iDirect Acquires Parallel Limited

HERNDON, Va., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc (VT Systems), today announced that it has acquired UK-based Parallel Limited, the developer of the award-winning SatManage network management software suite. Through a cash transaction, iDirect purchased 100 percent of Parallel's equity shares as well as full ownership of SatManage. Parallel's chief technology officer and entire development team will join iDirect's engineering group. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080912/NEF020LOGO )

SatManage is a sophisticated Web-based management system designed to meet the demanding requirements of large-scale, complex networks. Parallel developed SatManage to help satellite service providers manage IP networks that span thousands of sites and feature a wide range of fixed and mobile applications. The software suite has been embraced by many of the world's leading service providers to help them lower operational costs, increase customer satisfaction and capture a larger market opportunity.

SatManage integrates and automates nearly every element of a Network Operations Center to improve network performance. A rich set of monitoring features provides total visibility to every aspect of a network, along with predictive response capabilities and powerful tools to resolve network issues in real time. SatManage also delivers a high-capacity database which enables service providers to track and analyze network performance statistics and leverage this data to optimize customer implementations. Further, service providers can share network management tools and reports with customers through a Web-based portal.

Initially, SatManage will be marketed as an extended software solution to manage iDirect networks. iDirect's current management system, iVantage, will continue to be a core part of the iDirect platform. Following the integration of both companies' development teams, iDirect will launch an effort to merge the two products to create a single management environment. The combined solution will enable service providers to advance critical aspects of their operations through new capabilities.

"SatManage is the de facto global standard for managing demanding networks, with capabilities that go far beyond what anyone else in the market can offer. Through this acquisition, iDirect immediately gains a powerful technology that makes our Intelligent Platform even stronger and equips our partners with the critical tools they need to meet intensifying business demands. This is an important milestone in advancing our mission to help our partners deliver profitable, differentiated services."

~ Mary COTTON

Chief Executive Officer, iDirect

"For most service providers, network management technology has become the primary consideration for selecting a satellite communications platform as it directly impacts their business economics. We are excited to share a promising future with iDirect, working together to tackle the increasingly complex challenges satellite service providers face today and deliver a truly unrivaled solution."

~ Guy ADAMS

Chief Technology Officer, Parallel

For more information on SatManage, visit www.idirect.net

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(TM) 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