Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : Piffer OT - And Other Assorted Nuts -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: mph who wrote (20568)	2/29/2000 10:18:00 AM
From: Rich1	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 63513

News on NSATF -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Norsat International Inc. Derick J. Walker Corporate Communications (604) 292-9000 (604) 292-9100 (FAX) E-mail: info@norsat.com Website: www.norsat.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CANADIAN CORPORATE NEWS FOR: NORSAT INTERNATIONAL INC. TSE SYMBOL: NII NASDAQ SYMBOL: NSATF FEBRUARY 29, 2000 Norsat To Expand Broadband Satellite Ground Station Capabilities With SpectraWorks Acquisition BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--Norsat International Inc. (TSE - NII; Nasdaq - NSATF), today announced the signing of an agreement to acquire, subject to regulatory approval, privately-held SpectraWorks, Inc., a leading developer of systems and software for the broadcasting of multimedia broadband content across satellite, terrestrial wireless and digital cable networks. Terms of the transaction will be disclosed upon signing of the definitive agreement. SpectraWorks' core multimedia information system consists of integrated proprietary hardware and software technologies, including a high-speed content stream generator and complete network management system. The system is based on an open standards Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) Data Hub platform and is scaleable to meet a range of Internet Protocol (I/P) network applications. The system also features a proprietary, advanced subscriber management system which allows broadcasters to offer pricing structures based on bandwidth usage measured in units as small as a single byte. This feature, as well as others, may also be offered separately as a standalone system to operators of satellite and other wireless and terrestrial systems. Robert H. Bucher, Norsat's President and CEO, commented, "The acquisition of SpectraWorks will be a major step forward for Norsat, significantly broadening the range of solutions we can provide for multimedia Internet and private Internet-based data networks. With SpectraWorks, we will add uplink broadcast 'transport' products to our terminal 'access' products, which include the Ka-band outdoor units (ODUs) we are developing for the new ASTRA-NET and KoreaSAT satellite broadband multimedia networks." Existing installations of SpectraWorks' products are a result of direct sales and an ongoing distribution agreement between SpectraWorks and Scientific Atlanta. SpectraWorks DVB data broadcast systems are currently installed in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. SpectraWorks' President and CEO, Dr. Moe Barakat, is a member of Norsat's board of directors. Gordon M. Deans, Norsat's Vice President for Satellite Solutions, said, "The two firms mutually reinforce each others' strengths. SpectraWorks brings an outstanding group of multimedia networking products which will enable Norsat to provide total turn-key satellite-based solutions. In turn, SpectraWorks' products will benefit from Norsat's international distribution network, loyal customer base in the satellite industry, and complementary technology." Norsat International Inc. designs, engineers and distributes premium products for use in the satellite wireless communications industry. It has four principal operating units. Norsat Satellite Products is a leading supplier of satellite signal receivers, transmitters, and other ground station equipment. Norsat Satellite Solutions supplies interactive user terminals to the satellite broadband I/P market. Norsat Narrowband Networks specializes in voice and data products and services for the Globalstar satellite constellation. The Company's Norsat America Inc. subsidiary operates a network of 14 branch offices across the U.S. and is a distributor of DIRECTV(r) satellite service to the direct-to-home (DTH) market and a DIRECTV(r) Master System Operator (MSO) for the multiple dwelling unit (MDU) market. Norsat America also distributes DirecPC. SpectraWorks, Inc. is a provider of wireless broadband multimedia networks serving the commercial and consumer markets. The company specializes in hybrid satellite-terrestrial wireless technology development and its application to telecommunications networking solutions. Innovative solutions have been engineered for wireless networks over satellite, MDS and LMDS system technologies based on the MPEG 2, DVB and ATM international standards. SpectraWorks' head office is located in Winnipeg, Canada. This document may contain certain forward-looking information and statements concerning the Company's operations, performance and financial condition, including, in particular, the likelihood of the Company's success in developing and expanding its business. These statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. -30- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------