Bentley Walker Enhances Global Satellite Network by Upgrading to iDX 3.0 Software

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that Bentley Walker Ltd., one of the largest VSAT network operators in Europe, has upgraded its global VSAT network to iDirect's iDX 3.0 software. With iDX 3.0, Bentley Walker introduced SCPC Return Channel and multi-channel demodulation capabilities for its Evolution networks across EMEA and South America. iDX 3.0 combines the advantages of TDMA and SCPC within a single network to reduce hardware costs and provide greater flexibility in bandwidth allocation. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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iDX 3.0's SCPC Return capability has allowed Bentley Walker to reduce its hardware expenses while enhancing its service portfolio for customers. Rather than having to purchase and install additional hardware to support a dedicated service, Bentley Walker is now equipped to easily and cost-effectively deploy SCPC networks to customers. This has enabled the provider to offer these services at a lower price for customers, including call centers, military, finance, and oil and gas companies.

With SCPC and TDMA integrated on a single platform, Bentley Walker can pool its total capacity and distribute it more efficiently across its customer base. Untapped SCPC bandwidth can now be re-allocated instead of being wasted, and Bentley Walker can expand the size of an SCPC link by simply sourcing bandwidth from the overall bandwidth pool without needing to lease new space segment.

In addition to the benefits of SCPC Return, Bentley Walker has also seen efficiency improvements from iDX 3.0's multi-channel demodulation technology. By combining up to eight inbound channels on a single satellite line card, Bentley Walker has been able to reduce its hardware and bandwidth costs, while maximizing hub capacity.

"Though shared TDMA networks use bandwidth more efficiently, in our market it's still important to offer dedicated SCPC connections for specific customer applications that require them. iDX 3.0 therefore is the ideal software since it gives us the flexibility to deliver service over a large, shared TDMA outbound channel and offer dedicated SCPC bandwidth on the inbound channel. What's more, our upgrade to iDX 3.0 was relatively simple and seamless, with virtually no interruption in service or impact to customers."

~Anthony WALKER
CEO, Bentley Walker Ltd.

"iDX 3.0 is a smart investment for large service providers like Bentley Walker looking to maximize efficiency and cost-savings while maintaining a competitive service portfolio that addresses customer needs. We designed iDX 3.0 to significantly enhance network flexibility without requiring expensive hardware upgrades for the service provider and its customers."

~ Stephen TUNNICLIFFE
Regional Vice President, Europe, iDirect

Bentley Walker is ranked as the largest supplier and operator of VSAT Networks outside of North America. Comsys independently audited Bentley Walker as having around 45% of the Market in Europe and the Middle East, to date having sold and brought online over 12,000 VSATs. Bentley Walker Ltd and Bentley Telecom are both privately owned Companies, the former started in 1947 by the Late LT Commander C Walker (George Cross DSC, DSO, DFC) RNVR in 1947 and is currently run and owned by Mr. Anthony Walker and Mr. Matthew Walker, the shares in trust to the next generation thus ensuring the business continues to be a family owned and run business.

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