Richardson Electronics (News - Alert), Ltd., a global provider of engineered solutions and a global distributor of electronic components to the RF and wireless communications market and the industrial power conversion market, announced that it has signed a global distribution agreement with Maestro Wireless, in order to distribute Maestro’s wireless products to the global customer base.

According to a press release, Richardson Electronics will offer Maestro Wireless’ extensive line of industrial modems and integration services for the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) markets, as well as the newly acquired GPS modules product line (formerly Vincotech).

Offering a comprehensive portfolio of wireless solutions and integration services for the M2M and industrial markets, the Hong Kong-based Maestro Wireless is specialized in GSM/GPRS and GPS technologies. Its wireless solutions range from off-the-shelf, generic easy-to-use devices to specific and optimized OEM integration.

According to Maestro, all its modems utilize Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) embedded modules, also distributed by Richardson Electronics, as its core. Consequently, customers of Richardson can buy Maestro’s solutions as a low-risk proof-of-concepts, thereby enabling technology for first generation solutions for customers considering embedded wireless modems. In addition, this will provide customers of Richardson with complete wireless solutions tailored according to their requirements without the time and cost of an actual development.

Maestro also provides SmartPack and Softool embedded software that help in simplifying the user experience installing and managing M2M gateways with their field equipment. Some of the user-friendly features are a PC-based configuration interface that enables setting of Maestro modems with just a few clicks.

“Maestro Wireless’s family of products is a natural complement to our embedded offering,” said Chris Marshall, VP of RF and wireless division at Richardson Electronics, in a statement. “Their off-the-shelf designs provide our customers with ready-to-use solutions, shortening time to market and easing migration towards wireless integration. This agreement furthers our commitment to the growing M2M market.”

Olivier Bernard, VP of business development at Maestro Wireless, said in a statement, “After having entered the North American marketplace just last year, we are pleased to conclude this agreement with Richardson Electronics. It will further strengthen our distribution network and provide a solid fulfillment partner to our sales representatives and VARs.”

Bernard added, “The focus on design-led sales with engineering support, combined with the ease of use and flexibility of our wireless offering, will allow customers to migrate their products and application towards wireless with minimal investment or technical expertise.”

Last year, TMCnet had reported that Maestro Wireless Solutions partnered with Telenor (News - Alert) Connexion, which provides connectivity solutions for business and life critical applications, to address machine-to-machine (M2M) market requirements.

Jayashree Adkoli is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Jayashree's articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell