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Marine Antenna Manufacturers Sea Tel, Intellian and Jotron Demonstrate Interoperability with iDirect Platform Through Open Standards Protocol

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that three leading manufacturers of stabilized marine VSAT antennas - Sea Tel, Intellian and Jotron - have implemented the OpenAMIP protocol developed by iDirect and completed successful interoperability testing with iDirect's suite of broadband satellite routers. Nine additional antenna manufacturers are in the process of implementing the OpenAMIP protocol and working with iDirect to qualify that their systems are interoperable. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

iDirect developed the OpenAMIP protocol more than four years ago as an industry-wide, open-source standard for antenna-router integration after extensive work was undertaken between iDirect and several leading stabilized antenna manufacturers to make their systems interoperate. iDirect has since integrated the open-source code into its maritime VSAT platform, and has now established a formalized qualification program for satellite antenna manufacturers. The OpenAMIP protocol eliminates the need for proprietary coding to make new antennas or routers introduced into the market work together. And it allows maritime organizations to choose from a wider selection of hardware to best suit their needs.

OpenAMIP is IP-based protocol that facilitates the exchange of information between an Antenna Controller Unit and a satellite router. It allows the router to command the antenna and enables the use of Automatic Beam Switching, which transfers connectivity from one satellite beam to the next as a vessel passes through multiple footprints. In addition, OpenAMIP enables service providers and their customers to meet government regulations by commanding the antenna to mute the signal in no-transmit zones.

"Maritime VSAT networks are complex, and service performance depends significantly on how well the underlying technologies integrate. Our goal through the OpenAMIP protocol is to remove some of the complexity and promote a shared standard within the maritime industry for technology providers to work together on making maritime networks more reliable and manageable for end users."

~ Christian BERGAN

Director of Maritime Vertical, iDirect

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world gets and stays connected. The company's satellite-based IP communications technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data applications in diverse and challenging environments. The iDirect Intelligent Platform(TM) integrates advanced technology into iDirect's portfolio of hubs, routers and network management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and managing global IP networks. With more than 15 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in over 50 countries through a diverse network of service provider partners, including seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten operators. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was set up to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the US Government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region. Please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is a diversified company providing integrated engineering solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect