RigNet Launches iDirect Network In Australia For Onshore Energy, Mining And Maritime Applications

HERNDON, Va., April 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that RigNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNET), a leading global provider of managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry, has installed an iDirect Series 15100 Universal Satellite Hub in Adelaide, Australia, to extend its services to Australia and the Asia Pacific region. The business expansion will enable RigNet to tap into growing market segments, including onshore natural gas and oil exploration, energy, mining and maritime. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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The hub addition enables RigNet to expand its global presence and offer a managed service for land-based drilling applications and remote connectivity in the greater Asia Pacific region. The investment follows RigNet's installation of a hub in the Middle East to extend RigNet's VSAT coverage in the region and enhance the company's satellite service portfolio for customers in the oil and gas sector.  

The network will be built on iDirect's Evolution iDX 3.1 software, which enables service providers to support both narrowband SCADA and broadband applications on the same network and scale to tens of thousands of sites. iDX 3.1 features the X1 remote, a low power, compact remote that reduces the average power required for a given satellite terminal by as much as 50%.  An outdoor version of the X1 features IP67 weatherproof casing, an extended temperature range, passive cooling and multiple power options.

"Our onshore customers have very distinct and demanding network requirements. They're running a mix of narrowband and broadband applications that extend across indoor and outdoor environments. iDX 3.1 provides us with the exact capabilities we need for these customers.  And with iDirect, we can expand into new markets and geographies while managing our global portfolio over a single platform, which improves our flexibility and productivity."

Rob GEORGE
General Manager, APAC region, RigNet

"It's exciting to see our partners capitalize on growth opportunities and reach new levels of service performance through our operating software capabilities. RigNet is making a strategic move into a fast growing market, and we are honored that they chose to expand over the iDirect Platform."

Rob KILROY
Vice President Americas, iDirect

RigNet (NASDAQ: RNET) is a leading global provider of managed remote communications, systems integration and collaborative applications dedicated to the oil and gas industry, focusing on offshore and onshore drilling rigs, energy production facilities and energy maritime.  RigNet provides solutions ranging from fully-managed voice and data networks to more advanced applications that include video conferencing and real-time data services to remote sites in over thirty countries on six continents, effectively spanning the drilling and production industry. RigNet is based in Houston, Texas.  For more information, please visit www.rig.net.  RigNet is a registered trademark of RigNet, Inc.

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology that enables our 350+partners to optimize their networks, differentiate and expand their businesses. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ allows our partners to run their entire business operations more efficiently via a single, unified IP-based satellite architecture, whether it's providing core IP applications to the enterprise or specialized services to any number of diverse vertical markets. iDirect is the #1 name in global satellite communications in key industries including maritime, military/government, and oil and gas, with a 62% hub market share and more than a quarter million remotes installed worldwide. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was formed to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the U.S. government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region. For more information please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect