Ontario-based RuggedCom, a designer and manufacturer of rugged communications networking products for mission-critical applications in harsh environments, has been awarded a contract from a communications provider to the oil and gas market to supply RuggedMAX equipment for connectivity to and around offshore oil rigs.

The network will be based on RuggedCom's RuggedMAX family of utility grade WiMAX (News - Alert) compliant broadband wireless products, company officials say, adding that the RuggedMAX family of products "is used to extend IP/Ethernet networks cost effectively over long distances through the use of wireless technology."

In June TMC's (News - Alert) Carolyn J. Dawson reported that according to the Advisory Group’s research report, in 2009, RuggedCom "had more than 52 percent market share for Industrial Ethernet infrastructure in the electric power market. As a result, the company has grown its market share to the No. 2 position in the overall Industrial Ethernet infrastructure market."

The customer intends to offer a suite of services, including broadband data and voice services with differing service level agreements to their oil and gas customers.

"We are seeing increased interest from companies in heavy industry, like the oil and gas sector, for RuggedMAX technology" said Elik Jaeger, VP RuggedWIRELESS. "Many of these companies are looking to build out reliable private broadband wireless networks, but are finding that products tailored for the service provider market are not meeting their needs."

Initial orders from this customer are worth approximately $1 million. The complete product will be delivered through a global telecommunications equipment manufacturer as part of a larger network project.

The ARC Advisory Group report is titled "Industrial Ethernet Switches Worldwide Outlook Market Analysis and Forecast Through 2014." This report is mainly aimed at the market for hardened Ethernet switches deployed in industrial applications, chiefly those industries concerned in discrete manufacturing and nonstop process control, Dawson wrote.