Alldean Satellite Networks Switches to iDirect Evolution Platform for VSAT Service in Africa

HERNDON, Va., Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that Alldean Satellite Networks Kenya Limited (Alldean), a complete satellite solution provider based in Africa, has switched its VSAT service to iDirect's Evolution platform. The move allows Alldean to improve the reliability and efficiency of its service for customers, including financial institutions (banks and insurance companies), telecommunication providers, government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and enterprises. Alldean has purchased a Universal 5IF satellite hub, as well as several Evolution X3 remote routers for its customer sites. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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Alldean recently completed its customer migration to Evolution to enhance the stability and scalability of its VSAT service in Africa. Alldean was the first private entity in the region to become a licensed VSAT operator in 2002, and the provider continues to grow its business, now offering VSAT service to customers in East and Central Africa. Alldean decided to switch to iDirect to enhance service stability after experiencing reliability issues with its legacy technology platform. By using iDirect technology, Alldean can bolster the reliability of its existing service with the ability to easily and affordably scale its business into new markets.

iDirect's Evolution platform affords several advantages that help Alldean offer a premium VSAT service to its customers. Evolution is based on iDirect's Deterministic Time Division Multiple Access (D-TDMA) technology, allowing Alldean to flexibly pool satellite capacity and dynamically allocate it based on customers' real-time needs. iDirect's advanced Quality of Service (QoS) controls provide enhanced service stability and help Alldean avoid link degradation such as jitter or latency by prioritizing network traffic and protecting customer SLAs.

Further, by leveraging iDirect's most recent major Evolution software release, iDX 2.1, Alldean is able to achieve maximum bandwidth efficiency gains that enable it to affordably scale its service and support new and more robust banking applications such as ATM and  point-of-sale. iDX 2.1 also makes use of iDirect's Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM) technology, providing Alldean's customers with improved reliability during adverse weather conditions by automatically adjusting signal strength.

"Despite the advent of new communications technology choices in Africa such as fiber and WiMax, we've found that VSAT remains the most robust solution available today for meeting our customers' needs. When it came down to a decision of which VSAT platform to invest in, the runner-up wasn't even close to iDirect in terms of reliability and functionality."

"With financial customers scattered across rural Africa, Alldean requires a VSAT solution that not only can reach locations where fiber does not exist, but can do so affordably, given the high cost and limited capacity of satellite in the region. Evolution allows Alldean to reach the highest possible levels of bandwidth efficiency to maximize its existing space segment and add new customers profitably – while maintaining the service quality and reliability that they demand."

Alldean Satellite Networks specializes in Satellite technology to service networking needs of financial, Telco, Government, NGO, and other corporate customers. With over a decade of experience serving the unique needs of customers, Alldean provides complete solutions including network design, equipment, space segment as well as 24x7 help desk support. Based in Africa, Alldean is a one stop shop for organizations who wish to deploy continent-wide networks with a cost effective and extremely reliable service. The offerings include voice, data, video and Internet over satellite for both domestic and cross-border connectivity. Alldean helps achieve maximum network Return On Investment by providing a full suite of managed network services and bundled value-added services. Alldean's regional services offering extends coverage around the globe for multinational customers and is a one stop shop for organizations that require connectivity in several countries. Using approved partners all over a continent, all issues of licensing, installation and maintenance are addressed by Alldean.

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™ 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 an engineering company providing integrated 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