Datum Systems
Datum Systems is a privately-held Mesa, Arizona designer and manufacturer of compact, software-defined satellite and troposcatter modems, serving government, defense, telecom, maritime, aeronautical, and oil & gas customers across 120+ countries via global distributors and resellers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersMesa, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Datum Systems does
Datum Systems Inc. is a privately-held U.S. designer and manufacturer of satellite and troposcatter communications modems, headquartered at an ISO 9001:2015-certified facility in Mesa, Arizona and operating since 1986. The company builds compact, software-defined, multi-waveform modems using FPGA-based digital signal processing with direct modulation and demodulation at 70/140 MHz and L-Band. Its product family centers on the M7XC extra-compact software-defined modem (3"x5"x1", <30W, >560 Mbps; DVB-S2X, FlexLDPC, AES256 encryption), the M7 modular platform for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and mesh deployments, the STAX-4 1RU high-density chassis (up to 4 modulators and 64 demodulators) for hub and teleport sites, the T7XC troposcatter/satellite modem with patented frequency-domain combiner/equalizer, and the legacy PSM500 series. Differentiated intellectual property includes the patented Smart Carrier Cancellation (~2dB Shannon gain / ~50% capacity uplift) and patented frequency-domain combiner/equalizer for troposcatter diversity.
Datum sells exclusively through a global indirect channel: it operates no direct sales force or field offices, and ships through distributors, resellers, and system integrators across Asia, South America, Australia, Africa, and Russia, with products deployed in over 120 countries. Pricing is quote-based via [email protected] and [email protected], with documented named deployments including NATO's next-generation GEO SATCOM program (via Globecomm Systems as prime) and the Chatham Islands / New Zealand DVB-S2X link. Targeted verticals span GSM cellular backhaul, oil & gas, maritime, aeronautical, emergency response, government & defense, and general enterprise connectivity, where SWaP-optimized, multi-orbit (LEO/MEO/GEO/HTS) capacity is critical. Embedded technology partnerships with XipLink (TCP/ACC acceleration) and SEVIS Systems (intelligent cellular backhaul optimization) extend the M7 platform's optimization stack without in-house development in those adjacencies.
Revenue is generated primarily from hardware sales of proprietary modems and complementary rack platforms, with margins supported by a zero-adjustments, automated-test manufacturing model and direct-conversion architecture that reduces bill-of-materials cost. The company is founder/management-controlled (President & GM David Koblinski; technical founder Dave Bagby), has no disclosed parent, no recorded VC/PE funding, and pursues US-federal-grade certifications such as FIPS 140-3 Level 3 for defense workloads. The business has operated continuously for nearly four decades through lean headcount (11-50), reflecting a niche OEM strategy rather than a volume or VC-scaled model.
Datum Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Datum Systems
- Legal name
- Datum Systems Inc.
- Website
- https://datumsystems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Datum Systems is a privately-held Mesa, Arizona designer and manufacturer of compact, software-defined satellite and troposcatter modems, serving government, defense, telecom, maritime, aeronautical, and oil & gas customers across 120+ countries via global distributors and resellers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Datum Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Satellite Communications Equipment
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (51741)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Satellite Backhaul & Trunking for Telecom Operators (Cellular Backhaul, Roaming Extension) (HDAIAJAC), Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom) (HDAIAJAB)
Keywords
Where Datum Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mesa
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Datum Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Satellite Modem Hardware Sales: Datum Systems designs, manufactures and sells satellite and troposcatter modems through a global network of distributors and resellers. Products include compact modems for fixed ground stations and mobile terminals. No direct sales force - all sales go through channel partners who stock and resell products in various geographic regions.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Datum Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Datum Systems designs, manufactures, and sells compact software-defined satellite and troposcatter modems globally. The product portfolio centers on multi-waveform modems with reduced Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) design supporting LEO, MEO, GEO and HTS satellite orbits. Products are sold to over 120 countries through a global network of distributors, resellers and system integrators.
Product overview
Datum Systems designs, manufactures, and sells compact satellite and troposcatter modems globally. The product portfolio centers on software-defined multi-waveform technology with reduced SWaP design for LEO, MEO, GEO, and HTS satellite environments. Core products include the M7XC compact software-defined modem (3"x5"x1", <30W, >560Mbps), STAX-4 1RU multi-modem chassis (4 modulators/64 demodulators), M7 modular series (PtP/PtMP/Mesh), T7XC troposcatter modem, and PSM500 legacy series. Key technologies include DVB-S2X, FlexLDPC, Smart Carrier cancellation, Sharp Carrier roll-off, and ACM. Products are sold to over 120 countries through distributors and system integrators with ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- M7XC Compact Software Defined Modem Extra compact software-defined satellite modem supporting multiple waveforms including DVB-S2X, FlexLDPC, and Direct Sequence Spreading. Supports Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, and Mesh networks for fixed ground stations and mobile terminals where SWaP is critical.
- STAX-4 Multi-Satellite Modem 1RU multi-function chassis platform offering up to 4 high-speed modulators and 64 demodulators with 400Msps TX/RX capacity. Designed for hub or teleport deployment with optional redundant power supplies.
