EADS Secure Networks North America and Pantel International Announce Strategic Agreement in Public Safety Communications
Canadian SME teams with global defense and public safety leader to provide interoperable solutions for first responders and other radio communications users.
Arlington, Virginia; Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, June 13, 2008 – EADS Secure Networks North America and Pantel International Inc. today announced the establishment of a joint strategic agreement to provide cost effective, technically advanced solutions for public safety wide-area radio communications networks.
This agreement brings EADS Secure Networks North America’s extensive capabilities in P25-standard public safety communications systems together with Pantel International’s manufacturing expertise as a leading Canadian producer of radio communications equipment. With the partnership, customers will gain incremental value through P25 communications interoperability, and benefit from
the teaming of two proven, established companies.
“We recognize the needs of public safety providers as it pertains to their communications infrastructure, and are delighted to have the opportunity to work with EADS Secure Networks North America in ensuring that our clients will receive the most effective solution to address their communications systems” said Pantel International Technical Director Larry Hicks. “People expect
the very best when it comes to mission critical public safety services, and as leaders in the industry, EADS and Pantel International are ideally suited to jointly address these needs.”
“This agreement reflects the commitment of EADS to the public safety sector in Canada, and to P25- based, interoperable technology solutions,” said Sunny Taylor, the President of EADS Secure Networks North America. “EADS has proven itself over the last 20 plus years in the global publicsafety arena, delivering more than 160 wide-area mission critical networks in 60 countries, and we are pleased to team with Pantel International to jointly deliver exponential value to the Canadian public safety marketplace.”
The two companies’ agreement starts with Atlantic Canada, and both companies believe they will jointly add value to public safety community throughout North America over time.
P25 public safety radio communications standards were established to ensure communications interoperability for first responders at the scene of an emergency or disaster situation. This activity –known as Project 25 – is supported by industry, government agencies and public safety communications officials, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National
Communications System (NCS), the Department of Defense, and the National Telecommunicationsand Information Administration (NTIA).
EADS North America acquires PlantCML, a leading provider of emergency response solutions and services in the U.S. and Canada Arlington, Virginia, April 22, 2008 - EADS today announced the acquisition of California-based PlantCML, a leading provider of emergency response solutions, from Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity fund, for approximately $350 million.
Based on the underlying profitability of PlantCML, the acquisition is earnings per share (EPS) accretive (on a pre-fair value amortization
basis) in the first year. Leveraging the synergies between the companies is expected to create additional value in the future. The acquisition was made through EADS' U.S. operating subsidiary, EADS North America, and will become part of the North America business portfolio.
PlantCML provides call management and radio dispatch products for emergency call centers, along with emergency notification services, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) applications and mapping services.
PlantCML has the largest installed base of public safety answering
points in the U.S.
Through its widespread market access, PlantCML will serve as a strong contributor in advancing EADS' professional mobile radio (PMR) solutions into the rapidly expanding U.S. market. PlantCML will now have access to EADS' worldwide operations, thereby increasing PlantCML's global market opportunities while capitalizing on its current U.S. and Canadian growth, high margins and strong cash generation.
"Bringing PlantCML into our business portfolio further enhances EADS North America's capabilities in ensuring the homeland security of the United States," said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman and CEO of EADS North America. "The resources of PlantCML are a perfect match with our growing homeland security and public safety activity, which already includes turnkey professional mobile radio systems and network security training."
"With this acquisition, our group solidifies its position in security systems and solutions, while fulfilling our commitment to invest in our capabilities, and grow in the U.S. By so doing, we demonstrate both our intent and success in following the roadmap we have laid out for EADS in
2008 and beyond," explained EADS CEO Louis Gallois.
"Integrating with EADS will bring added resources, capabilities and technologies to PlantCML, and more importantly, to our customers," said PlantCML CEO Tim Fuller. "We remain focused on meeting our customers'
needs and providing the high value service and products they expect from PlantCML."
Strengthened by the resources, technologies and products from EADS, PlantCML will continue to serve a broad base of private and public customers in its core competencies of wireless and emergency communications. Moreover, PlantCML will benefit from the PMR market access created by EADS Defence & Communications Systems, enabling PlantCML to sell its solutions outside of the U.S.
The acquisition further expands EADS' industrial footprint in the U.S.
and Canada, while positioning the company as a recognized prime contractor capable of meeting the demanding requirements of U.S.
government agencies and public safety first responders.
PlantCML will further complement EADS' global capabilities in delivering P25-based public safety and homeland security radio systems. EADS is the world's second largest systems provider for public safety and mission critical interoperable communications solutions with more than 180 public networks in over 65 countries.
PlantCML has more than 620 employees and is headquartered in Temecula, California, with other U.S. operations in Tennessee, Indiana and Alabama, and a Canadian operation in Quebec. Its capabilities include radio dispatch, computer telephony integrated workstations, computer aided dispatch, records management, mobile data, digital logging recording, Voice over Internet Protocol, and next-generation 911 (NG911) emergency messaging solutions.
