EION advanced IP software, satellite and wireless technologies connect communities and businesses

Monday

01Dec2008

Monday, December 1, 2008 at 02:56PM

Working with 165 worldwide partners EION Wireless products are sold in North America, Europe, South Asia and the Middle East

Founded in 2001, EION Inc. is a global provider of Internet Protocol (IP) solutions software, satellite and wireless technologies, which include WiMAX, WiFi, and other patented broadband protocols. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices globally, EION works with 165 channel partners to sell and market its software and wireless products around the world.

EION has established a global channel network covering North America, Europe, South Asia and the Middle East to distribute EION Wireless products. End users of the company’s wireless equipment include enterprise network operators, defense and security agencies, remote rural network operators, local and federal governments, emergency services, universities and healthcare organizations. These customers use EION Wireless products to solve last mile challenges and reduce their reliance on wired infrastructure. EION works closely with its key gold partners to provide the training resources and expertise to help plan, install and deploy these advanced wireless networks.

Through its software division, EION is an industry leader in delivering mission-critical IP software solutions for Telecom and Defense equipment manufacturers. EION has the world's leading IP solution portfolio that enables: Routing (IPv4, IPv6), Security, Quality of Service (QoS), and related embedded IP technologies for satellite, wired and wireless networks. Over 120 equipment manufacturers around the world incorporate EION's real-time embedded software into their products.

In 2006, Technology Marketing Corp., the leading source of news for the communications and technology industries, acknowledged EION’s Libra MAX WiMAX platform with a Product of the Year award. Libra MAX is the world's first dual-mode integrated chassis-based WiMAX product. In 2007, EION was named to the Wireless Fast 50 list by Deliotte and Touche. This award is given to the fastest growing wireless companies in North America. EION was also named to the Technology Fast 500 in the same year.

Why Ottawa

Ottawa has many professional groups and organizations for entrepreneurs and executives, including TiE (The Indus Entrepreneur), a not-for-profit organization that fosters and supports entrepreneurship. Founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley, the affiliate chapter in Ottawa (dubbed Silicon Valley North) provides mentorship and connects Ottawa businesses to global TiE groups. Dr. Kalai Kalaichelvan, Chairman and CEO of EION, is a charter member providing mentorship to other Ottawa TiE participants.

The National Capital Region has a high concentration of satellite expertise. For example, Ottawa is the headquarters of Telesat, which launched the world’s first commercial satellite in 1969. Ottawa also has three post-secondary institutions that offer various types of engineering; an advantage that has helped EION expands its team and reach global markets.

Business advantage

EION is a registered member of the Control Goods Program of the Government of Canada, a federally funded group that is legislated by the Defence Production Act. The organization ensures the legal transfer of goods and technology from Canada to other countries. This relationship allows EION to sell its technology to its international partners, expanding EION’s market share. In 2008 alone, this membership has enabled the company to receive orders from the Middle East totaling US $2 million.

In 2007, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), a federal department that manages more than one-fourth of the U.S. government’s total procurement budget, authorized EION as an official vendor of broadband wireless systems. This designation allows federal agencies to purchase from EION without having to go through the standard bidding process, and attests to the quality and reliability of products offered by EION.

In 2006, EION acquired the product lines and expert staff from Calgary based Wi-LAN Inc., a leader in emerging wireless technologies. “Broadband wireless is emerging as a solution of choice for service providers, rural communities and digital homes,” says Dr. Kalaichelvan. “Adding Wi-LAN’s product lines to our wireless division’s portfolio and combining the strength of the distribution channels brings an unmatched technological and business edge for EION’s customers worldwide.” With growing market interest in WiMAX, the transaction further strengthens EION’s business innovation in partnerships and channels.

Future growth plans

Leveraging homegrown talent, EION is working with Telesat, an Ottawa-based satellite service operator, and two local post-secondary institutions, Carleton University and Algonquin College, to develop an intelligent system to monitor and optimize signals between ground stations and satellites, resulting in a reduction in the cost of satellite services. If successful, this will lower another barrier to the provision of advanced telecommunications services to remote and under-served communities.