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SpatialNews Press Release
DRI and Orbital Agree to Software Development Alliance
Industry-Leading GPS Technologies Merged to Create Single Interface
For Public Transit Operators
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Oct. 9 - Digital Recorders,
Inc. (DRI) (Nasdaq: TBUS) announced today that its has signed an agreement
with Orbital Sciences Corporation's (NYSE: ORB) Transportation Management
Systems (TMS) Division to combine two complementary GPS-based products into a
single unit for the public transit industry. Under the agreement, DRI's
"Talking Bus" voice announcement system will be integrated into Orbital's
"SmartMDT" data and communications system to simplify operations for drivers
of fixed-route buses, paratransit vehicles, maintenance and supervisory
vehicles, light rail systems and trolleys. Benefits of this single operator
interface include increased safety, reduced costs, reduced onboard hardware
and streamlined maintenance. The new product will be marketed under the name
"SmartStop."
Using Orbital's computer-aided dispatch/automatic vehicle location
(CAD/AVL) technology, SmartStop allows public transit operators to improve
operational performance and efficiency. At the same time, capitalizing on
DRI's expertise in voice annunciation and sign control systems, it enables
them to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for the
disabled and elderly. For instance, aboard a bus or similar vehicle,
SmartStop initiates "next-stop" announcements and displays based on previously
stored geographic "trigger" points. Outside the bus, as doors open, SmartStop
advises waiting passengers about the vehicle's destination and route number.
In addition to these functions, SmartStop features data preparation and
storage solutions, as well as options for operator-controlled and public
service announcements. SmartStop also provides upgrade paths for customers
who initially purchase a CAD/AVL system and then add an annunciator system, or
vice versa.
"Our Talking Bus business unit has enjoyed a long standing relationship
with Orbital TMS," said Mr. David L. Turney, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of DRI. "This agreement will place our innovative Talking Bus
technology, which already has the largest installed base in the market, in
service for an even larger population of transit system users."
Speaking for Orbital, Mr. David L. Mathisen, Vice President and General
Manager of the company's TMS Division, said, "This alliance advances the
capabilities of our products and strengthens our portfolio of solutions.
Orbital TMS prides itself on developing integrated solutions that reduce the
cost of installation and operations for our customers."
About Orbital TMS
Orbital TMS is the country's leading supplier of satellite-based AVL
systems for the expanding public intelligent transportation systems market.
These AVL systems help transportation authorities better manage mass transit
bus and rail systems, as well as fleets of road maintenance and service
vehicles. They feature fully-integrated real-time information, two-way mobile
communications, CAD and GPS-based vehicle location.
Orbital's vehicle management systems are used by 54 transit, utility and
state agency customers in the U.S., with units installed or scheduled to be
installed on approximately 21,000 vehicles. Earlier this year, Orbital
expanded into the international AVL market when it was awarded a $13 million
contract by Singapore Bus Services Ltd. (SBS) to track and manage a fleet of
2,700 transit vehicles and equip 25 dispatch stations.
About Orbital
Orbital is one of the largest space technology and satellite services
companies in the world, with 1999 total enterprise revenues (including
revenues from unconsolidated affiliates) of approximately $915 million. The
company, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, employs over 5,000 people at major
facilities in the U.S., Canada and several overseas locations. Orbital is the
world's leading manufacturer of low-cost space systems, including satellites
and space robotics, launch vehicles, electronics and sensors, satellite ground
systems and related digital infrastructure. Its Magellan subsidiary is a
pioneer in satellite-based navigation and communications products for consumer
and industrial markets. Through its ORBCOMM and ORBIMAGE affiliates and
ORBNAV subsidiary, Orbital is also a major operator of satellite-based
networks that provide data communications, high-resolution imagery and
automotive information services to customers around the world.
About DRI
DRI develops technologically advanced digital communications systems for
transit and transportation applications, as well as digital signal processing
equipment for law enforcement applications. The company's transit and
transportation systems include Talking Bus(R), an in-vehicle voice messaging
and passenger information system, and the TwinVision LeDot(R) Destination Sign
System, a proprietary electronic external destination sign.
Statements which are not historical facts, including statements about the
companies confidence and strategies and its expectations about new and
existing products, technologies and opportunities, market and industry segment
growth, demand and acceptance of new and existing products are forward looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The risks include, but are
not limited to, product demand and market acceptance risks; the impact of
competitive products and pricing; the effects of economic conditions and
trade, legal, social and economic risks, such as import, licensing and trade
restrictions; the result of the company's business plan and the impact on the
company of its relationship with its lender.
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