Frisco, Texas Deploys EADS Secure Networks Pilot P25 Network
Frisco, Texas and Arlington, Virginia, February 4, 2008 – EADS Secure Networks North America (EADS) today announced that Frisco, Texas has implemented an operational EADS COR P25 IP-based radio communications pilot system for its public safety officers.
Under the agreement, EADS designed and implemented a single-site P25 system now in use by the Frisco Police Dept. as a major step towards Frisco’s long-range interoperability planning.
The pilot was conceived and funded directly by EADS which operates its global P25 Interoperability Lab in Frisco, TX. Its intent is to demonstrate to Frisco, DFW, the North Texas region, and other city/regional/statewide public safety officials, the power of an open-standards based, IP P25 mission critical radio system.
“Frisco’s accelerated growth and our geographic footprint require us to plan effectively for multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional interoperability,” said Mike Simpson, Frisco Mayor. “EADS’ commitment to Frisco, where it houses its P25 interoperability lab and where it has provided this pilot network at no cost, shows true partnerships, dedication and commitment to Frisco’s leadership role in interoperability throughout North Texas.”
“We are excited to see that Frisco, an innovative and progressive city, is embracing open-standards systems to serve mission critical public safety needs while creating a future-proof communications platform,” said Sunny Taylor, President of EADS Secure Networks North America. “This pilot effectively demonstrates the power of interoperable, IP-based radio systems to deliver the choice and control cities need, with the scalability and flexibility to evolve the network over time as needs and technologies change.”
EADS and Frisco will jointly evaluate the system on an on-going basis, which shall include, among other things, periodically interviewing and debriefing system users, surveying system users, developing forms and procedures to provide daily written feedback on the operation of the System, and such other procedures and reports.
EADS Demonstrates P25 Solution with State of Wisconsin
Arlington, VA December 4, 2007 – EADS is currently demonstrating its CORP25 Public Safety IP P25 Radio Solution as part of a Wisconsin interoperability evaluation process.
The test is being held at the Green Lake Tower Site, just outside Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin as part of the State’s evaluation process. The State of Wisconsin is evaluating and preparing a plan for a P25 backbone initiative to create a statewide interoperability network for its first responders.
EADS has provided a site-specific P25 system, which went on the air October 30. As a stand-alone system, EADS is utilizing a 4 channel VHF system at the Green Lake tower site. Portables from multiple manufacturers are being used to demonstrate P25 benefits right down to the end user level.
“The State of Wisconsin recognizes the critical importance of interoperability for public safety and is benchmarking system performance now in anticipation of a future P25-based approach to public safety communications”, said John Verhyen, Chief Engineer and beta project manager for Wisconsin. “To this point, EADS’ system is performing fully in line with expectations and we look forward to continued measurements and assessments as we go through our due diligence and exploratory processes.”
“This demonstration by the State of Wisconsin is a powerful proof point to the high performance and availability of P25 solutions today,” said Sunny Taylor, CEO EADS Secure Networks North America. “We are proud to have successfully participated in yet another P25 demonstration, proving again that P25-based systems are the clear solution for local, regional and statewide public safety initiatives today and into the future.”
EADS North America Digital P25 Multi-Vendor Equipment Interoperability at APCO Canada in Calgary
Demonstrates Interoperable P25 Radio on 800 MHz and VHF Systems Featuring EADS Secure Networks’ CORP25 Architecture, Multi-Vendor Terminals
Calgary, Alberta (Canada) November 1, 2007 – EADS Secure Networks North America (EADS) demonstrated at the 2007 APCO Canada Conference October 1st and 2nd a turnkey P25 Public Safety and Government radio system infrastructure featuring EADS Secure Networks’ CORP25 IP digital radio architecture combined with multi-vendor terminals and networks.
Using two different systems, an 800MHz and a VHF multi channel mission critical networks, EADS demonstrated to Public Safety and Government participants a live emergency scenario of multi-vendor terminals working together through a shared common multi-band P25 digital infrastructure. Interfacing with another manufacturer’s trunking management tools, EADS demonstrated activities on different networks talking through a Project 25 Inter RF-Sub System Interface (ISSI).
This comprehensive P25 digital radio system technology incorporating EADS’ CORP25 radio architecture is the future of cross jurisdictional communication systems and supportive of the efforts of Public Safety Canada responsible to work in close collaboration with federal, provincial, territorial and international law enforcement/border security and Public Safety agencies.
“EADS has played a significant role since 1999 working with the APCO Project 25 development Standards for Public Safety Digital Radio which offers improved spectrum efficiency, multiple vendor interoperability through an open architecture and offers enhanced functionality with equipment focused on public safety needs,” said Sunny Taylor, President, EADS Secure Networks, Inc. “Project 25 offers an orderly migration into mixed analog and digital systems, enabling users to transition over a period in time. Selecting systems that comply with APCO P25 recommended standards guides public safety agencies to an investment in technology that offers a clear migration today and into the future.”
