Wireless Matrix and Milsoft Target Compatible Products for Utility Sector

Wireless Matrix Corporation is teaming with Abilene, TX-based Milsoft Utility Solutions in a joint development effort to field an always-on outage management solution for utility companies. Under this effort, both companies will develop their respective products to be operationally compatible, providing a targeted solution for both rural co-ops and municipal power companies.

The solution will allow Wireless Matrix's Mobile Resource Management solutions, including communications hardware and user applications, to integrate with Milsoft's Outage Management System (OMS) for use in the electric power distribution sector. The solution will equip electric utility field technicians running Milsoft's Outage Management application with the capability for real-time position and data updates from the field via Wireless Matrix's hardware and network services.

Central to the solution is the option for 100% coverage through the multi-mode communications capability available via the Wireless Matrix Low Profile Mobile Base Station 2 (MBS2-LP) in which both terrestrial and satellite coverage will be provided. For utilities, coverage is a critical issue in natural disaster situations, and realizing 100% coverage through the use of multiple, integrated networks provides improved operational efficiency when it's needed most. A cellular-only solution will also be available, utilizing the Wireless Matrix T-MBS2 for GRPS EDGE connectivity.

The two companies will begin Beta testing the interoperability of their products under real-world conditions with current Milsoft customers by the end of the year.

"Milsoft's new mobile application for our OMS product will take advantage of Wireless Matrix's always on technology to allow our customers to implement a real time, cost efficient mobile solution to manage their field technicians as they work to prevent and repair outages" said Luis Malave, EVP and CTO of Milsoft. "Together, we can offer a 'break through' mobile solution for our customer set."

"The combination of Wireless Matrix's strengths with Milsoft's creates a strong value proposition for rural utilities and cooperatives," said J. Richard Carlson, president and CEO of Wireless Matrix. "We have a significant industry presence as a wireless communications and AVL applications provider in this important segment. Milsoft is a well-known application provider, and the opportunity to create a comprehensive solution with them is an exciting one. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them."