Exigent Lauds Historic IRIDIUM Debut; OS/COMET Software Provides Command and Control
MELBOURNE, Fla., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- As the IRIDIUM satellite communication system went on-line, executives of Exigent International, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: XGNT; Chicago: XNT) thanked prime contractor Motorola, Inc. for the opportunity to contribute to this remarkable achievement.
The Iridium LLC business consortium, headquartered in Washington DC, announced the start of global commercial service on November 1. Exigent subsidiary Software Technology, Inc. (STI) is a key member of IRIDIUM's world-wide technical team headed by Motorola.
The 66-satellite IRIDIUM constellation is the most complex and extensive structure ever placed in orbit, and is the world's largest communication system based on satellite technology.
This pivotal event marks the beginning of a new era in wireless communication. IRIDIUM subscribers can place or receive telephone calls, digital data, or alphanumeric pages to or from any spot on the planet. Using hand-held units similar to ordinary cell phones, IRIDIUM frees its users from the constraints of the existing telephone infrastructure -- and creates communication paths where none existed before.
For four years, Software Technology engineers have worked with Motorola to develop IRIDIUM's state-of-the-art command and control system, using STI's flagship product OS/COMET.
Mr. Bary Bertiger, Senior VP and General Manager of Motorola's Satellite Communication Group, said, ''Motorola would like to recognize and thank STI and Exigent for their important contributions to the success of IRIDIUM. We look forward to continuing this relationship into the future.''
Exigent's President and CEO, Bernie Smedley, responded, ''Exigent congratulates Motorola and the entire IRIDIUM team on passing this crucial milestone. Software Technology is already facing and solving the challenges of the next phase of the IRIDIUM life-cycle.
''We have recently introduced additions to our proven family of command-and-control products, such as the STI/Integrated Control Center and the Pluto satellite simulator. These advanced tools will ensure our ability to provide superior support not only for IRIDIUM, but for other new satellite communication projects to be launched in the coming years.''
Smedley went on to reminisce, ''I'm as excited with today's prospect of satellite telecommunications as I was when Motorola introduced cellular telephony in 1983. At that time, no one could really predict its potential, but it has revolutionized 'on the move' communications and untethered us from our work place. IRIDIUM represents a new beginning in ubiquitous, world-wide communications. We applaud Motorola's management, technical staff, and investors for another break-through technology.'' |
