Tenth annual Tekne Awards celebrate Minnesota's technology innovators and innovations

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA), in partnership with Enterprise Minnesota and LifeScience Alley, has named XATA Corporation as the recipient of the 2009 Tekne Award in the Technology Services award category. Held Oct. 22 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, the Tekne Awards honor companies and individuals who have demonstrated superior technology advancement and leadership in Minnesota.

The award recognized XATA for its core product, XATANET, which allows customers to analyze their fleet operations to improve fleet performance and business processes and to cut costs while adhering to U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. In addition to its technology products, XATA Corporation provides a variety of professional services, such as product training, implementation and integration with third-party applications.

"Receiving this important distinction validates our commitment to providing technology that helps transportation companies run more efficiently," said Bob Maeser, chief technology officer, XATA Corporation. "We are proud to be a part of Minnesota's technology community and provide innovative solutions to our local and national customers."

Playing a significant role in bringing new technology to life, the 2009 Tekne Award recipients represent large global companies--as well as small startup ventures--that have positively impacted the quality of life in Minnesota and throughout the world. Judges selected one recipient out of the three finalists in each of the 14 Tekne Award categories, recognizing the best and brightest in development, education, commercialization and management of technology. Company awards included separate categories for small and growing businesses (with annual revenues under $50 million) and established businesses (with annual revenues of $50 million or more).

"Over the past 10 years, we have seen the quality and originality of each entry improve. This year's winners are no exception in setting outstanding examples of innovation and leadership," said Kate Rubin, president, MHTA. "XATA impressed the judges in how it is helping to secure Minnesota's place as a center of innovation in the global economy."

This year's Tekne Awards ceremony was emceed by John Sweeney, author of "Innovation at the Speed of Laughter," and owner of the Brave New Workshop, the nation's oldest satirical comedy theatre. A list of 2009 Tekne Award recipients and finalists is available online at http://www.tekneawards.org.

About the Minnesota High Tech Association

The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public-policy advocacy, member collaboration, and education and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size - involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with TechAmerica, which represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. Find out more online at http://www.mhta.org or follow MHTA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MHTA.

About XATA

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, XATA Corporation (Nasdaq: XATA) is an expert in optimizing fleet operations by reducing costs and ensuring regulatory compliance for the trucking industry. With the introduction of XATANET in 2004, our customers now have access to vehicle data anywhere, anytime, through a fee-based subscription service. Our software and professional services help companies manage fleet operations, enhance driver safety and deliver a higher level of customer satisfaction. XATA provides expert services to develop the business processes required to deliver the profitability, safety and service level demanded by today's competitive transportation environments. XATA was the first company to introduce electronic driver logs and exception-based management reporting. For more information, visit www.xata.com or call 1-800-745-9282.

SOURCE XATA Corporation

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