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VDSI and Helicomm Team to Provide Mine Safety Wireless Tracking and Communications Systems

Posted on: Wednesday, 4 April 2007, 15:00 CDT

Venture Design Services, Inc. (VDSI), a subsidiary of Venture Corporation Limited (SGX: Venture), and Helicomm, Inc. today announced an agreement to deliver VDSI's wireless tracking products for the mine safety market. MineTracer™ will build upon VDSI expertise to design and manufacture robust wireless system solutions. Helicomm provides the mesh networking modules for the product.

MineTracer™ is a mesh network product that provides real-time location tracking of people and assets in the mine facility. Future versions will provide process control, two-way and sensor data communications capability.

"We worked with Helicomm because of their expertise in the mesh networking technology and their keen interest in this vertical market." said Bob Armantrout, VDSI senior manager.

According to Jim Barrett, VDSI R&D Manager, "Helicomm has been a great partner and is expert in the lower level mesh radio technologies. Blending our strengths with theirs, the result is a powerful adaptation of state-of-the-art mesh networking for the unique requirements of mine safety. Together, we are delighted to make such an important contribution."

The mine safety marketplace is a growing user of automation and tools to ensure the safety of workers in North America and abroad. Since the Sago, West Virginia mine disaster in 2006, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has been working with mine owners and states to ensure that tracking, emergency location and communication services can be provided in the underground environments.

"Our partnership with VDSI is a valuable entry point for us into the mining marketplace," said Ken Hill, Helicomm director of sales. "We look forward to working in partnership to deliver mesh data and voice capable products that meet the exacting needs of MSHA and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)," he added.

Demo systems have been installed with production systems due for implementation of West Virginia State Bill 248.

About VDSI and Venture Corporation

With R&D facilities in Santa Rosa, CA and Liberty Lake, WA, Venture Design Services, Inc. (VDSI) develops wireless communications products and systems focusing on remote sensor networks and data collection. VDSI's parent company, Venture Corporation, Ltd., is a leading global electronics services company providing comprehensive manufacturing and engineering design services. Venture is a strategic partner with top Fortune 500 companies including Agilent Technologies, HP, IBM, and Intermec.

About Helicomm

Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., with wholly owned subsidiaries in Beijing, China, and Taipei, Taiwan, Helicomm is the leading provider of voice and data wireless networks to improve tracking, management and communication of assets by providing wireless networking solutions built upon the IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) and IPv6 global standards for reliable, secure, low-power, cost-effective wireless networks. Helicomm's networking software and development tools provide customers the quickest and easiest way to integrate wireless networking into their products and systems. For more information about Helicomm, please visit www.helicomm.com.

Source: Business Wire

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