IPSTAR Partners With iDirect To Expand Its Integrated Broadband Satellite Solution Portfolio For Asia Pacific

HERNDON, Va., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that THAICOM Public Company Limited and iDirect have signed a cooperation agreement that will provide IPSTAR's customers with an alternative integrated solution based on the iDirect ground system platform using the THAICOM 4 broadband satellite.  iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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THAICOM's IPSTAR Open Access Platform strategy allows satellite technology equipment vendors to access the THAICOM 4 broadband satellite to provide customers with flexibility in choosing the most appropriate solution for their specific requirements. With this partnership agreement, THAICOM will be able to offer a complete turnkey solution based on the iDirect Platform to specific markets across Asia Pacific.

"The partnership agreement with iDirect today is part of our Open Access Platform strategy that was announced late last year. This strategy provides our customers with more flexibility in utilizing our THAICOM 4 broadband satellite depending on their specific needs and requirements. The Asia Pacific market is very diverse and requirements for satellite connectivity vary greatly from market to market. Hence, we want the ability of our customers to be able to choose world-class ground equipment technology, such as iDirect, to be used in conjunction with our THAICOM 4 broadband satellite alongside IPSTAR's current ground system offering. Overall, this will have a positive impact in increasing the utilization of our satellite."
~ Suphajee SUTHUMPUN,
Chairman of the Executive Committee & CEO, THAICOM Plc

"iDirect is proud to have the opportunity to work with THAICOM, whose reputation for innovation mirrors our own commitment to developing best-in-class technology. By aligning our strengths, we are able to provide satellite service providers with the broadest access to end user markets, while minimizing their risk and investment. Through this partnership agreement, we have taken yet another step toward achieving our shared vision of making satellite connectivity more accessible and easy-to-use for any application."
~ Mary COTTON,
CEO, iDirect

THAICOM PLC., founded on November 7, 1991, is a satellite and telecommunications operator with customers throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia. Currently, the Company operates two THAICOM satellites at geostationary orbit.  THAICOM 5 carries more than 400 television channels at its 'hotbird' location of 78.5 degrees East while THAICOM 4 (IPSTAR) can deliver broadband services to millions of users across 14 countries in Asia Pacific.  THAICOM 6 is presently under construction and planned for launch in 2013 to serve the increasing demand for broadcast services.  Its THAICOM 7 is planned to launch in 2014 to 120 degrees East. THAICOM is listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) under the trade symbol "THCOM". 

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology that enables our 350+ partners to optimize their networks, differentiate and expand their businesses. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ allows our partners to run their entire business operations more efficiently via a single, unified IP-based satellite architecture, whether it's providing core IP applications to the enterprise or specialized services to any number of diverse vertical markets. iDirect is the #1 name in global satellite communications in key industries including maritime, military/government,  and oil and gas, with a 62% hub market share and more than a quarter million remotes installed worldwide.  In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was formed to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the U.S. 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. For more information 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