[Satellite TODAY 10-12-10] Phoenix International, a subsidiary of the John Deere Co., introduced an addition to its integrated telematics solutions product line with the release of Satellite Gateway, a tracking and monitoring product, Phoenix announced Oct. 11.
    Satellite Gateway incorporates the Iridium-based Quake Global Q9612 short-burst data transceiver with Iridium’s global satellite network coverage. The unit is designed for installation on off-road, on-road and fixed-site equipment. The gateway also interfaces with external devices through RS232 protocol and transmits data through Iridium satellites.
    In a statement, Iridium Data Services Director David Wigglesworth said the machine-to-machine (M2M) market is Iridium’s fastest-growing area of business. “There is growing demand for better real-time visibility over construction equipment, agricultural machines, generators, heavy-duty trucks and other equipment operating in remote areas to boost productivity, reduce repair and maintenance costs, combat theft, and optimize efficient asset management.”