MUMBAI: Equant has joined hands with Intelsat and iDirect Technologies to globally launch a set of fully managed, satellite-based, Wide Area Network (WAN) services.

Three leading telecom players will combine their global reach, market strengths and innovations to benefit multinational organisations with sites in underserved areas.

Together, the three partners will provide the capability to cost-effectively service underserved areas with a range of features not previously available. With this new partnership, Equant brings a robust set of satellite capabilities to its portfolio, enabling customers to use satellite solutions as stand-alone services or integrate them with its award winning high-end MPLS-based IP VPN service.

Equant’s service will be provided in part by using Intelsat space segment on multiple satellites to seamlessly and cost-effectively extend its IP VPN service, informs the release.

With help of Intelsat’s global reach, Equant will provide a premium, satellite-based offering to multinational organisations and corporations with high-end, global networking requirements for sites in hard to reach or underserved areas.

Equant also works with other entities within the France Telecom group to use teleports from France Telecom Networks and Carriers, as well as GlobeCast.

iDirect Technologies will enable efficient broadband satellite access with its Netmodem product line, the leading terminal for satellite-based IP communications. iDirect’s software and hardware deliver the most efficient bandwidth management capabilities available, while providing the highest data speeds in the industry.

According to the release, two large customers, including SG-SSB Limited Bank, part of the Société Générale group, have already signed up for the new service.

Intelsat COO Ramu Potarazu says, "Our partnership with Equant and iDirect validates Intelsat’s leadership position in providing VPN over satellite corporate networking services. Our 40-year reputation for innovation and the provision of premium, high-quality services to customers will keep Intelsat ahead of the curve in offering customer value."

iDirect Technologies CEO John Kealey says, "This partnership is the realisation of iDirect’s core mission: delivering all the benefits of the next generation broadband network beyond the constraints of the wired world. From the beginning, iDirect developed our technology to be an extension of traditional broadband IP networks. Through this partnership, we have achieved that goal, by extending true enterprise network functionality beyond all geographic constraints."

According to Equant Products and Solutions president William Priest, "Our partnership with Intelsat and iDirect Technologies to launch a cost-effective, shared IP satellite access service could not be more timely, given the concerns faced by every CIO with limited budget resources. We are addressing the need to do more with less and to bring remote offices onto the corporate network with high-quality, flexible connections."