Saint John-based tech conglomerate Mariner Partners has announced it’s developing software that will assist communication service providers as the industry moves away from physical network infrastructure and into software-defined virtual networks.

Mariner’s solution, SONAR4 Assurance Analytics, will support agility in the industry and ensure the quality of customer experiences, Mariner and the federal government said in a statement. The federal government will lend the company almost $3 million to support the development of the product through ACOA, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. 

Marc Savoie, President of Mariner xVu, part of the Mariner Partners group, said the goal is to empower the communications industry to fast-track the adoption of next generation network technologies.

“SONAR4 addresses the complexities faced by these operators as they endeavor to deliver innovations such as 5G to the end consumer,” he said in the statement.  “Investment in network innovations such as these differentiates Canada in the global market and Mariner is proud to contribute to this success.”

Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay, said Mariner has been contributing to the local economy and ICT sector for many years.

“To have a product with the potential to help move the wireless industry forward into cloud-based networks developed here in Saint John is great news for the city, and for all of New Brunswick,” he said. “This new project enables Mariner Partners to continue growing our region’s reputation for cutting edge wireless products, and will certainly boost our competitiveness while bringing more expertise to our local industry.’’

Navdeep Bains, the Minister Responsible for ACOA, said the federal government is making strategic investments that fuel economic growth by helping businesses build on their strengths.

“This project supports the development of a highly innovative solution for a rapidly changing industry, and will bring a wealth of expertise to the region, while also contributing to the wireless communications industry worldwide,” the Minister said.

Mariner began in 2003 when veterans of iMagicTV, which provided software for video services, launched a new company to improve the delivery of videos online and alert providers of any problems with video transmissions. That business, known as xVu, is the core of Mariner’s business.

The company’s other three pillars are: Shift Energy, which has developed an internet-of-things application to conserve energy in large facilities; Mariner Innovations, which provides advisory and professional services and project delivery; and East Valley Ventures, the loosely held portfolio of startup investments, held by Mariner itself and/or members of its network.