Navman outsources hardware to focus on SaaS platform

Navman Wireless has reached an agreement to outsource its hardware design and manufacturing, allowing the company's New Zealand team to focus on enhancing the SaaS-based OnlineAVL2 fleet management platform.

The new OEM partners, CalAmp, have agreed to open a new R - D centre in New Zealand so they can take on the majority of Navman's hardware team.

Navman will continue to employ over 60 staff here in software R - D, sales, marketing and support.

Founded in New Zealand in 1986 as Talon Technology, Navman was sold to Brunswick Corporation in 2004; the company's Portable Navigation Device (PND) division was later sold to MiTAC.

TJ Chung, president and CEO of Navman Wireless, says bringing on a hardware partner allows both divisions to concentrate on their strengths.

"We can now dedicate all of our resources to delivering next-generation fleet and asset management tools through our OnlineAVL2 platform," Chung says, "while CalAmp's R - D team can apply their expertise to designing complementary next-generation hardware products.

Navman will be looking to expand its R - D teams both here and in California.