OSF Digital Partners with Kumbaya to Connect the Unconnected

Leading global cloud solutions company to create custom software ecosystem for Kumbaya’s zeroXess, a modular solar-powered system to bring energy, connectivity and content to off-grid communities globally

Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA and Quebec City, Canada – March 1, 2018 – OSF Digital announced today that it has been selected to develop a software ecosystem for Kumbaya, Inc. OSF Digital ’s deep experience across channels, devices, and locales, combined with its agile approach, will allow Kumbaya to scale global growth more quickly while delivering the simplified customer experience critical to the success of zeroXess – Kumbaya’s solution for off-grid energy, connectivity, and content. In its partnership with Kumbaya, OSF is responsible for the development of the company’s ecosystem, including the creation of a series of software components designed to ensure the advanced features available on the zeroXess platform function, and perform in harmony with the needs of Kumbaya’s customers.

As a result of this collaboration, people in off-grid communities will gain access to zeroXess, an economically-priced home energy and communication hub. zeroXess is equipped with a touchscreen to allow users to easily view, monitor and control power, connectivity, lights, communication and the consumption of information. OSF is also developing a custom cloud-based solution for Kumbaya to centralize and facilitate access and connection between the people using zeroXess and specialists in healthcare, banking, entrepreneurship, and community-building.

“OSF applauds Kumbaya’s efforts to bring lasting positive change to global communities that are most in need,” said Alexandru Guriuc, Mobile Division Director, OSF Digital. “OSF has spent the past decade helping companies both large and small overcome the greatest challenges in the world’s rapidly changing business environment. With our expertise in omnichannel integrations, internationalization, and optimization, we are building customized technologies to ensure Kumbaya can quickly bring zeroXess to market and begin to facilitate the connections that will ultimately connect the last billion.”

zeroXess uses a simple single board computer and is powered by 120W solar panels with industry-leading efficiency. Equipped with agnostic connectivity and direct one and two-way communications leveraging 2G/3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, TVWS, and satellite connectivity, the system not only brings the power of sunlight indoors, powering four LED light fixtures and up to six USB-powered devices, such as mobile phones and medical devices, but also delivers TV and radio capabilities to bring local news, information and entertainment to off-grid communities. Built-in sensors within the system detect and warn against hazards like CO/CO2., temperature, and humidity. The platform also allows access for non-invasive eHealth monitoring devices and point-of-care decision support.

“In collaborating with OSF, Kumbaya is tackling the challenges related to connecting the unconnected head-on,” said Mike Freni, founder and CEO of Kumbaya. “Four billion people in this world are unconnected and zeroXess aims to bring sustainable energy and connectivity to them, however the challenges don’t end just there. Working with OSF, Kumbaya is creating the tools and content needed to truly connect and educate these people, many of whom don’t read or write. We are bringing basic education and entertainment to improve their lives, and together we will make a lasting positive impact.”

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Contact: OSF Digital
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