Harris Atlas Systems to Launch in the Middle East

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- International communications and information technology company Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) and leading Middle East telecommunication systems and security provider Atlas Telecom, have today announced the launch of a new joint venture.  The company, to be known as Harris Atlas, will deliver innovative intelligence solutions such as enhanced video management and geospatial 3D visualization specifically designed for the UAE.

The partnership will be officially announced at a press conference at Harris Atlas' new headquarters in Abu Dhabi, which will be attended by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Harris CEO Howard Lance, and Atlas CEO, Ahmed Seddiq Al Mutuwaa.  While Atlas Telecom has a long-standing presence in the Middle East, having been established in the UAE in 1983, and Harris has delivered broadcast and RF communications products into the region in partnership with Atlas and others for more than 20 years, the venture marks Harris' and Atlas' official entrance into the region to focus on the delivery of large–scale, mission-critical intelligence systems.

Commenting on the venture, Ahmed Seddiq Al Mutawaa said, "By combining Atlas' extensive regional knowledge with Harris' global expertise, we hope the partnership will not only enhance intelligent communications in the region, but also represent a significant step towards creating a more secure UAE."

Among the initiatives the new company will roll out in the region is Full-Motion Video Asset Management Engine (FAME) – a platform that provides video, audio and metadata (essentially data about data) coding, video analytics and archive capabilities.  All this can be accessed from one central source at the touch of a button, helping government and commercial agencies improve their situational awareness and responsiveness.

Put simply, users of the platform in the UAE would have better access to better-quality data, and be able to distribute it more quickly and efficiently.  For example, a centrally-based unit can sift through massive amounts of video, images and other data to find information that can be used to improve security or reduce critical infrastructure or other risks.  This information could easily be directed to other units anywhere in the world, making the information more accurate and actionable.

Another major initiative is the Enterprise Geographic Information Systems (E-GIS) solution which provides high-resolution, 3D visualization and mapping for various government and commercial applications. The E-GIS solution reflects Harris' extensive experience in processing and combining multiple types of imagery and graphics into composite products that provide customers with advanced image exploitation.  The solution utilizes advanced technologies for image processing, image data fusion, display technologies, and digital product generation.

Howard Lance commented, "Harris Atlas' initiatives extend well beyond the defense and security industries.  The E-GIS technology encompasses a broad range of capabilities that could be used for scientific investigations, resource management, and urban planning.  Full Motion Video technology can be used to enhance the enjoyment and safety of sporting events, among other uses.  The combination of all the capabilities we can bring to bear establishes Harris Atlas as a company that can be trusted by customers to deliver outstanding results, when it matters the most.

"We see this venture as heralding the start of a long and fruitful partnership, and look forward to building trusted relationships with our customers in the Middle East.  By establishing a real presence in the region, we hope to deliver a combination of truly cutting-edge technology and trusted reliable local services into solutions that really help our customers," said Mr. Lance.

The press conference to launch the joint venture will be held on 29th September at A24-25 Abu Dhabi Villas, Marina Mall.  

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets worldwide.  Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists.  Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services.  Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

About Atlas Telecom

Atlas Telecom, part of Atlas Group, is a privately owned company that was established in 1983, and is the leading systems integrator in the region, with a core business of wireless radio networks and intelligent security systems.  Based in the UAE, the company has completed numerous projects for the UAE Armed Forces, Dubai Police, RTA, Bahrain Ministry of Interior, Kuwait MOI, Abu Dhabi Police, among many others.

About Harris Atlas

Harris Atlas Systems, LLC, is at the forefront of delivering advanced capabilities for assured communications® products, systems, and services.  Harris Atlas Systems offers, in the Middle East, highly reliable solutions for situational awareness, command and control, emergency management, and other mission-critical situations for government civil agencies, ministries of defense, energy, healthcare, media, and other commercial customers.

For further information please visit: www.harrisatlas.ae or http://www.harris.com and http://www.atlastelecom.ae/

SOURCE Harris Corporation