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Tag: industry

  • Volvo Group and Daimler Truck sign binding agreement for joint venture

    Volvo Group and Daimler Truck sign binding agreement for joint venture

    As announced in may this year, Volvo Group and Daimler Truck intend to create a joint venture to develop a common software-defined vehicle platform and dedicated truck operating system, providing the basis for future software-defined commercial vehicles.

    The two leading companies in the commercial vehicle industry have now signed a binding agreement to establish the joint venture and are working towards setting up the company that will be headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.

    The software-defined vehicle platform will enable Volvo Group and Daimler Truck and potential other future customers of the joint venture to provide stand-alone digital vehicle functions for their products. 

    Leading the digital transformation

    The signing demonstrates our joint commitment to lead the digital transformation of our industry. The software and hardware from this joint venture will be crucial for achieving unprecedented levels of safety, comfort, and efficiency for our customers, says Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck.

    Martin Lundstedt, president and CEO of the Volvo Group, adds we are joining forces to redefine software architecture and pioneer a new era of self-optimizing trucks.

    Together we are removing complexity to allow our customers to unlock higher levels of connectivity, safety and efficiency and continually push for a greater performance. It is a revolutionary response to the challenges of our modern world, and we are proud to be setting the industry standard.

    The joint venture’s activities will include the specification and procurement of centralized high-performance control units dedicated for commercial vehicles and capable of handling large amounts of data.

    The new company will develop an operating system and tools which vehicle manufacturers can use as a basis to develop their own differentiating digital vehicle features. This will decouple software and hardware development cycles in the future and enable customers to purchase and update digital applications wirelessly over the air, ultimately enhancing customer efficiency and experience. 

    Volvo group and daimler truck will remain competitors and continue to differentiate their complete product and services offerings, including their respective digital solutions.

  • Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Since founding AST Networks in 1992, Darling has guided the company from a small start-up with just two employees, to a global leader in hybrid satellite communications. In discussing AST Networks origins, Darling reflects on the moment the idea for the company took shape, whilst operating a gardline vessel in West Africa.

    Facing unreliable communication methods, he saw the need for faster, more efficient satellite-based solutions – an idea that became AST Networks.

    Reflecting on AST Networks’ pioneering achievements, Gregory Darling stated, “One of my proudest achievements is seeing AST Networks lead the way with innovative solutions, such as installing satellite payphones on ships and integrating advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technologies. We are constantly pushing boundaries, and it’s this pioneering spirit that has helped us thrive in a competitive, and ever-evolving, market.”

    AST Networks has constantly pushed the boundaries of satellite communication, providing advanced solutions for sectors such as maritime, oil and gas, and defence. One of the company’s flagship systems, the AST reygar platform, has transformed fleet management by providing rea-time remote monitoring and vessel tracking.

    This technology has improved operational efficiency and safety for customers, reducing downtime and cutting costs through predictive maintenance and enhanced crew connectivity.

    In addition to its software-driven services, AST Networks hybrid communication solutions, which combine VSAT and LEO technologies, have become the gold standard for reliable global coverage. A notable success story involved a large shipping company facing connectivity challenges in remote waters.

    After implementing AST Networks’ hybrid system, the company reported near-constant connectivity, improving both fleet operations and crew welfare, whilst significantly reducing communication costs.

    AST Networks continues to innovate, the company is also placing a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity, ensuring its customers data is protected in a rapidly increasing digital landscape. With a commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each industry, AST Networks remains at the forefront of satellite communications, helping businesses stay connected, secure, and efficient.

    Looking toward the future, Darling highlights the company’s commitment to leveraging software-driven solutions, artificial intelligence, and automation to further improve operations efficiency for its customers. AST Networks is poised for significant growth in 2025, with continued investments in LEO technology and digital services, ensuring customers remain seamlessly connected, no matter where they are in the world.

  • US has 70 percent more data centers than next 10 largest markets combined

    US has 70 percent more data centers than next 10 largest markets combined

    The widespread adoption of cloud computing has transformed the data center landscape. Although it significantly cut the number of organizations operating their own data centers, it has also fueled a surge in the global data center count. Still, no market is even close to the United States when it comes to the total number of data centers.

    According to data presented by Stocklytics.com, the United States counts 5,388 data, or 70 percent more than the next ten largest markets combined. (more…)