatment from relevant authorities, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Upon closing of the transaction, Renesas intends to integrate Sequans’ breadth of cellular connectivity products and IP into its core product lineup, including microcontrollers, microprocessors, analog and mixed signal front ends. The acquisition will allow Renesas to immediately expand its reach to the Wide Area Network (WAN) market space encompassing a broad range of data rates. It will also enhance Renesas’ already rich portfolio of Personal Area Network (PAN) and Local Area Network (LAN) connectivity products. The market for cellular IoT technology provided by companies like Sequans is growing rapidly, fueled by demand for smart meters, asset tracking systems, smart homes, smart cities, connected vehicles, fixed wireless access networks, and mobile computing devices. An industry study forecasts the number of cellular IoT devices will continue to grow by more than 10 percent annually. “We are thrilled to take our partnership with Sequans to the next level,” said Hidetoshi Shibata, President and CEO of Renesas. “Sequans is a leader in the fast-growing cellular IoT market with wide cellular IoT network coverage. The company’s technology gives Renesas a path to offer broad connectivity capabilities across IoT applications to address the evolving customer needs.” “We have been working closely with Renesas to serve the growing market demand for massive IoT and broadband IoT customers,” said Georges Karam, Chairman and CEO of Sequans. “As many telecom operators around the world continue to invest in 5G infrastructure and with the expanding deployment of IoT applications, combining with Renesas opens up vast opportunities to usher in a new era of seamless connectivity and digital mobility that can transform a multitude of industries.” The acquisition of Sequans is the latest effort by Renesas to expand its offering of connectivity products through strategic acquisitions, including the purchases of Dialog, Celeno and, most recently, Panthronics. Renesas and Sequans have been collaborating since 2020 to deliver full-scale solutions that combine Renesas’ embedded processors and analog front-end products with Sequans’ wireless chipsets for massive IoT and broadband IoT applications. Founded in 2003, Sequans is a fabless semiconductor company that designs and develops chipsets and modules for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Offering products with extensive 5G/4G cellular categories, including 5G NR, Cat 4, Cat 1 and LTE-M/NB-IoT, Sequans provides reliable IoT wireless connectivity without the need for a gateway. The company also has proven expertise in low-power wireless devices, which is crucial in supporting massive IoT applications operating at low data rates. Its certified solutions are designed to work with all major radio frequency regulatory specifications by leading carriers in North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. About Sequans Communications Sequans Communications S.A. is a leading developer and supplier of cellular IoT connectivity solutions, providing chips and modules for 5G/4G massive and broadband IoT. For 5G/4G massive IoT applications, Sequans provides a comprehensive product portfolio based on its flagship Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT and Calliope Cat 1 chip platforms, featuring industry-leading low power consumption, a large set of integrated functionalities, and global deployment capability. For 5G/4G broadband IoT applications, Sequans offers a product portfolio based on its Cassiopeia Cat 4/Cat 6 4G and high-end Taurus 5G chip platforms, optimized for low-cost residential, enterprise, and industrial applications. Founded in 2003, Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Finland, Taiwan, South Korea, and China.

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