Source: http://www.rajant.com/International%...

Partnership strengthens Rajant communication

Thursday, 12 June 2008

COMMUNICATIONS and tracking supplier Rajant said Wednesday it

has partnered with Carlson Software to bring a greater level of

productivity to mines.

The partnership agreement was the result of three

months of discussion between the two, Rajant marketing

vice-president Glenn Booth told International Longwall

News.

“Since Carlson creates the application and Rajant creates

the network infrastructure, it makes technical and

‘solution’ sense to work together,” he said, adding that

while Carlson previously worked with other mesh network

producers this opportunity with BreadCrumbs was the first

it felt had the agility and ruggedness needed for the mining environment.

“Rajant can provide the agility because our technology does not use what is called

a root node,” Booth explained.

“Most other wireless mesh providers have a main or root node that controls other

nodes [and] this hierarchy creates single points of failure, as well as delays. In an

underground mine, you can not have a single point of failure.”

The producer said that it will combine its product with Carlson’s comprehensive

software applications on its BreadCrumb wireless mesh networks. The decision,

Booth added, serves as a “strategic partnership” for both to be able to bring the

two together and offer mines a solution that is reliable and brings greater

productivity.

Rajant senior vice-president Gary Anderson added: "This is a strategic step for

Rajant as we continue to expand our global mining division and we look forward

to working with the Carlson team.”

Booth said the partnership will bring benefits to Rajant through its domestic and

international exposure, as Carlson currently has more than 30 offices and

hundreds of worldwide distributors and dealers.

“They are a major supplier to the top mines worldwide and have world-class

support,” he noted.

“Our partnership will provide for a tighter integration for the mine operator.”

Carlson Software president Bruce Carlson said Rajant’s wireless mesh technology

offered an easy-to-set-up, self-healing, portable network ideal for its construction

and mining customers.

“Rajant's reliable network is key for implementing remote monitoring,

productivity analysis, digital updating of change orders, and other applications

offered by Carlson's Command and Control," he said.

As of now, the standard BreadCrumb unit will still be used with future systems

sold as part of the relationship, but Booth said if Carlson opts to OEM the device

(an idea currently under discussion) some small modifications may be made to its

look and feel.

Booth added Carlson will have the ability to market, sell and offer first-line

support for the system through the partnership as the two companies look at a

research and development path together.

“Rajant currently supports GPS functionality integrated into some BreadCrumb

models," he added of the two companies’ plans.

“As we move forward with Carlson, we will be interested in expanding the role of

GPS functionally in a wireless mesh network.”

The biggest benefit of the move to the underground coal mining sector is that

mines will be able to have the “one-stop shopping” experience that most prefer

when looking at communication solutions.

The partnership between Rajant and Carlson will remove many of the potential

integration and compatibility issues that could be seen by operations, Booth said.

“There is strong interest from the coal mining industry to have suppliers work

more closely together, especially in the areas of improved safety and production

through communications enhancements,” he said.