EADS Signs Collaboration Agreement with Kenwood
Promotes Interoperable P25 Radio Systems Featuring EADS Secure Networks’ CORP25 Architecture, Kenwood Terminals
Arlington, VA August 6, 2007 – EADS Secure Networks North America (EADS) and Kenwood USA announced today a formalized agreement to promote turnkey P25 public safety radio systems featuring EADS Secure Networks’ CORP25 radio architecture combined with Kenwood’s terminals and other applications.
Under this non-exclusive agreement, Kenwood’s distribution network will actively market and sell comprehensive P25 radio systems incorporating EADS’ CORP25 radio architecture. EADS will continue to directly market and sell comprehensive solutions, and will include Kenwood terminals in its proposed offers wherever possible and where applicable to each customer environment.
“EADS and Kenwood have a common philosophy and commitment to develop and deliver interoperable systems based on P25 standards,” said Sunny Taylor, President, EADS Secure Networks, Inc. “With superior solutions that are verified and compliant, our shared vision and combined strength create a powerful solution for mission critical public safety and homeland security customers.”
“This agreement creates yet another powerful solution for Kenwood to deliver its customers and the market,” said Mark Jasin, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Kenwood USA. “EADS’ platform creates the scale, reliability and flexibility that enable our best-in-class dealer network to deliver customers a range of choice and control for their public safety radio networks.”
EADS Secure Networks Demonstrates Power of P25 Interoperability at APCO 2007
Arlington, VA August 6, 2007 – EADS Secure Networks North America (EADS) today announced its participation in several P25 interoperability initiatives at APCO’s 73rd Annual Conference & Exhibition in Baltimore, Maryland August 5-9. Leveraging the power of its newly branded CORP25 network solutions, EADS is working closely with multiple industry partners to deliver the promise of interoperability to the public safety community.
First, EADS is demonstrating its CORP25 IP Radio system’s P25 Inter RF Sub-System Interface (ISSI) interoperability between trunked VHF and trunked 800 MHz base stations at its booth, #202.
Second, EADS is demonstrating interoperability to any non-P25 IP connected device, where EADS’ CORP25 system, via the ISSI, is linked to VoIP and non-P25 radio terminals through Cisco’s IPICS®. This demonstrates the ability to connect P25 systems to non-P25 radio systems, as well as cellular networks, landline phones, PCs and beyond.
Finally, EADS is also one of four P25 vendors participating in a high profile multi-vendor P25 ISSI interoperability demonstration, where EADS’ system is interoperating with the P25 systems of major competitors to complete group calls. The demonstration illustrates an important step forward in enabling public safety agencies to have a higher level of communications interoperability.
“These demonstrations showcase the mission critical performance of IP-based P25 systems for local, state, and federal public safety and homeland security agencies to cooperate and communicate,” said Sunny Taylor, President and CEO, EADS Secure Networks North America, Inc. It is extremely important and exciting for public safety and homeland security to see firsthand the clear performance and interoperability benefits of P25 systems in action as the promise of interoperability is being delivered today, and can be deployed as needed in virtually any public safety or homeland security requirement.”
EADS has been a leader in bringing the P25 ISSI to public safety standards with Roy McClellan of EADS chairing the ISSI Task Group activities since 1999. Roy McClellan of EADS is also chairing the TDMA Task Group, which is working on proposed TDMA Standards to improve Project 25 channel efficiencies.
Cumberland County , EADS Secure Networks Kickoff P25 Public Safety Radio System Implementation
IP P25 System to serve as anchor for Future Regional Interoperability
Arlington, VA July 16, 2007 – EADS Secure Networks North America (EADS) and Cumberland County, TN today announced the formal kickoff for the county’s new Project 25 (P25) IP-Based, Digital, Trunked radio system for its public safety officers.
The Cumberland County Finance Committee announced the award following the recommendation of the County’s Technical Evaluation Committee and the County’s Emergency Services Committee both who unanimously selected the EADS’ proposal. The new EADS P25 digital trunked system will replace the County’s aging conventional, analog system.
“The goal of this project is to provide first responders with an interoperable and extensive radio system providing coverage throughout the entire County”, said Brock Hill, Mayor, Cumberland County, Tennessee. “We’re excited with EADS’ rigorous approach and processes to drive the successful implementation of our fully-P25 solution.”
The multi-site system is designed to optimize coverage across the varied terrain of the county for the following users:
- Sheriff’s Department
- Correctional Facility
- Fire Department
- Rescue Squad
- Emergency Management Agency
- Emergency Medical Services
- School System
“EADS is proud to partner with Cumberland County in launching this showcase solution for P25,” said Sunny Taylor, President, EADS Secure Networks North America. “Leveraging the P25 standards in a very challenging communications environment, Cumberland County will realize full, mission critical coverage that is based on standards for interoperability with state & federal agencies, while providing them increased choice and control of their solution components and management.”
The project begins immediately with a planned completion in early 2008. |
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