4 Questions About DIMETRA Express

Nowadays, setting up a TETRA system such as Dimetra Express does not take much time anymore, compared to the systems that were sold just a few years ago. Triggered by the simplification of Motorola Solutions latest TETRA system innovation, Gert Jan Wolf talked to Tim Clark and asked him 4 questions about DIMETRA Express.

Who is DIMETRA Express for?

Simplify, simplify, simplify. That was the mantra behind DIMETRA Express, our new TETRA infrastructure platform targeted primarily at commercial customers. We realised there was a perception that TETRA was complex and only for public safety use. We recognised that TETRA as a technology has attributes that has value to many segments outside of public safety and we wanted to help make it much easier for TETRA to be adopted.

Based on our proven DIMETRA TETRA platform, DIMETRA Express is intended for smaller scale deployments, in the range of one to ten sites. It is TETRA communications made simple, and utilises web-based applications for configuration and system management that cuts down the complexity of setting up and managing a TETRA system. In fact, you can set a DIMETRA Express system up in under 15 minutes.

We are selling DIMETRA Express predominantly through our network of distributors and resellers to customers in various vertical markets including: oil and gas, chemical plants, manufacturing, seaports, public transport including airports as well as rail & metro, large sports venues, and municipalities.

DIMETRA Express is available in a number of different formats - the MTS4 and MTS2 systems offer a complete TETRA solution in one box with the core server integrated alongside the base radios. Alternatively, customers may choose a more modular approach with our DIMETRA Express standalone server which can be connected to MTS1, MTS2 or MTS4 base stations.

What are the advantages of DIMETRA Express over your previous platforms and the competition?

We have enjoyed great success with our DIMETRA IP Micro and DIMETRA IP Compact systems and DIMETRA Express is our next generation of system to continue this legacy but with greater flexibility to support the needs of our customers today and into the future.

One of the key enhancements is simplicity of deployment and management. At CCW this year we showcased DIMETRA Express on our stand where we ran a competition to see who could install a DIMETRA Express one-box system from scratch the quickest. The winner of the competition installed and configured the system in less than seven minutes! It really is that simple - with one IP address and an installation wizard to guide you, the DIMETRA Express system can be up and running and operating within minutes. In terms of management, DIMETRA Express supports a web-based tool that can be accessed from a Windows or Android computer or tablet to ensure quick and easy day-to-day management.

We have also simplified our approach and interfaces to work more collaboratively with third parties to build a strong eco-system of applications e.g. control room solutions, location tracking, work ticketing, voice logging, and more.

We have enhanced the DIMETRA Express feature set since we launched mid 2017 with easy-to-install software releases every six months. In our latest software release, we have introduced geographical redundancy and air interface encryption to enhance resiliency and security. We will continue to roll out enhancements on a regular basis.

Why have you introduced a standalone server?

The small stand-alone server enables customers with legacy DIMETRA IP Micro or DIMETRA IP Compact systems to easily upgrade to, and enjoy the benefits of DIMETRA Express. The DIMETRA Express server can simply replace the legacy core and the existing Motorola Solutions base stations can be reused. This provides our customers with a cost effective upgrade to the latest DIMETRA system.

What do you see for the future of TETRA with the rise of PTT over broadband?

The need for high-quality reliable, secure voice and critical data communication will continue. Digital radio technologies such as TETRA will continue to deliver the optimal communication for mission-critical and business-critical environments. So I expect the requirement for TETRA to continue for the next ten or more years at least. Broadband technologies such as LTE will play an important role in bringing high bandwidth data and I expect to see a collaborative approach with voice and data on separate end-user devices but with convergence within the infrastructure.

 

 

Tim Clark is sales director for commercial systems across Europe. He has worked within multinational telecommunications companies in a variety of technical and commercial roles and is a passionate advocate of the benefits of mission-critical communications to enhance efficiency, safety and security.