Debunking the idea that there are no high-tech research and development companies operating in North County, Sierra Wireless employs about 100 people at its Carlsbad location.
"Having some high-tech business in North County is good for our employees, they can avoid the daily commute (to San Diego or Orange County)," said Evan Jones, vice president of engineering for the company.
Originally founded as Air Prime in 2000, the company merged with Sierra Wireless in 2003. The Carlsbad location serves as a research and development facility for Sierra Wireless's production of data devices for mobile computing.
Since the merger, the company has experienced rapid growth, going from $100 million in annual revenue in 2003 to $200 million in 2006.
"It's been pretty intense," Jones said of the growth.
Although Sierra Wireless was in the wireless data industry for many years, it was the wireless boom of recent years that caused sales to sky-rocket.
Today, the company produces wireless cards for mobile computing that are compatible with laptop computers and chips that are embedded in newer laptops. These devices allow for internet access anywhere there is wireless service. Put plainly, this means that if your cellular phone has service, no matter if you are on an interstate or at a remote cabin in the woods, you can access wireless internet.
The technology used to be limited to business travelers whose fast-paced traveling demanded an easy and convenient wireless connection. Now, it is becoming more common as people's active lifestyles require high speed internet away from the office, Jones said.
To test their technology and ensure product quality and functionality, Sierra Wireless uses their Satimo Chamber. The chamber, which looks like it would fit best in a science fiction movie, allows for accurate simulation of the wireless cards.
Padded with large, blue spikes, the chamber includes laser beams and a sealed doorway to secure it when testing is in progress and prevent external signals or radiation from corrupting the wireless data measurement. In the center of the chamber is a pedestal that holds a laptop computer during the testing. A large, round antenna circles the pedestal and simulates a wireless network. The chamber, which is run almost 24 hours a day, allows Sierra Wireless to test for irregularities or malfunctions in the wireless system.
"Having some high-tech business in North County is good for our employees, they can avoid the daily commute (to San Diego or Orange County)," said Evan Jones, vice president of engineering for the company.
Originally founded as Air Prime in 2000, the company merged with Sierra Wireless in 2003. The Carlsbad location serves as a research and development facility for Sierra Wireless's production of data devices for mobile computing.
Since the merger, the company has experienced rapid growth, going from $100 million in annual revenue in 2003 to $200 million in 2006.
"It's been pretty intense," Jones said of the growth.
Although Sierra Wireless was in the wireless data industry for many years, it was the wireless boom of recent years that caused sales to sky-rocket.
Today, the company produces wireless cards for mobile computing that are compatible with laptop computers and chips that are embedded in newer laptops. These devices allow for internet access anywhere there is wireless service. Put plainly, this means that if your cellular phone has service, no matter if you are on an interstate or at a remote cabin in the woods, you can access wireless internet.
The technology used to be limited to business travelers whose fast-paced traveling demanded an easy and convenient wireless connection. Now, it is becoming more common as people's active lifestyles require high speed internet away from the office, Jones said.
To test their technology and ensure product quality and functionality, Sierra Wireless uses their Satimo Chamber. The chamber, which looks like it would fit best in a science fiction movie, allows for accurate simulation of the wireless cards.
Padded with large, blue spikes, the chamber includes laser beams and a sealed doorway to secure it when testing is in progress and prevent external signals or radiation from corrupting the wireless data measurement. In the center of the chamber is a pedestal that holds a laptop computer during the testing. A large, round antenna circles the pedestal and simulates a wireless network. The chamber, which is run almost 24 hours a day, allows Sierra Wireless to test for irregularities or malfunctions in the wireless system.