Stratos Global Corporation has been selected by its long-time, Malaysian-based customer MISC Berhad to provide a customized crew-communications solution for its entire fleet of more than 100 merchant vessels.

Stratos is deploying an MISC-branded version of its AmosConnect Crew communications solution to serve thousands of crewmembers, as part of MISC's "We Care" crew-retention program. The custom solution provides MISC crewmembers with new "MISC Crew Comm" cards to enjoy free private email, low-cost SMS and voice calling. AmosConnect Crew is an all-in-one communication solution for crewmembers. Combining AmosConnect and ChatCard, two of Stratos' successful services, AmosConnect Crew enables personnel at sea to stay in contact with home via phone, email and SMS at low cost rates. It provides an easily manageable, separate account for each crewmember.

Several leading ship-management companies, including Hong Kong's Wallem and Germany's Blue Star, have recently deployed AmosConnect Crew to improve crew welfare. The service complies with the latest ITF recommendation to offer the option of free private email to all crewmembers. By using AmosConnect Crew, seafarers only need one prepaid ChatCard to access all three modes of communication. In addition, individuals are assigned a vessel-independent personal mailbox plus an international SMS number that can be used on any ship and on shore. Receipt of SMS messages and email is free of charge. Along with the pre-paid aspect of the service, AmosConnect Crew enables users to easily manage their own communications budget. AmosConnect Crew was originally developed in response to requests from ship managers who wanted a full crew-communication solution that would run entirely separate from the business communication onboard their vessels. AmosConnect Crew is based on the SMSCrewMail application from SMS Global Ltd. The value-added services comprising The Stratos Advantage provide users with cost and traffic control, high-usage metering, firewall management, data optimization, real-time traffic overviews, instant remote provisioning, high security options, easy VPN access, messaging services and a full IP range. In addition to offering The Stratos Advantage, Stratos works with application partners to deliver broadband business solutions in key maritime business areas. These solutions include voyage management, remote management, IT management and cargo management, which help reduce fuel and operations costs and improve crew and customer satisfaction.