SkyBitz has formed a strategic partnership with Iridium, which will provide two-way global mobile satellite services for SkyBitz.

Through the integration of SkyBitz Global Locating System (GLS) technology with the recently announced Iridium 9602 satellite data transceiver, the two will develop a two-way remote asset tracking and monitoring solution.

The new Iridium-based SkyBitz solution will feature lower power consumption and a longer battery life. It will be built around the Iridium 9602, a small, lightweight and low-cost transceiver. The integration will create an open architecture and scalable platform that is not restricted to custom mobile terminal hardware.

According to the companies, the new solution will be ideal for trailer tracking, oil, gas, chemical, rail, cargo shipping and government, where there are requirements for sensor solutions and power-efficient, two-way communications to deliver critical insights on valuable assets. In addition, these markets require continuous, global in-transit visibility from origin to final destination.

"This partnership provides our existing and prospective subscriber base of several hundred thousand the ability to manage their assets for the first time ever on a global scale anywhere, anytime," said Homaira Akbari, president and CEO, SkyBitz.

"Working with SkyBitz has the potential over time to substantially increase our M2M subscriber base," said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium.

The two companies have already co-developed solution prototypes and conducted testing. Upon the new solution's commercial availability, SkyBitz plans to offer this as part of its suite of GLS solutions to its customers for their asset tracking needs in both the U.S. and abroad.

More info: www.skybitz.com or www.iridium.com