[SatNews] This Company's new data system is designed for crew members' private use...

Vizada has launched the Crew PC, a dedicated computer data system for crew members which enables crew to send emails and use the Internet cost-efficiently and completely separately from business communications. The Crew PC is a pre-configured onboard PC which is connected to a satellite data terminal, such as Inmarsat FleetBroadband or Pharostar, to provide instant plug-&-play access to data communications services such as email, chat and Internet access. All services run over a dedicated prepaid channel, keeping them completely separate from applications and solutions required for business purposes. Crew PC offers main advantages for shipping companies.

Firstly, it enables shipping companies to offer crew the data services they increasingly demand to stay in contact with family and friends while onboard (e.g., email, social media, such as Facebook etc.) as well as general web browsing to access their favorite web sites. The Crew PC provides a common interface resembling a standard Windows environment and is therefore very easy to use. As many companies face staff retention issues, Crew PC can represent an important incentive to many crew members.

Secondly, the cost-saving advantages are significant for both crew and shipping company. Managers benefit from the fact that Crew PC provides access only to designated email accounts and applications, preventing crew from downloading heavy files or software applications which generate significant bills. And with regard to the crew’s budget, the PC is ‘recognized’ as a mobile device similar to a smartphone so that mobile-enabled internet sites (e.g. http://cnnmobile.com) are automatically triggered to reduce the number of heavy image downloads. A data compression function can also be activated to reduce the cost of web browsing.

Thirdly, Crew PC ensures that business communications remain completely unaffected by crew members’ communications activities. Crew PC runs over a dedicated pre-paid line which avoids infecting business systems with viruses from private downloads or USB devices. And to further limit this risk from malware, Crew PC has its own built-in firewall.

Vizada provides Crew PC free of charge to shipping companies purchasing 100 or more Universal Cards™. Universal Card is Vizada’s pre-paid communications service enabling crew to make voice calls as well as use internet, send emails and text messages over Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya mobile satellite terminals.