Colubris Networks, the leading global provider of intelligent wireless LANs (WLANs) for enterprises and service providers, today announced that it has partnered with Alstom, a world leader in transport and energy infrastructure, to provide wireless networks and services on Alstom’s trains. The first deployments under the partnership are on Italy’s Pendolino train, which includes the Trenitalia and Cisalpino railways, and France’s high-speed TGV train.
As the No. 1 global leader in rail transport orders, Alstom supplies trains to rail systems around the world, including metro systems in Paris, London, New York, Washington, Caracas, Singapore, Shanghai, Istanbul and Athens. Under the partnership between Alstom and Colubris, Alstom will integrate Colubris multiservice access point, controller and client bridge products into its IP networking platform, and offer the combined solution in its trains. Alstom will market the solution to train operators worldwide for a broad range of applications, including passenger access to the Internet and online information, networking of onboard systems, mobile access to ticketing and catering applications.
In January 2007, Alstom deployed more than 200 Colubris-powered access points on 26 Pendolino trains, which include the Trenitalia railway in Italy and the Cisalpino international railway that serves Italy and Switzerland. The Trenitalia and Cisalpino trains are currently using the Colubris-powered IP networking platform for Intranet access. Passengers are able to access the Intranet via their laptops and other mobile devices, and can view ticketing information, schedules and operational data. In the future, this system can be extended to include external communications from the train to the ground.
Alstom selected Colubris because its WLAN solutions offer a comprehensive feature set that is tailored to transportation industry deployments, plus superior price/performance. The wireless network that both teams engineered is the most advanced system of its kind, with every component being tied together into one integrated network system.
Alstom expects to replicate its successful Pendolino deployment to its other train customers, who will differentiate their services by offering passengers the most advanced technology while they travel. Under a trial project, Alstom is rolling out a wireless network on France’s high-speed TGV train, which recently broke the world speed record for conventional trains, reaching 357 mph. Scheduled for tests in September 2007, the combined Colubris and Alstom solution will provide Wi-Fi for inter-car communication and Internet access for passengers. Upon successful completion of the trial, Alstom will install wireless networks on 52 TGV trains with a total of 2,400 wireless access points in 2008.
“By using Colubris technology, railways and other transportation companies can deploy multiple wireless services that provide a competitive advantage and generate additional revenue,” said Chris Koeneman, vice president of worldwide sales and service, Colubris Networks. “We look forward to working with Alstom to continue providing attractive transportation options to travelers, giving everyday passengers a new form of luxury and convenience.”
About Colubris
Colubris Networks is the leading global provider of intelligent wireless networks (WLANs) for enterprises and service providers. Its optimized WLAN switching systems deliver unmatched bandwidth efficiency, seamless mobility and secure, easy access for more than 1,500 organizations and 40 million users worldwide. Its systems unify and integrate with existing network infrastructures, security and management systems and provide “future-proof” investment protection as standards evolve and user populations grow. Colubris’ numerous recognitions include Red Herring’s top 100 private companies in North America, Fierce Wireless Fierce 15 and Mobile Trax Mobility Award. For more information, visit Colubris on the Web at www.colubris.com.
About Alstom
With more than 35 product lines and a presence in more than 60 countries, Alstom’s Transport sector offers complete products and services for new rolling stock, signaling, and electrical and mechanical infrastructure, as well as maintenance and rehabilitation services to four distinct types of customers: urban transit authorities and operators; intercity passenger rail operators and rolling stock owners; rail freight operators; and intercity railway infrastructure owners. Alstom’s Transport sector, with sales of 5.1 billion euros in financial year 2004-2005, is among the world’s leading suppliers to the railway industry.
