What Goes Into a Vertiport? Node4 Supports Skyports Infrastructure with Data Analysis and IT

Node4 Supports Skyports Infrastructure with Global Network Infrastructure and Cloud-Based Data Analysis

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

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Leading vertiport provider Skyports Infrastructure has commissioned cloud-led digital transformation Managed Services Provider (MSP) Node4 to provide the IT network components and data analysis capabilities required for vertiport operations. The agreement will see Node4 support Skyports Infrastructure through the construction of a global SD-WAN capability. Expected to go live at its first UK location later in the year, SD-WAN will eventually cover additional UK sites and extend to Skyports Infrastructure facilities in the USA, Dubai and France. SD-WAN will provide the enabling technology and connectivity for Skyports Infrastructure’s global vertiport operations.

SD-WAN will allow for faster deployment at each of the company’s vertiport facilities while centralizing and streamlining remote operations, letting Skyports Infrastructure monitor and manage a network of vertiports in near real-time. SD-WAN will offer reliable availability and performance, in addition to centralized management and strong network security.

“Everyone at Node4 is so easy to work with. The team are approachable and flexible — always offering to go above and beyond for us. Node4 also provides invaluable guidance to build Skyports Infrastructure’s in-house expertise.” said Dan Lambeth, Site Reliability Engineer at Skyports Infrastructure. “We have a long technology journey ahead of us, but with the support of key technology partners such as Node4 and the insight they provide, the journey will be smooth. Looking to the next 12 to 24 months of technology development, we’re in an excellent position to continue at pace with our vertiport technology product.”

Skyports Infrastructure’s IT team will also benefit from Node4’s extensive cloud-based knowledge. Node4 has previously assisted Skyports Infrastructure in building and configuring several Azure landing zones for the development of custom vertiport IT systems and software, and will now enable the development of the necessary APIs to allow vertiport partners and operators to connect, collaborate and share data easily. Node4 is additionally assisting Skyports Infrastructure with a large-scale, cloud-based data warehousing project designed to store, capture and facilitate analysis of aircraft telemetry and journey data, including weather and optimal route information.

“We’re delighted to be playing a pivotal role in helping Skyports Infrastructure realise its mission of making electric air taxi travel a reality – and supporting the development and operation of its vertiports,” said Node4 CCO Iain Shearman. “Network infrastructure solutions, in combination with our Azure and Database experience, have the potential to bring about such a reimagining of urban travel. I can’t wait to see how this project develops and, who knows, to take one of the first eVTOL flights from a Skyports Infrastructure vertiport in the not-too-distant future!”

Read more:

• Skyports Designs for Vertiports in Dubai Approved: Check Out These Images
• Drone Jobs: Skyports Launches Large Scale Hiring Program!
• Joby and Skyports Develop “Living Lab” Passenger Terminal: What Will Urban Air Mobility Be Like for Passengers?
• ConOps for eVTOL Operations: Wisk Aero and Skyports Detail Integration with Vertiports

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.