Irish cellular software company Druid Software has signed deals to capitalise on the private networking opportunity that has emerged with the availability of CBRS radio spectrum in the US, and to drive private network deployments with hospitals in Europe.
Local US operator Geoverse, based in Bellevue, in Washington State, has signed to use Druid’s Raemis software to provide a dual-purpose neutral host solution, comprising a private LTE network for corporate-level applications and in-building coverage and capacity for mobile operators.
Meanwhile, Druid said it has expanded its arrangement with ICT partner Koning & Hartman, based in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, to supply hospitals with “secure and resilient” private LTE networks.
The deal with Geoverse, a subsidiary of ATN International, will see the US outfit see Druid’s software placed in Geoverse’s edge-based EPC (evolved packet core), where secure connections are made with enterprise networks giving enterprise full control over their users’ data. The edge EPC affords reduced latency for applications like robotics, augmented and virtual reality, and emerging connected devices, noted Druid.
Geoverse’s private LTE solution will serve the customers of the mainstream carriers at the same time, within the buildings or enterprises. This neutral host solution will provide incremental coverage and capacity, it said.
Roderick Nelson, chief executive at Geoverse, said: “This quality of user experience is extremely valuable to building owners and enterprises as well as to the carriers. Druid’s long experience in enterprise networks provides a great foundation for our unique Private LTE solution.”
Liam Kenny, chief executive at Druid Software, said: “The availability of CBRS spectrum is a game-changer for our cellular network platform and Geoverse is the ideal partner with the capability, knowledge, and profile to make the Private LTE proposition a success.
“We look forward to serving similar verticals in the US to those we already serve in Europe including, hospitals, elderly care, manufacturing, port automation, public office and energy providers.”
Druid, based in Bray, in County Wicklow, has worked with Koning & Hartman on most of these use cases and sales. The revised deal with the Dutch firm for hospital deployments will see its core software more closely integrated to the latest nurse call technology and hospital communications systems, it said.
Oswald Coene, chief executive at Koning & Hartman, commented: “Druid is helping Koning & Hartman to improve patient outcomes in international healthcare now with this dedicated mobile broadband solution.”
He added: “Doctors and nurses need instant access to patient records and want this information directly accessible on the latest mobile devices. This type of patient information cannot be allowed onto the public mobile operator’s networks, or public clouds. Our private LTE solution ensures the highest levels of mobile encryption and that all information accessed is only ever on the hospitals own network.”
Kenny at Druid said: “The easy integration of Druid’s core software to the latest nurse call technology and hospital communications systems, ensures that Doctors and nursing staff are always connected and reachable” commented Druid CEO, Liam Kenny on the announcement. “It is great to see this type of solution expanding to other hospitals and to be making such a positive impact on patients’ lives.”
