Feb 22, 2012, post by Artur Nowak
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has introduced the Harris Ruggedized Tablet, a secure, portable device that delivers a “smartphone-like” experience to military personnel and first responders who require secure real-time information at their fingertips to execute their missions.
The new Harris RF-3590 is a 7-inch ruggedized Android™ tablet that provides high-performance application and computing capability at the tactical edge. Highlights include:
Integrates seamlessly to the most advanced military and public safety communications platforms, including Harris Falcon III® wideband tactical radio networks and 3G and 4G LTE Solutions;
Delivers targeted suites of mission-critical software applications to users on the battlefield and in first responder roles;
Supports emerging requirements for video, monitoring position locations, accessing secure databases and other crucial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks;
Rated as a ruggedized device to provide reliable operation in heat, cold and other extreme environments.
Harris has received initial orders for test and evaluation purposes and is optimistic the product will be well received.
“The new Harris tablet builds on our leadership in mission-critical communications to provide a powerful device for processing mission-critical information,’’ said Dana Mehnert, group president, Harris RF Communications. “This tablet was fully designed for the tactical and public safety environment with optimized features for reading in sunlight and size, weight and power. As an Android device, the tablet also is fully upgradeable for emerging applications.”
For the warfighter, the RF-3590 leverages the military’s emerging wideband tactical radio networks and enables real-time sharing of mission-critical information across the battlespace. Harris is the leading provider of wideband communications through its Falcon III AN/PRC-117G manpack and Falcon III AN/PRC-152A handheld radios. The new Harris tablet extends this proven capability to the network edge, putting a rugged, Android-based device with extensive interface capability in the hands of users on the frontlines. The Harris tablet is also designed to integrate with the Harris Falcon Networking System, an end-to-end system for connecting individual warfighters to the tactical cloud.
For the first responder, the RF-3590 provides a unique ruggedized device capable of delivering on-scene, real-time critical data to law enforcement, fire service or federal agency users who are connected via both public and private cellular networks. Leveraging Harris’ deep understanding of public safety communications, the RF-3590 delivers mission critical voice, data, and video to first responders, using built-in 3G or 4G technology via an integrated network module.
In addition to serving as a network peripheral, the RF-3590 also offers stand-alone computing power. It comes with built-in cameras, an accelerometer, digital compass, pressure and temperature gauges, gyroscope, proximity/ambient light sensors and more. Harris’ RF-3590 includes standard USB and Ethernet data interfaces and expansion capabilities. The RF-3590 is built around a dual-core 1.5 GHz processor and supports up to 128 GB of internal non-volatile memory.
Harris RF Communications is the leading global supplier of secure radio communications and embedded high-grade encryption solutions for military, government and commercial organizations. The company’s Falcon® family of software-defined tactical radio systems encompasses manpack, handheld and vehicular applications. Falcon III is the next generation of radios supporting the U.S. military’s Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) requirements, as well as network-centric operations worldwide. Harris RF Communications is also a leading supplier of assured communications® systems and equipment for public safety, utility and transportation markets — with products ranging from the most advanced IP voice and data networks to portable and mobile single- and multiband radios.
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 $6 billion of annual revenue and about 17,000 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. 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.
Jan 17, 2012, post by Artur Nowak
ORBCOMM Inc., a global satellite data communications company focused on two-way Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications, announced that it has completed the acquisition of the assets of PAR Logistics Management Systems (PAR LMS), a PAR Technology Corporation subsidiary. PAR LMS is a leading provider of advanced solutions for monitoring transport assets and cargo in the transportation and distribution industries.
The acquisition of the PAR LMS business will enhance ORBCOMM’s leadership position in transportation management solutions, expanding ORBCOMM’s satellite, terrestrial and dual-mode offerings, and advancing sales growth in attractive business segments.
“This acquisition represents another exciting growth opportunity for ORBCOMM,” said Marc Eisenberg, Chief Executive Officer of ORBCOMM. “The addition of PAR LMS furthers our growth strategy by enhancing our value-added services while expanding our customer base. We will be able to improve economies of scale in manufacturing and service delivery and provide our customers with some of the most advanced products in the telematics industry. We look forward to welcoming the PAR LMS employees to our team and to further growing our business.”
As previously announced, under the terms of the transaction, ORBCOMM acquired the PAR LMS business for approximately $6 million, comprised of cash and common stock, plus the potential of up to $3.95 million in additional consideration based on achieving specific sales targets.
This acquisition follows ORBCOMM’s purchase of StarTrak in May 2011, also in the transportation solutions sector and the leader in delivering solutions in cold chain management. The transaction will add to ORBCOMM’s revenue growth and is expected to be accretive to adjusted EBITDA, an important ORBCOMM operating metric, by the end of 2012. ORBCOMM expects to realize benefits and synergies from the combined businesses in service delivery, device manufacturing, and other operating costs.
About ORBCOMM Inc.
About ORBCOMM Inc.
ORBCOMM is a leading global satellite data communications company, focused on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Its customers include Caterpillar Inc., Doosan Infracore America, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Asset Intelligence (a division of I.D. Systems, Inc.), Komatsu Ltd., Manitowoc Crane Companies, Inc., and Volvo Construction Equipment among other industry leaders. By means of a global network of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites and accompanying ground infrastructure, ORBCOMM’s low-cost and reliable two-way data communication services track, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets in four core markets: commercial transportation; heavy equipment; industrial fixed assets; and marine/homeland security. ORBCOMM-based products are installed on trucks, containers, marine vessels, locomotives, backhoes, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters, storage tanks and other assets. Through its recently acquired StarTrak Information Technologies, LLC subsidiary, ORBCOMM is an innovator and leading provider of tracking, monitoring and control services for the refrigerated transport market. Under its ReeferTrak(R) and GenTrak(TM) brands, the company provides customers with the ability to proactively monitor, manage and remotely control their refrigerated transport assets. ORBCOMM is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey and has its network control center in Dulles, Virginia. For more information, visit www.orbcomm.com .
