Munich, 2005-Feb-22
Siemens Mobile Acceleration, the leading supporter and investor for early stage wireless companies, has completed its first investment in the United Kingdom.
3DiS specializes in solutions for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication by providing fleet operators - especially in the aviation industry - with a complete end2end vehicle management system. Siemens Mobile Acceleration is the only investor in this first round of institutional funding, enabling the company’s global expansion and further product development.
M2M communication involves the direct mobile data exchange between a remote machine, such as a vehicle or a vending machine, and a control center for purpose of monitoring and control.
3DiS offers a state-of-the-art vehicle management system called Amicus VMS. The system comprises an on-board unit that records key operational data relating to both the vehicle and driver and delivers all the data cost-effectively over GSM or GPRS to a control center.
Initially, Amicus VMS was developed for ground handling vehicles within the airport sector, but can also be adapted to meet the requirements of other vehicle types such as cars, commercial vehicles and industrial machines. The system is suitable for any size of fleet.
The 3DiS solution allows the fleet manager to oversee a wealth of data related to his assets, conveniently on a computer screen. This includes continuous knowledge over who is driving what vehicle, the location of each vehicle, health and safety compliance of drivers, information on vehicle security as well as accurate mileage records.
The system also offers instant notifications (e.g. in case of an accident) onto a computer and optionally to a mobile phone and even allows the storage of data when the unit is out of GSM or GPRS coverage. Future product innovation will also include Wi-Fi access as this technology becomes more commonplace. Early experience has shown reduction in cost through significantly better vehicle and driver deployment as well as fewer accidents.
Amicus is a true end2end solution consisting of the onboard unit for the vehicle that includes a GPRS modem, GPS device, SIM-card and a software application, an application server and a PC with asset management software.
Dr Dietrich Ulmer, CEO of Siemens Mobile Acceleration, explained: "3DiS is a perfect investment for us, because it fits seamlessly into the strategy of the Wireless Module business unit of Siemens Communications. The market for this type of vertical M2M solutions is large, lucrative and demand exists already today.”
Michael Bradshaw, CEO of 3DiS added: “The company is excited by the investment made by Siemens Mobile Acceleration, allowing for continued expansion. Further, it will enable future product development using GPRS modules from Siemens that provide a particularly suitable solution also for vehicle telematics applications.”
Notes to editors
3DiS Ltd is a privately owned company based in Reading, Berkshire, providing a vehicle asset management system called Amicus VMS utilizing latest technology to enhance productivity of fleet operators.
Siemens Mobile Acceleration is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Siemens Communications Group. Siemens Mobile Acceleration fosters early stage start-ups that focus on wireless applications and technologies for mobile communication by providing funding and strategic counsel. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Siemens Mobile Acceleration seeks investment opportunities in Europe, Asia and North America.
Siemens Communications is one of the largest players in the global telecommunications industry. Siemens is the only provider in the market that offers its customers a full-range portfolio, from devices for end users to complex network infrastructures for enterprises and carriers as well as related services.
Siemens Communications is the world’s innovation leader in convergent technologies, products and services for wireless, fixed and enterprise networks. It is the largest Group within Siemens and operates in more than 160 countries around the world.
In fiscal 2004 (year-end September 30), its 60,000-strong workforce posted sales of approximately 18 billion euros.
Mr. Rob Simpson
Corporate Communications, Siemens plc
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