iDirect Qualifies ThinKom's Advanced Communications-On-The-Move System, ThinSAT® 300, Using OpenAMIP Protocol

ThinKom Solutions’ antenna expands support for broadband voice, data and video applications for mobile ground vehicles

Herndon, Va., October 1, 2013 ― VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that ThinKom Solutions’ ultra-low profile ThinSAT 300 antenna, which provides global communications-on-the-move (COTM) connectivity, has been qualified to be interoperable with iDirect’s OpenAMIP protocol. Complying with iDirect’s OpenAMIP enables ThinKom to grow its operations to deliver two-way data, streaming video and VoIP applications for mobile ground units within the government, first responders, transportation and enterprise/commercial markets. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology. ThinKom Solutions, Inc. (ThinKom), is a global leader of innovative, affordable, low profile phased array antenna solutions.

OpenAMIP is an IP-based protocol that facilitates the exchange of information between an Antenna Controller Unit and a satellite router, allowing the router to command the antenna and enabling the use of Automated Beam Selection (ABS), which transfers connectivity from one satellite beam to the next as the mobile platform passes through multiple footprints.

The ThinSAT® 300 is an ultra low-profile, affordable solution for Ku-band COTM capabilities. It measures 4.5 inches high by 60 inches long, and provides data rates up to 8Mbps. Additionally, it supports broadband data, voice and video connectivity for ground vehicles used in news media and broadcasters, disaster recovery, homeland security, surveillance and security, trains and public transit industries.

“We have been working very closely with iDirect to certify the OpenAMIP standard with our ultra-low-profile COTM system. This integration effort was a key step to offering a fully-global solution; providing our customers a discrete, light-weight and efficient satellite communication system to meet their mobility needs.”

Mark SILK

CEO, ThinKom

“As VSAT networks continue to grow in the mobile space, integrating underlying technologies to ensure quality network performance becomes a challenge. Our goal with OpenAMIP is to standardize this integration, making a more manageable solution for end users and enabling our partners to improve overall network operations.”

Rob KILROY

Regional Vice President, Americas, iDirect

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ThinKom Solutions, Inc is a leading provider of innovative highly-affordable compact broadband antenna and product solutions for aeronautical, on-the-move (OTM), and manportable applications. Its primary products uniquely enable near-term worldwide availability of affordable high data rate connectivity in the X-, Ku-, Ka-, and Q-Band frequency bands for the consumer, enterprise, first-responder, civil, military, and intelligence communities. For more information about ThinKom, please visit www.thinkom.com.

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{2634f6549ad5306d71d8397ee7200c50f6fd951977a62920a4afafb24a0132cc} 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.

Media Contacts: Julie Bettinger

Vice President, Corporate Marketing

iDirect

Phone: (1) 703 648 8155

Fax: (1) 703 648 8015

Email: jbettinger@idirect.net

Edward Szeto

Manager, Corporate Communications

VT Systems

Phone: (1) 703 739 2610

Fax: (1) 703 739 2611

Email: eszeto@vt-systems.com