Harris Corporation Awarded $9 Million Contract to Upgrade Public Safety Communications in Ontario County, New York

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has received a $9 million contract from Ontario County, New York, to upgrade its public safety radio communications system with a Harris P25IP (Project 25 to the power of IP) solution.  The new standards-based, digital system will provide mission-critical interoperable communications to approximately 2,500 firefighters, police officers, EMS professionals and sheriff's deputies in a 662-square-mile area.  

The 15-site system is designed to seamlessly interoperate with neighboring jurisdictions, creating a regional capability supported by Harris robust voice and data solutions.  For enhanced interoperability communication, the Harris solution for Ontario County includes the Unity® XG-100P portable full-spectrum multiband radio with its suite of advanced features, including Harris noise-suppression technology.  The system also meets the Federal Communication Commission's narrowband mandate to eliminate the county's current wideband transmissions by January 1, 2013.

"Ontario County evaluated many different alternatives," said County Supervisor Sam Casella, chairman, Ontario County Public Safety Committee.  "We chose Harris because we believe its solution will meet both our current and future communication needs.  The Harris P25IP system underscores our commitment to deliver the highest quality communications system available to our community."

Utilizing the powerful Harris VIDA® (Voice, Interoperable, Data, Access) network, the Ontario County P25IP trunked system will replace the county's existing analog infrastructure with demonstrated, digital audio quality over its 662 square-miles.  The new system will provide the county with clearer communications, enhanced coverage and regional interoperability.  Because of the power of the VIDA network, other counties or agencies can connect directly or via gateways to the network as requirements determine.

"Harris brings to Ontario County not only our leading capability to meet their needs, but also our very strong commitment as a local New York-based company fully focused on the success of the project," said Dana Mehnert, Group President, Harris RF Communications, "We know that our P25IP system will provide superior voice communications and enhanced system management capabilities, enabling Ontario County agencies to communicate more efficiently during standard and mutual-aid emergency response."

The Harris VIDA® (Voice, Interoperability, Data and Access) network platform is a unified IP-based voice and data communication system based on APCO P25 industry standards. VIDA delivers full IP management features, including interoperability without intervention of console operators; IP consoles; and other benefits inherent in open IP architecture systems.  The new P25 system complies with both the current APCO P25 Phase 1 and the emerging P25 Phase 2 industry standard.

Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications is a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, federal, utility, commercial and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks, to industry leading multiband, multimode radios, to public safety-grade broadband video and data solutions.  With more than 80 years of experience, Harris Public Safety and Professional Communications supports over 500 systems around the world.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries.  Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists.  Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.  Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions.  Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Statements about the expected value of the program to Harris are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties.  Other factors that may impact the company's results and forward-looking statement may be disclosed in the company's filings with the SEC.  Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Harris Corporation