BroadForward Provides M2M Proxy Solution for the World's First PVNO
BroadForward's BFX Interface Gateway powers M2M communication for the world's first Private Virtual Network Operator (PVNO)
AMERSFOORT, The Netherlands, November 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
BroadForward, a Netherlands based software company, today announced its BFX Interface
Gateway has gone in full operation to support the world's first Private Virtual Network
Operator (PVNO). System integrator CGI in The Netherlands has implemented BFX to offer a
game-changing service for PVNOs, which creates an open market situation for mobile M2M
communications. The first PVNO using this service is a Dutch utility company, serving
millions of M2M devices (smart meters, gateways and remote telemetry units).
With the new PVNO model, enterprises that have large amounts of SIM cards installed
across the country can become operators in their own right and escape the lock-in of long
term contracts with a mobile network operator. From now on they can switch to another
network provider without the need to replace SIM cards. Ownership of the SIM not only
reduces costs, it also stimulates innovation of services.
The implementation of the proxy solution and PVNO service by CGI follows the recent
introduction by the Dutch telecommunications regulator of a unique, industry changing
legislative framework that enables enterprises to become communication service providers.
Enterprises can register as a so-called 'Private Virtual Network Operator' and obtain a
shared 'Mobile Network Code' (MNC). Participating enterprises connect to the PVNO solution
managed by CGI and will be provided with their own sub-range within this shared network
code.
The managed service allows the participating enterprises to share this designated
network code across different operators for wireless communication between devices and the
enterprises' back-end systems. The Netherlands is the first country that has enabled this
type of virtual operator.
At the core of the service is the BroadForward BFX Interface Gateway. It provides the
'proxy' technology required for intelligent routing of M2M traffic based on network codes
and sub-codes. BFX is designed to facilitate routing and interworking across Network and
IT protocols in a matter of hours without the need for development. BFX is deployed at
leading communication service providers around the world to enable multiple service
scenarios.
Janine Tjassens, VP Consulting Services at CGI commented: "The PVNO model is an
important step in the evolution of M2M and Internet of Things. Its success will have a
major impact beyond energy and utility companies. It saves costs, secures a faster time to
market and stimulates innovation. BroadForward delivers the essential capability to make
the PVNO model really work. BFX provides us with a unique and flexible proxy function that
can connect multiple PVNOs and operator networks, and intelligently route and mediate
between them."
About BroadForwardÂ
BroadForward is the leading expert in signaling interworking and routing for 2G, 3G,
4G/LTE, IMS, Fixed, Wi-Fi and M2M networks. BroadForward's BFX Interface Gateway is the
Next Generation signaling solution that provides a unique combination of any-to-any
protocol interworking, routing and GUI based services orchestration, working across
Diameter, RADIUS, SS7 and IT protocols. BroadForward's solutions are hardware-agnostic,
supporting network virtualization and cloud deployment. BroadForward was founded by an
internationally recognized team of mobile telecoms experts with a track record in building
carrier-grade, revenue generating products and services for global mobile operators.
BroadForward's software development is entirely done in The Netherlands. Website: http://www.broadforward.com
About CGIÂ
Founded in 1976, CGI Group Inc. is the fifth largest independent information
technology and business process services firm in the world. Approximately 68,000
professionals serve thousands of global clients from offices and delivery centers across
the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, leveraging a comprehensive portfolio of services
including high-end business and IT consulting, systems integration, application
development and maintenance, infrastructure management as well as a wide range of
proprietary solutions. With annual revenue in excess of C$10 billion and an order backlog
exceeding C$20 billion, CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB).
Website: http://www.cgi.com
BroadForward
CONTACT: CGI press contact: Sander van den Born, E-mail: sander.van.den.born@cgi.com, Phone: +31-20-571-3777, BroadForward press contact: Steven van Zanen, E-mail: steven.van.zanen@broadforward.com, Phone: +31-6-2025-7535