Bring Your Own Device Solution Enhances Crew Welfare

Airbus Defence and Space will highlight the benefits to crew welfare of its innovative new BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) solution for the XChange communications management platform at Posidonia 2014. Introduced earlier this year, the BYOD solution enables crew to use their own devices on board for voice and data communication, seamlessly with Pharostar VSAT, FleetBroadband or Iridium OpenPort.

The BYOD Solution combines the latest WiFi technology standards, a set of free apps and the newest version of the XChange communications management platform. It is a cost-efficient and convenient crew welfare tool allowing smartphone and tablets access to a vessel’s VSAT and MSS (Mobile Satellite Services) links.

BYOD offers a more cost effective solution compared with traditional cellular solutions for maritime. It comprises hardware and service support, without any additional or hidden costs. For crew, the new apps and XChange v3 take the complexity out of using personal devices on board.

With the new XChange Voice app, crew can comfortably use their smartphones to call family and friends, or even anyone else on board, in just one click. Messaging and Internet access is provided through the easy-to-use XChange Data app. Crew can surf the web, send emails, check news or access social media sites, while resting in their cabin.

“This package of new functionality helps ship-owners to enhance their crew welfare programs quickly and easily,” said Tore Morten Olsen, Head of Maritime satellite communications activities at Airbus Defence and Space. “In the crew survey we conducted, officers and crew expressed a desire for more personal access to connectivity. Our focus on BYOD is in response to this need for more privacy and comfort when communicating at sea.”

Airbus Defence and Space service providers including Marlink (stand 1.116) and SRH Marine Electronics (stand 1.113) are highlighting the BYOD solution during Posidonia 2014 in Athens, 2-6 June.