Jan 12, 2012, post by Artur Nowak
A new benchmarking study of 19 of the world’s 20 leading economies found that the United Kingdom and the United States lead Group of 20 (G20) countries in their ability to withstand cyber attacks and to deploy the digital infrastructure necessary for a productive and secure economy. The index also found that several major economies–Argentina, Indonesia, Russia and Saudi Arabia–do not have cybersecurity plans and do not appear to be developing them. The index is at www.cyberhub.com .
The Cyber Power Index, developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, measures both the success of digital adoption and cyber security, and the degree to which the economic and regulatory environment in G20 nations promote national cyber power.
The Index allows visitors to compare the cyber power rankings of the G20 countries on a scale of 0-100 with 100 being most favorable. Each country’s ranking is a weighted mean of scores from four categories: Legal and Regulatory Environment; Economic and Social Context; Technology Infrastructure; and Industry Application. Each category features at least four underlying indicators, many of which are composed of sub-indicators. The European Union, the newest member of the G20, was not included in the study.
“The Cyber Power Index identifies those countries that understand what it takes to operate in a digital era…and those that don’t,” said Booz Allen Hamilton Vice Chairman Mike McConnell. “Many define a nation’s cyber power simply like other domains such as land, air or space. While cyber is a domain, a nation’s capabilities must be measured by more than their military might alone. The countries able to master the uses and security requirements of emerging technologies and societal shifts brought on by the cyber revolution will emerge as the cyber powers and the winners of the 21st century.”
Overall, the top five countries exhibiting cyber power, as measured by the index–the UK; the US; Australia; Germany; and Canada–illustrate that developed Western countries are leading the way into the digital era. The top five performers also rate highly across the board, ranking in the top seven in all four categories. The G20′s last member, the EU, was not analyzed.
The leading emerging market countries, Brazil, Russia, India and China (the BRICs), have some room for improvement; out of the 19 economies, they rank 10th, 14th, 17th, and 13th, respectively. There is also a wide discrepancy between the top and the bottom of the index. The UK, the top performer, scores around three times the amount of points on a scale of 0 to 100 as the worst performer, Saudi Arabia. Among other conclusions from the data:
– Cyber power relies on a solid foundation that includes technical skills for security and effective use of the cyber environment, high educational attainment levels, open trade policies, and an innovative business environment. The US has the most supportive economic and social context for fostering cyber power according to the index. This is driven by high tertiary education enrollment, research and development (R&D) investment, and an open trade environment. Asia’s rising influence is also apparent in this category, as China leads the trade indicator, while Japan and South Korea fill the number one and two positions, respectively, in technical skills.
– The gap in cyber capability between the U.S. and other countries is closing. While the U.S. has a broad and deep cyber power base, other nations such as South Korea and Japan are aggressively adopting greater levels of bandwidth and communications stability.
– Big does not always mean powerful. China has a large population and a powerful military. As a result the nation is often considered to be a cyber power. In reality, the Cyber Index found that the country’s true level of cyber power is in reality quite modest. Going forward, other countries are expected to be added to the Index, which could show the power of small countries such as Estonia. In contrast to China, Estonia is relatively tiny and hosts a modest military, yet that country’s well known ability to integrate advanced technology into its society could make a telling comparison.
– Germany’s comprehensive cyber policies are a key to its success. Germany leads the legal and regulatory framework category with a near perfect score (99.3 out of 100), followed by other Western countries that also performed well in the overall index. Germany is one of only five countries (the others being the UK; the US; France; and Japan) to have both a comprehensive national cyber plan and a comprehensive cybersecurity plan.
– Prioritisation of ICT access is higher in the developed world. There is still a clear divide between developed countries and emerging markets as measured by access to internet, mobile phones, and WiFi. The UK, US, and Germany lead Information Communications Technology (ICT) access, while Mexico, Indonesia, India, China, and South Africa have the lowest access scores. An exception is South Korea, which is fifth, despite having strong government policy towards improving access.
– The G20 countries have made limited technological progress within key industries. Australia is the top performer within the industry application category, which measures the ability of different industries (energy, health, transportation, government, and e-commerce) to leverage ICT developments, including security advancements. As an indication of uneven technological development across industries, Australia ranks first in the category overall, but only scores well within the electronic health indicator.
The Cyber Power Index anchors the Cyber Hub, a new platform also developed by the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton intended to help governments and businesses remain competitive in today’s cyber landscape. The Cyber Hub features a series of research papers and expert points of view examining cyber’s implications for the business community. Much of the content will focus on specific industry verticals: health, finance, transportation, energy, open government, and defense-security.
About Booz Allen Hamilton
Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of strategy and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets, and to major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Booz Allen is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, employs more than 25,000 people, and had revenue of $5.59bn for the 12 months to March 31st 2011.
To learn more, visit www.boozallen.com . /quotes/zigman/1466656/quotes/nls/bah BAH -0.28%
About the Economist Intelligence Unit
The Economist Intelligence Unit is part of the Economist Group, the leading source of analysis on international business and world affairs. Founded in 1946 as an in-house research unit for The Economist newspaper, we deliver business intelligence, forecasting and advice to over 1.5m decision-makers from the world’s leading companies, financial institutions, governments and universities. Our analysts are known for the rigour, accuracy and consistency of their analysis and forecasts, and their commitment to objectivity, clarity and timeliness.
