DS3 Computing Solutions Deploys Orthogon's OS-Gemini as Backbone Network for Texas A&M University Distance Learning Network

Business Wire, June 21, 2004

ASHBURTON, U.K. & WALTHAM, Mass. -- State-of-the-art wireless network sets the bar for distance learning programs

Orthogon Systems(TM), a leading provider of carrier-grade wireless systems, and DS3 Computing Solutions (DS3), a leading educational and government system integrator in the state of Texas, today announced the successful deployment of a broadband wireless distance learning/video conference network for Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The network covers over 235 miles and connects Texas A&M's Kingsville campus to 24 school districts in Southeast Texas using Orthogon's OS-Gemini point-to-point broadband wireless solution. It is the result of a partnership between Texas A&M University-Kingsville, DS3, the school districts, and several government agencies that enables high school students to earn dual college credits, teachers to obtain certification and higher education, and workforce training to be conducted within the communities.

"Our goal is to provide educational services to those students unable to enroll in on-campus studies. This process of access and opportunity is enhanced by the advanced capabilities of this wireless distance learning network," said Dr. Tadeo Reyna, Director of Distance Learning and Continuing Education at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. "By providing a network that enables real-time interaction between students and teachers, we are able to provide a learning environment that delivers the highest quality education available globally outside the classroom."

The high-bandwidth, asymmetric network enables new functionality for distance learning applications not available with conventional broadcast-only networks. Instead of pushing content to students, Texas A&M's wireless distance learning network enables interactive communication between students and faculty/ administration via Web courses and videoconferencing. The network is used not only for classes, but also for University support services such as admissions and financial aid programs, and non-credit workforce training for the state of Texas. "It's not just for students, but for the communities in general as well," added Dr. Reyna.

"Texas A&M's wireless distance learning network is a model for distance education programs nationwide, and is already providing real benefits to the Southeast Texas community," said Davis Sylvester III, president and CEO of DS3 Computing Solutions. "Key to the network's success is the technology, planning and design engineering provided by Orthogon Systems. The OS-Gemini is providing highly reliable connections between the sites, was easy to install and is operating flawlessly in this environment."

To enable the network, the OS-Gemini platforms provide 24 carrier-grade connections between the Kingsville campus and the 24 school districts in Southeast Texas. The wireless links averages 25 miles in distance and are connected across near-line-of-sight paths. The OS-Gemini is providing throughput of 15 Mbps both upstream and downstream across the network to support two-way voice, video and data communications.

"The Texas A&M University-Kingsville deployment shows the OS-Gemini in yet another deployment scenario for which it is ideally suited, long range broadband wireless connections that require carrier-grade reliability," said Phil Bolt, president and CEO of Orthogon Systems. "We are pleased to be participating with DS3 Computing Solutions on this leading edge network."

About the OS-Gemini Wireless Ethernet Bridge

The OS-Gemini is the only point-to-point broadband wireless product that can negotiate obstacles and terrain to maintain a wireless link with carrier-class reliability. The system provides a secure broadband link, connecting separate networks where obstacles such as trees and buildings prevent a direct line-of-sight connection or where long distances compromise carrier-grade connections. The platform is FCC certified, operates in the unlicensed 5.8GHz band and is easy to install, configure and manage. It delivers payback in less than 12 months to enterprise customers, including corporations, municipalities, universities and hospitals seeking to connect disparate networks; and to wireless ISPs seeking to backhaul data or cellular traffic.

About Orthogon Systems

Orthogon Systems is an innovative technology company building breakthrough non-line-of-sight wireless technology for the enterprise and service provider marketplaces. Its market leading OS-Gemini broadband wireless Ethernet bridge has the industry's deepest non-line-of-sight capabilities, overcoming obstacles and terrain where existing wireless systems cannot operate. Orthogon Systems is privately held and headquartered in Ashburton, United Kingdom with offices in Waltham, Massachusetts. For more information contact us in the UK at +44(0) 1364.65.55.00, in the US at +1 617.886.9128 or on the Web at www.orthogonsystems.com.