KVH to Acquire Virtek Communications AS
KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) and Virtek Communications AS announced that they have entered into an agreement for KVH to acquire the software company. Virtek specializes in the development and deployment of software known as “middleware” that helps commercial fleets and vessel owners manage the data transmitted to and from their vessels over different satellite communications services, such as KVH’s own mini-VSAT Broadbandsm or Inmarsat FleetBroadband. “Virtek, its talented team of software engineers, and its proven middleware applications are an excellent fit with KVH and our rapidly expanding satellite communication business, most notably in the commercial marine market,” explained Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s chief executive officer.
Sperry Marine Receives Award From BAE
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Sperry Marine business unit has received the BAE Systems Bronze Chairman’s Award for Innovation in recognition of pioneering work performed on the network data system for the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer program. Sperry Marine’s team played a critical role in developing a data communications network for the Royal Navy’s next-generation destroyer. The network control system links the ship’s electronic engine control system, electrical power management system and platform management system, ensuring uninterrupted flow of vital data among the three critical elements. Sperry Marine is supplying the platform management system for the Type 45 destroyers under contract from BAE Systems.
Iridium Satellite Announces Deployment of Spares
Iridium Satellite LLC, which bought the assets of bankrupt Iridium LLC in December 2000, announced the successful deployment of five new spare satellites. This launch marks a significant milestone in the resurrection of the Iridium service and brand. Less than a year after launching commercial service and nearly two years since the original company closed its doors and planned to destroy the satellite constellation, Iridium Satellite has taken a significant step to extending the life of its global satellite communications network into 2010 and beyond. Launched by The Boeing Company on a Delta II launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base on Feb.
