Global Crossing Launches Next-Generation Satellite Network in Brazil Powered by iDirect Platform

HERNDON, Va., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that Global Crossing, a leading global IP solutions provider, has launched a next-generation satellite network based on iDirect's platform to support Brazilian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and enterprises. Global Crossing has purchased an iDirect Series 15000 universal satellite hub along with an initial order of 600 X3 satellite remotes, with plans to expand its service to as many as 2,000 sites. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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Global Crossing is extending the reach of its fiber-based terrestrial network to help ISPs reach new subscribers located among South America's extreme terrain. Global Crossing selected iDirect's Evolution platform to replace its incumbent satellite network and upgrade to DVB-S2 capabilities to meet South America's high bandwidth demands and rapidly growing enterprise market. The company needed to ensure higher Quality of Service and chose iDirect after a thorough evaluation phase testing DVB-S2 systems that lasted several months.

The iDirect platform also improves integration of customers in more than 400 cities in 45 countries that have terrestrial links to the Global Crossing Network. Global Crossing will benefit from several of the platform's key features, such as minimal round-trip time which provides customers with improved performance. In addition, Global Crossing can leverage the platform to reduce jitter, the time variation or latency of a signal, which is critical for conserving satellite resources and providing high-quality voice and video services.

"The next-generation infrastructure provided by iDirect will allow us to offer superior connectivity to meet growing customer demands. This means greater availability, more traffic capacity, minimized delays and enhanced jitter control – all essential to supporting our converged services strategy."

~ Pablo YANEZ

Switch Data Product Vice President, Latin America, Global Crossing

"Global Crossing is enabling significant social and economic progress in Brazil by extending the reach of terrestrial networks and successfully providing connectivity to the 'unreachable' segment of Brazil's population. We are proud to play a key role in Global Crossing's service, ensuring higher quality and greater flexibility in providing next-generation satellite connectivity."  

~ Rob KILROY

Vice President Americas, iDirect

Global Crossing (Nasdaq: GLBC) is a leading global IP and Ethernet solutions provider with the world's first integrated global IP-based network.  The company offers a full range of data, voice, and collaboration services. Global Crossing delivers an industry leading customer experience to approximately 40 percent of the Fortune 500, as well as to 700 carriers, mobile operators and ISPs.  It delivers services to more than 700 cities in more than 70 countries. Global Crossing serves Latin American businesses through its operations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, the United States (Florida) and the Caribbean region.  In addition to its IP-based, fiber-optic network, Global Crossing's regional infrastructure includes 15 metropolitan networks and 15 world-class data centers located in the main business centers of Latin America. Please visit www.globalcrossing.com for more information about Global Crossing.

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. These include extending private networks to remote offices; supporting mobile connectivity across land, sea and air; providing rural telephony and Internet broadband; and maintaining communications in the wake of disasters and network failures. 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 13 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in 50 countries through a diverse network of channel partners, including some of the largest satellite providers, operators and carriers in the world and seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is a diversified company providing solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.  VT Systems products and services include aircraft inspection, maintenance 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 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