Leading machine-to-machine specialist XLink Communications has cemented its position as a purveyor of best of breed M2M solutions to the South African market with the announcement of its recent partnership with UK integrated system and software design company Cyan Technology.
Cyan delivers flexible wireless solutions for utility metering and lighting control and has signed a non-exclusive distribution agreement with XLink Communications to distribute its smart energy communication technology, which enables the measurement and control of energy consumption for the metering and lighting markets, helping to increase energy security and reduce costs.
In addition, XLink will provide technical, field-based system integration and technical support for the deployment of Cyan’s technology across South Africa. XLink is experienced in the deployment of infrastructure assets and associated projects for the energy, M2M and telecoms sectors.
This announcement takes place against the backdrop of projected continuous economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade. However, for South Africa that growth rate is dependent on securing the country’s energy supplies, ensuring energy affordability and revenue assurance. Energy providers have therefore recognised the importance of understanding and managing consumption through electricity metering to ensure financial sustainability to underpin energy generation and network investment through improved revenue collection.
XLink Communications chief commercial officer, Hymie Marnewick comments; “Given that the US Trade & Development Agency forecasts that South Africa will spend R128-billion on grid modernisation over the next decade; demand is growing for smart energy solutions at the right price point. Our position as a trusted advisor in the field of M2M solutions, allowed us to recognise the strategic benefit of Cyan’s experience in next-generation economies, which makes their solutions ideal for our market.”
The agreement includes an order for Cyan’s smart metering hardware and software, CyLec, for a 100 unit Proof of Concept project in South Africa. XLink’s technical support team will deploy this project in the first half of 2015, for a leading provider of energy management systems, to demonstrate and evaluate the benefits delivered by CyLec.
Cyan Executive Chairman John Cronin Executive Chairman comments; “We are pleased to be partnering with XLink to distribute and deploy our smart energy solutions in South Africa. XLink can offer customers the peace of mind of dealing with one company to provide integrated solutions for smarter energy. Our technology will help XLink’s customers increase energy efficiency through cost savings and a reduction in energy losses, resulting in revenue growth.”
XLink currently manages M2M solutions for more than 68 000 businesses in Africa, facilitating 35-million M2M connections through the XLink Portal monthly. XLink, recognised in 2014 for its technology best practice in M2M, aims to be the market leader in the provision of wireless data M2M communication services and solutions locally, throughout Africa and globally.