Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Interconnect 365 Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Wireless Research Lab
The Island University
6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 361.825.2420 FAX 361.825.2620
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 27, 2011
CONTACT: Dr. John Fernandez, 361.825.3622; Dr. Ahmed Mahdy, 361.825.3172
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Interconnect 365 Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Wireless Research Lab
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and Interconnect 365, a San Antonio-based technology company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an Innovation in Wireless Research (iWIRE) laboratory on the University campus.
Interconnect 365, which specializes in research and development of wireless, 4G, high bandwidth IP networks, smart grid/home/business and smart service solutions, will fund iWIRE by providing one percent of its annual revenue with a minimum of $350,000. Dr. Ahmed Mahdy, assistant professor of computer science, will serve as director of the lab which will be staffed with researchers, technicians, and administrative personnel.
“The objective of the lab is to discover new science and technologies in wireless networking,” said Mahdy. “The focus on basic and applied research will bring innovation, competitive products, and novel technology to the local and global communities. iWIRE will nurture the research and education environment promoting the leadership of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The creation of this facility will also serve as a catalyst for curriculum development and student recruitment in computing fields.”
According to Dr. John Fernandez, chair of the Department of Computing Sciences, the proposed facility will be furnished with state-of-the-art equipment for research that will establish Texas A&M-Corpus Christi as a hub for wireless innovation. In addition, the partnership will enrich relationships with leading technology companies.
“This partnership will attract national and global partners seeking to take advantage of what this joint venture offers them,” said Fernandez. “This will help ensure the success of iWIRE products in government and industry sectors. Interconnect 365 and its partners are leading providers of end-to-end broadband wireless systems and are 100 percent focused on custom building wireless technology that fits the customer’s specific needs. iWIRE will provide a laboratory to test these systems and help develop improvements.”
In addition to its partnership with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Interconnect 365 has made a long-term commitment to the City of Corpus Christi through the creation of a public/private partnership designed to create a living model of a “Smart City.” Projects being undertaken with the City of Corpus Christi include aerial video surveillance, code enforcement and neighborhood improvement, emergency medical services and disaster response, in-car video
policing, and small business economic development. “Interconnect 365 is right in the forefront of developing the component technologies necessary to realize the dream of a smart connected world by protecting public safety agencies and the SMART Grid while also providing high-speed wireless services and applications worldwide where there is lack of broadband and/or connectivity,” said William Hadala, chief technology officer of Interconnect 365. “iWIRE will be instrumental in achieving our shared vision with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.”
