{mprestriction ids="1,2"}The single rackmount appliance can be used to manage ship networks, with options for satellite broadband routing, VoIP connectivity and crew services. The unit can be used to replace at least three pieces of hardware that were previously required for Fleet Xpress installations, the company says.

“The RedPort Optimizer NSD includes a software-based NSD to manage Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band technology with its FleetBroadband L-band service,” said Dr Luis Soltero, chief technology officer of RedPort Global and chief developer of this new system.

“The Optimizer Enterprise NSD replaces previous NSD hardware as well as a host of switches, routers and VoIP gateways that are commonly used to provide a complete solution for vessels.”

The company says that it will sell the Optimizer Enterprise NSD as a white-label product for external satellite service providers, as well as offering it under its own name. Hosted application opportunities will also be made available to other providers of value-added satellite services.

“We are delighted that RedPort have developed an alternative to our current hardware NSD,” said Ronald Spithout, president, Inmarsat Maritime.

“This will provide a fundamental building block for many of our partners to satisfy the rapidly growing market for onboard applications evidenced by the dramatic growth in Fleet Xpress installations over the last year.”{/mprestriction}