Visiosoft, a South African technology company, says it is working with French firm Kinéis, a space company, satellite operator and global connectivity provider for IoT and automatic identification systems, to bridge the connectivity gap using a satellite Internet of Things (IoT) solution.

Visiosoft provides cloud-based sensor data via a range of IoT devices and sensors for big data assimilation in smart business and industrial applications.

According to the companies, this partnership will result in a robust, low-power, always-on communication system using satellites – one that enables seamless data transmission, even in the most remote areas where traditional networks fail.

Combining Visiosoft's current IoT technologies with Kinéis' satellite network, they say, they will be able to monitor, track, and optimise operations from anywhere in the globe, including remote mining sites, offshore oil rigs, supply chains and precision agriculture fields.

The partners say that Kinéis' planned launch of 25 nanosatellites will expand coverage, accelerate data transmission speeds, and unlock new opportunities for industries operating in the most challenging environments.

Key industries benefiting from this technology could include logistics and supply chain activities such as fleet tracking; mining, energy and resources requirements such as asset monitoring and worker safety; and agriculture and smart farming.

For oil and gas the offering could enhance pipeline monitoring, offshore asset tracking and operational safety. Water management is another potential market: the system could support smart metering, leak detection and remote monitoring of reservoirs, dams and irrigation systems.