- M7 Satellite Modems/Routers Versatile modular satellite modem/router platform for next generation PtP, PtMP, and SCADA networks. Supports multiple form factors (M7-IF 50-180 MHz, M7-L-Band 950-2150 MHz), dual demod variants, and 2 units in a single 1RU with independent quad demod capability.
- T7XC Troposcatter/Satellite Modem Troposcatter/satellite modem leveraging advanced FPGA and VHDL implementations centered around patented frequency domain combiner/equalizer. Supports single, dual, and quad diversity modes with DVB-S2X, Fast ACM, and TRANSEC AES encryption with optional FIPS140-3 Level 3 certification.
- PSM500 Series Satellite Modems Legacy series of high-performance commercial satellite modems including PSM-500 (70/140 MHz IF), PSM-500L (L-Band), and PSM-500LT (with integrated BUC power supply). Features Reed Solomon FEC and key-enabled software upgrades.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 50% gain in spectral efficiency over traditional satellite modems using DVB-S2/S2X with high order modulation and sharpest spectral roll-off factors
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Datum Systems
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Datum Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature7 records
Datum Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Sevis SystemscoreIntegrated IP backhaul dual-optimization solution combining Datum's M7 modem platform with Sevis' intelligent optimization technology. The Modem-Optimizer leverages Datum's 'I7' IP interface card to port Sevis' optimization software, achieving highest efficiency in bits per hertz at physical and application layers. Ideal for 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE backhaul in remote locations.
- XipLinkcoreTechnology partnership to embed XipLink's XE-Series optimization software (XipOS) into Datum M7 Series modems. Partnership enables TCP acceleration, compression, and XipLink Real Time (XRT) functionality for VOIP and UDP optimization. Double throughput capability combined with Datum's 50%+ carrier bandwidth savings creates 'Dual Optimized' modem solution.
- Globecomm SystemsmajorGlobecomm Systems, a subsidiary of UltiSat, selected as prime contractor for NATO's next-generation satellite modem program using Datum Systems' M7XC technology. Globecomm supplies advanced satellite modems based on Datum's M7XC software-defined technology to enhance NATO's GEO SATCOM capabilities.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Datum Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Viasat: Broad incumbent in satellite communications, including LinkWay/EBEM modem products and integrated ground systems; overlaps with Datum on government/defense SATCOM procurements.
- Hughes Network Systems: Broad incumbent in VSAT/satellite ground equipment with a much larger portfolio (HN/HX systems, Jupiter hubs, consumer broadband); competes with Datum in enterprise and defense modem categories but at meaningfully greater scale.
Direct peers
- ND SATCOM: European satellite ground equipment manufacturer serving defense, government and enterprise markets with modem and VSAT products; comparable in scale, customer mix and channel-dependent go-to-market model.
- Gilat Satellite Networks: Satellite ground equipment manufacturer with VSAT and modem products (e.g., Gemini/Diamond platforms) serving defense, enterprise and in-flight connectivity markets — directly comparable to Datum's M7 and M7XC offerings.
- Comtech EF Data (Comtech Telecommunications Corp.): Direct competitor in satellite modems, offering the CDM-625/700/750 series with DVB-S2/S2X, FlexLDPC-style coding, and similar SWaP-optimized form factors across enterprise, defense and telecom markets.
- WORK Microwave: German satellite modem and frequency converter manufacturer serving broadcast, defense and telecom operators; directly comparable DVB-S2/S2X modem portfolio and similar mid-sized private-company profile.
- Teledyne Paradise Datacom: Satellite modem manufacturer with Q- and V-band, SCPC and DVB-S2/S2X offerings targeting defense and broadcast — closely comparable in product positioning, SWaP focus and channel-driven GTM.
- ST Engineering iDirect: Major satellite ground equipment vendor whose iDirect Velocity and iQ-series modems compete head-to-head with Datum's M7/M7XC in VSAT hubs, cellular backhaul and multi-orbit ground segments.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Datum Systems social profiles
Digital presenceDatum Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Datum Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Datum Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Datum Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Datum Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Datum Systems
What does Datum Systems do?
Datum Systems designs, manufactures, and sells compact software-defined satellite and troposcatter modems globally. The product portfolio centers on multi-waveform modems with reduced Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) design supporting LEO, MEO, GEO and HTS satellite orbits. Products are sold to over 120 countries through a global network of distributors, resellers and system integrators.
Is Datum Systems a public or private company?
Datum Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Datum Systems founded?
Datum Systems was founded in 1986. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Datum Systems based?
Datum Systems is headquartered in Mesa, United States, in the North America region.
How does Datum Systems make money?
One revenue line is on record: satellite Modem Hardware Sales.
Who are Datum Systems's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Viasat and Hughes Network Systems. Direct peers are ND SATCOM, Gilat Satellite Networks, Comtech EF Data (Comtech Telecommunications Corp.), WORK Microwave, Teledyne Paradise Datacom and ST Engineering iDirect.
Does Datum Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Datum Systems.
What industry is Datum Systems in?
Datum Systems's product category is Satellite Communications Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE), with a secondary code of HDAIAJAC, Satellite Backhaul & Trunking for Telecom Operators (Cellular Backhaul, Roaming Extension). Its NAICS code is 51741 and its SIC code is 3576.