Richardson Electronics to Distribute Maestro Wireless Products to Global Customer Base
Addition of Maestro Wireless GPS and Cellular Modules provides Richardson Electronics' customers with access to complementary embedded solutions
February 22, 2011 - LaFox, Illinois - Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RELL), today announced it has signed a global distribution agreement with Maestro Wireless, a leading manufacturer of M2M gateways and wireless industrial modems.
As one of the leading distributors of RF and Microwave components, Richardson Electronics offers technical expertise, value-added customer service, and a global sales footprint. 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).
Every Maestro modem uses as its core the same Sierra Wireless embedded modules already distributed by Richardson Electronics. Maestro solutions can therefore be used as low-risk proof-of-concepts, enabling technology for first generation solutions for customers considering embedded wireless modems. This will provide customers with complete wireless solutions engineered to their specific needs without the time and cost of an actual development.
"Maestro Wireless's family of products is a natural complement to our embedded offering," said Chris Marshall, Richardson Electronics' Vice President of RF and Wireless. "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."
In addition to offering a feature-rich, reliable hardware platform, Maestro's unique SmartPack and Softool embedded software simplify the user experience installing and managing M2M gateways with their field equipment. Among the numerous, user-friendly features are a PC-based configuration interface which allows setting of Maestro modems with just a few clicks. Auto-TCP ensures that Maestro modems are always connected to the cellular network and ready to send information. This is particularly crucial when dealing with a time-critical application or an unreliable network.
"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," said Olivier Bernard, Maestro Wireless' Vice-President of Business Development. "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."
Richardson Electronics, a global niche distributor focusing on the RF, Wireless and Industrial Power Conversion markets, offers design engineers the most innovative products from the market leaders on its line card. Its new Engineer-Focused website, featuring more than 70,000 products targeting today's most important applications, is updated daily with new products, suppliers, datasheets, application-specific information, and design resource center tools.
More information about Maestro Wireless products available from Richardson Electronics can be found on the Maestro Wireless Storefront on www.rell.com.
About Maestro Wireless
Maestro Wireless Solutions, a subsidiary of the Fargo Telecom Group in Hong Kong offers a comprehensive portfolio of wireless solutions and integration services for the M2M and industrial markets. Applying over 13 years know-how in wireless communications, specializing in GSM/GPRS and GPS technologies, the company provides effective and highly reliable wireless solutions, ranging from off-the-shelf, generic easy to use devices, to specific and optimized OEM integration. Based in Hong Kong, Maestro Wireless Solutions has worldwide reach through its network of local distributors and partners and has deployed inexcess of 350K modems in over 40 countries. More information is available online at maestro-wireless.com.
About the RF, Wireless & Power Division (RFPD) of Richardson Electronics, Ltd.
RFPD, a division of Richardson Electronics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: RELL), is 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. RFPD designs, manufactures and distributes discrete devices, components, and assemblies used in RF and wireless infrastructure communications networks, digital broadcasting, defense, and power conversion. More information is available online at www.rell.com.
