Yahsat Launches New VSAT Service Based on iDirect Evolution Platform

HERNDON, Va., Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that YahService, the end-to-end managed satellite solutions division of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJSC (Yahsat), has launched a new VSAT service based on the iDirect Evolution Platform. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080912/NEF020LOGO )

This VSAT service, which is based on the highly successful iDirect Evolution Platform and Cisco's unified communication system, is launching on the opening day of CABSAT, the Middle East's largest digital media & satellite expo. Yahsat is exhibiting during the show, which runs between 28 February and 1 March 2012 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The introduction of the new managed VSAT service has significantly added to YahService's business proposition by strengthening its turnkey satellite solutions for a wide-range of market segments including government, defence, energy, healthcare and financial sectors.

With the launch of the VSAT service from iDirect, YahService will be able to satisfy the growing customer demand to offer "cloud" services, including, but not limited to voice, video and data applications across Africa and the Middle East.

"This is a big step towards expanding YahService's product capabilities and offering a reliable communications solution for remote and mobile platforms. Our customers have the opportunity to save on capital expenditure by utilizing our SATCOM managed services with the built-in capability for unified communications for voice, video and data applications."
~ Rashed Al Ghafri
General Manager, Yahsat

"The expansion of YahService presents a huge opportunity for Yahsat to expand its service portfolio and engage with a variety of new verticals. Whether the focus is on delivering secure communications for military, failsafe solutions for utility companies, or flexible bandwidth management capabilities for enterprise customers, iDirect gives Yahsat the technology to manage the diverse needs of multiple markets on one platform."
~ Majdi ATOUT
Director of Sales - Middle East, iDirect

In April 2011, Yahsat's satellite Y1A was successfully delivered in orbit and is providing satellite communications services for both governmental and commercial customers across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South West Asia. The company's second satellite, Y1B, is currently in the final integration phase in France and will be launched in Q2 of 2012.

About Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJSC (Yahsat) provides multipurpose satellite solutions (government and commercial) for broadband, broadcast, military and communications use across the Middle East, Africa and South West Asia.

Based in Abu Dhabi, and wholly owned by Mubadala, Yahsat is the first company in the Middle East and Africa to offer multi-purpose satellite services:

• YahClick - the satellite broadband service
• YahSecure - the government satellite service
• YahLink - the satellite connectivity service
• YahService - end to end satellite solutions
• YahCarrier – satellite solutions for telecommunications carriers

Yahsat's first satellite Y1A was successfully launched in April 2011, and is preparing to launch its second satellite Y1B in April 2012 (www.yahsat.ae).

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