Swiss Railways SBB picks MATERNA’s Communications USSD gateway
Interactive applications for railway communications
Dortmund / Berne, 2008-02-10
The Swiss Railways (SBB) has selected the information and telecommunications specialist, MATERNA Information & Communications, to supply the USSD gateway (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) in the GSM rail network. As a result, SBB, Switzerland’s largest travel and transportation company, is investing in a powerful element in the infrastructure that can for example provide access to the SBB’s mobile real-time services.
The SBB requires its own GSM-R standard mobile telephony network for internal railway communications and the MATERNA Communications USSD gateway allows the SBB to efficiently exchange messages interactively via signalling channels within the GSM network. MATERNA Communications, a leading provider of mobile value-added services, will also contribute in developing applications for the SBB. Through the USSD gateway, interactive functions, such as for example timetable and connection information, shift rotas or up to date pricing information can then also be implemented with easy-to-use menus on the GSM-R end device. This means added value for railway personnel and therefore also for the customers. The real benefit is that services can be used immediately and no application needs to be installed beforehand. In addition to supplying the technical solution and commissioning, MATERNA Communications will also carry out maintenance for the SBB.
“By implementing this project quickly and efficiently, MATERNA has proved to be very professional. Particularly by applying a flexible approach to our requirements, which was very helpful in this project. We’re sure we’ve found the right partner and we will enjoy planning the next steps with them”, said Elmar Reidy, Project Leader, at the Swiss Railways SBB.
“We are delighted to be able to implement the USSD gateway and appropriate applications for one of the world’s most innovative railway service companies. Based on positive feedback from the SBB and our long-standing experience with messaging solutions, we’re convinced that we can supply added value to the SBB and its customers”, commented Thomas Tzschoppe, CEO of Materna Switzerland AG.
About MATERNA Information & Communications
MATERNA is a leading software company for information and communications technology. The company employs about 1,300 people worldwide and in 2008 achieved sales of 160 million euros. In addition to the headquarters in Dortmund, the company has offices and subsidiaries in the whole of Germany and Europe. The Communications business unit sells service platforms, premium content services, as well as voice and video applications. In addition, the subsidiary vistream GmbH has a successful market position as MVNE and is an internationally recognised provider of fixed line network services. CUSS solutions for airlines and airports are part of the portfolio too. Its ability to solve difficult and complex challenges for its customers has turned the company into a partner sought-after by network providers, service providers, businesses and agencies. The Business Unit Information supplies process and technology consulting services together with the implementation of appropriate IT solutions for companies and public administrations. MATERNA has proven specialist expertise in the areas of IT management, solutions for internet and intranet as well as specialised applications for public administrations.
Further Information:
MATERNA GmbH Information & Communications
Press and Public Relations
Antje Krämer
Voßkuhle 37
44141 Dortmund
Germany
Phone: +49 231 5599 8396
Fax: +49 231 5599 678396
Email: antje.kraemer@materna.de
www.materna-communications.com
