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National Systems & Research Develops Aeris MicroBurst Solution

12 October 1998

National Systems & Research Develops Aeris MicroBurst Solution for Asset Tracking


    LAS VEGAS--Oct. 12, 1998--

    Colorado-Based Information Technology Firm Sets Up
    Messaging Service Center to Integrate MicroBurst Data
    Messaging for Vehicle Position and Status Reporting


    Aeris Communications, Inc., the provider of MicroBurst(TM) short-packet data messaging technology and National Systems & Research Co. (NSR), a leading provider of GPS-based asset tracking systems, have today announced an agreement to service the vehicle tracking and monitoring markets. NSR will incorporate Aeris MicroBurst technology in its intelligent, low-cost SkyPath(TM) end-to-end solution to track and monitor mobile assets such as heavy equipment, fleet service vehicles and local city public service vehicles. NSR is also implementing Aeris MicroBurst technology into surveillance operations for law enforcement agencies and private investigators nationwide.
    NSR has set up a messaging service center at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., to integrate Aeris MicroBurst messages, which are relayed over the control channels of the cellular network. As an open-system utility to the mobile asset user industry, the service center will format messages for any Windows-based application and then route them via the Internet to one or more users. The center can also route high-priority, critical reports directly to the customer. For example, if valuable construction equipment is being moved outside its normal region of operations, an e-mail pager message can alert the construction supervisor immediately.
    "Aeris MicroBurst is an integral part of our SkyPath service," said Rick Reamer, director of business development for NSR's Space Systems and Applied Technologies Division. "In order to offer cost-effective and reliable tracking solutions, we need a North America-wide communications technology which uses basic, inexpensive hardware and does not entail high ongoing communication costs. We have already developed the hardware and now we have implemented an operational service center for low cost communications."
    "MicroBurst technology is ideal for communicating short messages, such as the location of equipment," said Dick Gossen, president and chief executive officer of Aeris. "We are pleased we can enable NSR's innovative tracking solutions and continue to support the asset tracking market at large."

How MicroBurst Works


    MicroBurst technology is a proprietary utility that enables short data packets to be transmitted over control channels in cellular networks using standard IS-41B signaling mechanisms. These short data packets are transmitted by cellular devices and are routed to the Aeris central hub facility over existing SS#7 (Signaling System 7) networks. The Aeris hub identifies the service provider, the ultimate recipient for the data and routes the data for delivery via a back-end link, which includes Internet, dial-up and dedicated connectivity.
    MicroBurst technology provides ubiquity of service and the lowest possible cost structure. All data distribution is handled by Aeris' central clearinghouse facility. This distribution strategy makes MicroBurst technology fully mobile and enables all MicroBurst devices to roam North America-wide.

About NSR


    NSR, based in Colorado Springs, Colo. and established in 1980, provides information system development, integration and outsourcing services to all levels of government and commercial clients throughout the United States. NSR's total system development experience ensures their customers success in planning for, developing, managing, maintaining and using automated systems. NSR applies their knowledge of information engineering, the GPS system, electric utilities and judicial applications to help their customers achieve their objectives through the best use of information technology.
    For more information on NSR, call 719/590-8880 or visit the NSR web page at http://www.nsr.com.

About Aeris Communications, Inc.


    Aeris Communications, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, Calif., provides wireless connectivity for a broad array of short packet signaling and messaging services using its proprietary MicroBurst utility. MicroBurst technology employs the control channel infrastructure of the cellular network as a transmission medium to achieve low cost of service and ubiquitous coverage. Aeris currently has contracts to deploy MicroBurst technology in nearly 70 percent of cellular service areas in the United States and 100 percent of Canada. Initial applications include vehicle position and condition reporting, security and equipment monitoring, and utility meter reading. For more information on Aeris, call 408/296-8700 or visit the Aeris web at http://www.aeris.net.


    MicroBurst(TM) is a trademark of Aeris Communications, Inc. Aeris is a registered trademark of Aeris Communications, Inc. SkyPath(TM) is a trademark of National Systems & Research Co. All other company or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.