Harris Corporation Secures Order From CenterPoint Energy for OpenSky® Voice and Data Communications Network

HOUSTON, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (APCO International, Booth 231)  -- Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has been awarded an order from CenterPoint Energy to deploy an Internet Protocol-based (IP) 800 MHz OpenSky® communication system.  The Harris OpenSky system will enable CenterPoint Energy to replace its current disparate voice radio and mobile data radio communications systems with one digital voice and data network providing mobile and portable coverage to its field employees in the Houston metropolitan area  

"We turned to Harris Corporation to supply this combined voice and data radio communications network because its solution met our technical requirements and was cost effective," said Chuck Hackney Director of Telecommunications Services, for CenterPoint Energy.  "Harris proven OpenSky technology gives us the flexibility of an integrated voice and mobile data network – plus enhanced coverage from our existing 800 MHz frequencies."

The multi-site digital system will replace CenterPoint Energy's existing single-site analog trunked radio system and its current mobile data system.  This integrated solution will consolidate radio system operations, enabling lower installation costs, reduced long-term maintenance requirements and lower total ownership cost.

Harris OpenSky utilizes Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technology that provides many talkpaths on each 800 MHz wideband RF channel.  As a result, the system enables more user calls per channel, thereby adding capacity through improved spectrum utilization.  OpenSky delivers both network level and radio level interoperability with existing legacy trunked and conventional radio systems, regardless of manufacturer or frequency band.  The software-defined technology will give CenterPoint the ability to remotely change radio user options and install new software revisions in radio and system components, dramatically reducing radio downtime for upgrades.  OpenSky has been the technology choice of several of the largest utility providers in the United States to deliver IP-based solutions for their integrated voice and data radio communications.

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 15,000 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