Verizon Wireless and Sierra Wireless to Offer AirVantage, a Comprehensive Cloud-Based Platform for Accelerating Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Applications

ORLANDO, Fla., BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless and Sierra Wireless (Nasdaq: SWIR) (TSX: SW) today announced a new collaboration to co-market the Sierra Wireless AirVantage™ Cloud Platform, a comprehensive cloud-based platform for developing, deploying and operating the next generation of connected devices and M2M applications.

The solution combines Sierra Wireless' global M2M leadership and AirVantage™ Platform with Verizon Wireless' reliable wireless network and Machine to Machine Management Center to provide a complete platform for M2M solution development.  Customers will be able to use the platform to monitor, control and manage wireless subscription services and mobile communication devices through a single, easy-to-use interface.  As a result, they can simplify the management of their connected devices, software and services and accelerate the development and deployment of M2M applications, as well as lower ongoing operating costs.

"The combination of Verizon Wireless's network and platform and Sierra Wireless' AirVantage solution will provide a solid business value and functionality, especially to international customers," said Janet Schijns, vice president, Business Solution Services, Verizon Wireless.  "With this comprehensive M2M application platform, customers anywhere in the world will be able to use the same Web services interface to control their connected devices and applications."

"Sierra Wireless has enjoyed a strong working relationship with Verizon Wireless for many years," said Emmanuel Walckenaer, senior vice president, Solutions and Services for Sierra Wireless.  "Drawing on this legacy of close collaboration, we can deliver a unique and powerful platform for M2M customers."  

Powering a New Generation of M2M Communications

Machine-to-machine services represent a rapidly growing market for both network operators and customers building connected vertical applications.  By remotely monitoring and communicating with assets such as power meters, automobiles and connected consumer electronics devices, equipment manufacturers and M2M solution providers can enable new applications and efficiencies.

The offering announced today provides a complete platform to enable M2M solutions by integrating the Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform with the Verizon Wireless M2M Management Center.  Through this powerful combined platform, customers in the automotive, energy, consumer electronics and other sectors will be able to build more innovative connected solutions and quickly bring to market new devices and applications that take advantage of M2M communications.

AirVantage Subscription Management will connect to Verizon Wireless' unified Web services interface, enabling customers to directly activate, deactivate, suspend, resume, track the data usage and monitor the connection status of devices operating on the Verizon Wireless network.  In addition, the AirVantage Platform offers OEMs unique device management capabilities, communicating directly with devices in the field through the AirVantage Ready Agent, as well as advanced asset management features and application development tools.

Verizon Wireless Machine to Machine Management Center

The Machine to Machine Management Center enables enterprise customers to connect Verizon certified devices to back-office and field service applications or infrastructure over the secure and reliable Verizon Wireless network.  Customers can access an integrated dashboard to manage network connections, self-service device management and other key elements of machine-to-machine connectivity.  Customers can access the solution directly through Verizon's MyBusiness or the Verizon Enterprise Center or through customers' business-specific applications, developed using nPhase's unified Web services SDK (software developer kit).

Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform

The Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform is a secure cloud platform that enables M2M solution providers, system integrators and network operators to rapidly develop, deploy and operate M2M applications and services.  The AirVantage Platform includes comprehensive applications to manage mobile subscriptions, communications devices and their attached assets (such as components in machines, telemetric devices in automobiles and monitoring devices in a home or office); a powerful set of M2M application development tools; and an open Web services application programming interface (API).  The AirVantage Platform lets wireless network operators extend operational support and application development and management features to their M2M service providers.

For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirVantage Platform, please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/productsandservices/AirVantage.  To contact the Sierra Wireless Sales Desk, call 604-232-1488 or e-mail [email protected].

For more information about Verizon Wireless' M2M services, please visit http://b2b.vzw.com/machinetomachine/index.html.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 94 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 82,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Sierra Wireless

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR) (TSX: SW) offers industry-leading mobile computing and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications products and solutions that connect people, devices, and applications over cellular networks. Wireless service providers, equipment manufacturers, enterprises and government organizations around the world depend on us for reliable wireless technology. We offer 2G, 3G and 4G wireless modems, routers and gateways as well as a comprehensive suite of software, tools, and services that ensure our customers can successfully bring wireless applications to market.  For more information about Sierra Wireless, visit www.sierrawireless.com.  

"AirVantage" is a trademark of Sierra Wireless. Other product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply conditions, channel and end customer demand conditions, revenues, gross margins, operating expenses, profits, and other expectations, intentions, and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact. Our expectations regarding future revenues and earnings depend in part upon our ability to successfully develop, manufacture, and supply products that we do not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "expect", "believe", and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in the wireless data communications market. In light of the many risks and uncertainties surrounding the wireless data communications market, you should understand that we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will be realized.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless