EF Johnson and Instant Connect Launch Strategic Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Irving, TX – May 17, 2022 – EF Johnson Technologies, Inc., a leading solution provider of communications technology for emergency responders and business/industrial customers, and Instant Connect Software LLC, a global leader in interoperable push-to-talk communications, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership. The integration will extend RF coverage through IP connectivity and elevate the impact and value of voice communications for radio users worldwide by digitally integrating the Instant Connect platform with KENWOOD NEXEDGE® Gen2 systems.
Instant Connect’s proprietary push-to-talk (PTT) software turns virtually any IP-connected device into a PTT device that can connect to two-way radio systems. KENWOOD NEXEDGE Gen2 radio users can now seamlessly share operation-critical PTT talk channels with Instant Connect users regardless of the device used.
This “any device, any network” connectivity eliminates communications gaps between radio and IP, improves teamwork and productivity, and enhances worker safety, especially in remote and hazardous environments.
Our two companies are forging a new landscape of interoperable communications leveraging the Instant Connect integration to extend traditional RF where cellular and two-way radio users operate in a single environment,” says John North, EFJohnson’s VP of Sales. “This integration delivers additional value to KENWOOD two-way radio users by enriching their current radio investment through interoperability.”
The collaboration is currently available on KENWOOD NEXEDGE Gen2 products for enterprise and operation-critical users. Integrations within expanded radio product lines are expected in the future.
“Instant Connect is proud to partner with EF Johnson Technologies to enhance and extend the value of mission-critical radio networks,” said Forrest Claypool, Instant Connect CEO. “We’re connecting radio with mobile/IP users across a wide range of devices while also offering KENWOOD radio users a new level of PTT automation. For radio users, these automated PTT capabilities add a new level of functionality and performance on the front lines.”
The two companies will debut the integration with a live demonstration at the UTC Technology and Telecom Show, May 16-20, 2022, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.