Orbcomm launches Skywave Connect program for IoT partners. Photo: Orbcomm

Orbcomm is launching a new partner program for IoT solution providers and resellers to encourage new applications and reach new IoT partners. 

Orbcomm has more than 400 solution providers that operate in 90 different countries, but has never formalized a partner program until now, Dave Roscoe, Orbcomm’s president of Satellite IoT, told Via Satellite. 

The new Skywave Connect program gives partners access to Orbcomm’s IoT devices, multi-mode satellite and cellular connectivity services, development tools, sales and technical support, and professional services for device integration and solution deployment.

“I think it’s overdue that we’ve actually formalized it into a structured program,” Roscoe said. “The whole idea of the partners program is to develop IoT solutions faster and more efficiently, to expand into new markets and industries and access new growth opportunities. It’s all about driving growth in the satellite IoT segments.” 

Orbcomm’s IoT solutions are used in a variety of markets including agriculture, transportation, heavy equipment, maritime, oil and gas, utilities, and mining. Roscoe sees the biggest opportunity for growth in agriculture and oil and gas. 

The company is rolling out the partner program in regional phases, with a partner forum this coming week in Indonesia for Asia-Pacific partners, followed by Latin America. 

This comes after Orbcomm debuted next-generation IoT service OGx last year, with lower power consumption and increased message sizes. The company also plans to roll out a marketplace where ecosystem partners can collaborate. 

“One of the unique things with Orbcomm products and services is that we have complete development environments on board the terminals so [partners] can write embedded programs and applications specific for [applications such as] cathodic protection or water monitoring,” Roscoe said. Orbcomm plans to use the central marketplace to help its partners connect with other developers that may operate in the same vertical but in different regions, he added.  

Orbcomm Sells AIS Business to S&P Global 

Separately, Orbcomm is selling its automatic identification system (AIS) data services business to S&P Global. This business provides satellite data services to track and monitor vessels that are used for supply chain visibility, maritime safety, surveillance and security, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and other use cases. 

S&P Global plans to integrate the AIS data services into its S&P Global Market Intelligence division. In addition, S&P Global will take a strategic equity position in Orbcomm. 

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close during 2025. Orbcomm and S&P Global did not disclose the financial terms.