HERNDON, Va., Oct. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced its participation at the European Utilities Telecom Council (EUTC) Annual Conference, from October 24-26 at the Marriott Hotel in Warsaw, Poland. iDirect will share new industry research on satellite usage in the utility industry, as well as the benefits of next-generation satellite systems. The European Utility Telecom Conference is the largest gathering of telecommunications and technology executives from Europe's utilities and their technology partners. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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During the conference, Christian Bergan, Director Vertical Markets at iDirect, will be featured on a panel about wireless solutions for smart grid networks. The panel will discuss the short- and medium-term wireless options for creating smart networks available to utilities, as well as the steps utilities can take to safeguard their wireless investment as the geographical reach and complexity of smart networks grow over the next 10 years.

Bergan will highlight the benefits of VSAT technology as a wireless networking solution and share recent iDirect and UTC research that reveals satellite's increasing importance as a communications technology in the utility industry. Some of the key points Bergan will share from the UTC research include:

• Satellite's growing popularity – According to the study, 60% of utilities are already using some form of satellite communications technology and 22% are planning to integrate the technology in the next two years. Furthermore, the study showed that the vast majority (78%) of utilities are interested in learning more about modern VSAT systems.
• The benefits of VSAT – The top benefit of satellite technology is its ubiquitous coverage. Security, particularly compared to public commercial wireless networks, was cited as another key benefit.

"There is a rapid technological shift happening in the utility industry and satellite technology has a huge role to play in helping utilities achieve the connectivity demands of the new smart grid. iDirect has taken an active role in educating utilities about the benefits of satellite technology through partnerships with a number of of partners and industry organizations and we look forward to this opportunity to connect with the EUTC's wide member base."
~ Christian BERGAN
Director Vertical Markets, iDirect

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