Western DataCom to License xG Technology’s xMax Cognitive Cellular Network Technology
SARASOTA - xG Technology, the developer of a broad portfolio of wired and wireless communications technologies, including cognitive radio networks, and Western DataCom, a designer, developer, and manufacturer of hardware and software that secures voice, video, and data transmissions over any IP-based network, announced today that the companies have entered into a contract that enables WDC to develop, manufacture and sell xMax cognitive cellular modem systems as part of its existing and widely deployed ComCase product line. xG also grants WDC the ability to introduce xMax technology to one of its partners – a major military smartphone manufacturer and systems integrator.
In return, xG will receive royalties on a per unit basis for any product manufactured using xMax technology by WDC or its sublicensees. This agreement follows the recent announcement of a U.S. Army contract award for the deployment of a trial xMax system at Fort Bliss, Texas, and further demonstrates the applicability of xMax for mission-critical applications.
Western DataCom’s ComCase, provides a solution for supporting secure military communications over commercial cellular networks. However, in many cases, the military is not allowed to use commercial frequencies on its bases or in other non-battlefield operations. xMax’s frequency-agnostic cognitive cellular network technology addresses this problem by intelligently identifying and operating in unused frequencies, avoiding interference issues associated with licensed commercial and government radio bands.
“The military is regularly denied permission to use commercial frequencies at U.S. and overseas bases. By incorporating xMax cognitive cellular radio technology into our ComCase tactical communications products, we can offer our military customers the benefits of a reliable, wide area cellular system without the wireless spectrum headaches they typically face when deploying these types of networks,” said Phil Ardire, CEO, Western DataCom. “xMax’s ability to dynamically detect and avoid interference and jamming from enemy and friendly sources also could have benefits in the battlefield, both now and in the future. Being able to offer xMax cellular technology to our country’s armed forces is a real game-changer, as is the opportunity to introduce xG’s technology to one of our ecosystem partners.”
The agreement calls for WDC to pay for all costs associated with developing, manufacturing and marketing the xMax modem cards for its ComCase product line. xG will supply the required xMax reference designs, software and support to WDC in exchange for cash royalties.
“It is exciting to see the traction that our products are getting in the military and mission-critical communications marketplaces. By leveraging the capabilities of respected leaders like Western DataCom and its ecosystem partners, military and public safety customers are able to benefit from xMax–enhanced products. It also significantly reduces the need for xG to fund and build its own manufacturing, distribution and support infrastructure for these applications,” said Rick Mooers, Chairman and CEO, xG Technology. “Now Western DataCom can offer differentiated products that fill important needs of its customers, while helping xG to further address an important market. It also allows xG to remain focused on commercializing groundbreaking communications technologies and products for a wide range of applications and markets.”
The initial term of the agreement is for five years, with annual renewals possible if agreed upon by both xG and WDC.
