Intelligent headsets GN Netcom

its professional communications customers. It has also designed and developed a range of traffic systems, which includes its highway manual toll collection and professional electronic systems, together with TV transmitters, siren and public announcement equipment and central alarm systems, which is sells to its many customers in this division.

However, its main product areas continue to be its C4ISR systems, airborne electronic warfare self-protection systems, air defence systems and electro-optical systems.

Aselsan expects these same products to offer the most potential for growth in the ensuing years.

Major collaborations

This year Aselsan has signed Memorandums of Understandings for two important collaborations. The first of these was with Rolls-Royce, and involves the exploration of potential collaboration opportunities in the area of engine control systems.

Bob Stoddart, Rolls-Royce president of Customer Business – Defence, said: “Having had some very positive initial discussions with the team at Aselsan we believe that there are some exciting opportunities around the areas of engine control systems and engine health monitoring that may help us both to grow our business in the Turkish market. This MoU enables us to have a more meaningful discussion and explore potential future collaboration.

“Turkey is an important market for RollsRoyce and offers several exciting collaborative opportunities for our defence business in the areas of combat aircraft, helicopters and transport aircraft and the provision of support to our expanding engine fleet powering the Turkish Armed Forces.”

In May this year, Aselsan signed a framework agreement with Airbus Group to mark the first step towards future collaboration on civil and avionic systems, satellite communication systems, electrooptic and laser systems, and secure radio communications.

By joining forces through this agreement, both groups aim at gaining a distinct competitive edge in accessing new markets and further consolidating their position as leading avionics and aeronautics manufacturers.

Airbus Group international senior vicepresident Marco Miklis stated: “We are very happy that our collaboration with Turkey’s leading defence electronics company is evolving in a positive manner. We strongly believe that both companies have competitive products and solutions which can be applied to the Turkish and export markets.”

ASELSAN chairman of the board Dr Hasan Canpolat said: “In addition to its leading role in the Turkish electronics industry, ASELSAN will achieve greater access to global markets through its partnership with Airbus Group. We believe that the synergies generated through this long-term collaboration will deliver innovative solutions and contribute to the worldwide success of both our companies.”

Increasing global presence

Within the scope of the projects already undertaken by the company, Aselsan is not only active in its domestic market, but is currently making great efforts to compete in the international arena. In fact, nowadays it is exporting its products to customers located in more than 25 countries including the likes of Germany, USA, The Netherlands, Pakistan and Malaysia.

And indeed one of the main objectives of the company is to increase the amount of global sales. Therefore one of its strategies for the coming years is to continue to exploit additional opportunities in its global markets aside from those that exist in Europe. Aselsan has identified 30 countries that have certain needs and requirements that it believes it can meet with its years of electronics expertise and product portfolio, and the company is now directing its efforts to penetrate the markets in these countries.

These strategies appear to be paying off: in April 2014 Aselsan received the ‘Exporter of the Year’ award at the Export Stars event held in Istanbul, Turkey. These awards have been established for the past 12 years to promote the activities of Turkish exporters.

Customer specific engineering

As a systems integrator and total system provider, Aselsan works with its customers on various specific engineering projects. That is to say it designs, develops and manufactures specific systems as per a customer’s exact requirements. The customer and its individual needs define the specifications of a final product or system depending on their requirements, so as a result many of Aselsan’s systems and products are unique to the marketplace it serves. n

INTELLIGENT HEADSETS

GN Netcom is part of the GN Store Nord group, supplying headsets and other equipment under the Jabra brand. Industry Europe looks at the latest from the company, including recent awards, appointments and the launch of the Jabra MOTION Office™ wireless headset.

GN Store Nord’s history goes back to 1869 when the Great Northern Telegraph Company was founded. Initially functioning as a telegraph company, it today focuses on headsets, through GN Netcom, and hearing instruments and audiological diagnostics equipment company, through GN ReSound. GN headsets are marketed globally under the Jabra brand whereas GN’s hearing instruments are marketed under the ReSound, Beltone and Interton brands. All products are largely manufactured in China.

The total work force comprises around 4100 employees of which approximately 900 are in Denmark. The group’s headquarters are in Ballerup, just outside Copenhagen.

It sells its products worldwide and is seeing particularly strong growth in Asia.

Developing the Jabra brand

One of the big developments for GN Netcom in the areas of music and sports is that technology has moved much further in supporting music streaming. And as demand has grown and technology improved so the company has developed more complementary consumer products.

One product is the Jabra Halo and another is the Jabra Clipper. For music and sport, there is the Jabra Sport, which is ideal for running or riding a bike. The Jabra Halo connects easily to a mobile phone through Bluetooth and enables the user to stream music and to take calls wirelessly. A corded option can be used if the player of choice doesn’t support Bluetooth Stereo/A2DP.

The Jabra Clipper gives the wearer wireless stereo music and calls in one small Bluetooth clip. Its in-ear headphones block external noise, which enhance its clear, vibrant music and calling quality. It also automatically switches between music and incoming calls to the phone.

In 2013 the Jabra Mobile division strengthened its portfolio by launching additional models of successful products. The distinct Jabra headsets, Jabra Revo Wireless and Jabra Vox, were launched to target more preferences and users. With these launches, all of Jabra’s headsets that are targeting the attractive fast-growing segment where voice communication and music are integrating are available in both black and white to match the standard colors of smartphones.

Meanwhile the popular Jabra SPORT was launched in a Wireless+ edition with enhanced wireless performance and new innovative features. It offers users more flexibility with an adjustable behind-the-head cord and four sizes of ear gels to improve sound experience. All Jabra SPORT products come with special features when used with the Endomondo Sports Tracker app, which is offered as a free download with Jabra SPORT products.

Introducing the Jabra MOTION Office™

The office products side of the business continues to expand as well. In April this year (2014) the Jabra line was extended still further with the introduction of the new Jabra MOTION Office™ wireless headset. Building on Jabra MOTION™ and its innovative use of sensors, Jabra MOTION Office™ will be the ultimate wireless Bluetooth headset solution for the mobile office worker.

Jabra MOTION™ Office is among others enhanced to offer unique triple connectivity for both mobile, softphone (IP telephone) and desk phone through Bluetooth technology. The connectivity to all types of devices increases the suitability for corporates which