Appear Networks s?lectionn? pour le syst?me de gestion des passerelles sans fil de l'A?roport du Caire

Le consortium dirigé par ARINCU se voit attribuer un contrat IT de 22 millions de dollars

Stockholm, le 23 octobre 2006 - La société Appear Networks a annoncé aujourd'hui qu'elle a été sélectionnée par ARINC Incorporated pour fournir une solution de gestion de passerelles intelligente dans le cadre d'un contrat de 22 millions de dollars portant sur la réalisation de plusieurs systèmes de données et de télécommunications à l'Aéroport international du Caire. Appear Networks figure parmi les plus grands fournisseurs de plateformes de communication sans fil offrant aux entreprises des solutions de mobilité.

Cette plateforme fournira des services de gestion de passerelles de pointe aux compagnies aériennes du Terminal 3 de l'Aéroport International du Caire, une première au Moyen-Orient.

Appear Networks Selected for the Wireless Ramp Management System at Cairo Airport

ARINC-led Consortium Awarded $22 Million IT Contract

Stockholm, October 23, 2006 - Appear Networks announced today its selection by ARINC Incorporated to provide an intelligent ramp management solution as part of a $22 million contract to implement several data and telecommunication systems at Cairo International Airport. Appear Networks is a leading provider of wireless communication platforms that enable enterprise mobility solutions.

The platform will provide state-of-the-art ramp management services to airlines in Cairo International Airport's Terminal 3, for the first time in the Middle East. The innovative system will initially oversee critical activities, such as aircraft marshalling, baggage handling, passenger/crew transfers and refuelling. Once deployed, the platform can also supply airport workers with updated access to passenger and flight information, special catering orders, security updates and aircraft maintenance information.

The solution is based on the Appear IQ wireless services platform - which enables context-aware services and applications - and Cisco Systems' Unified Wireless Network architecture. The Cisco 2710 Location Appliance identifies the location of authorized users via their Wi-Fi devices. The Appear Context Engine automatically displays applications on a user's device according to the user's profile or job function (e.g., baggage handler, airline staff), type of communication terminal (portable computer, PDA, smart phone, tablet PC), time (aircraft turnaround status) and location (aircraft, terminal, tarmac).

Ed Montgomery, managing director EMEA at ARINC, said: "Decades of experience and in-depth understanding of market requirements has enabled ARINC to help Cairo International Airport find the fastest, most effective way to sustain and enhance its growth through innovative products and services."

"Cairo International Airport was looking for more than an Information Technology Systems contractor," added General Fathi Fathallah, chairman of the Cairo International Airport Company. "We were looking for long-term partners committed to continuously finding state-of-the-art, cost-effective solutions to meet Cairo Airport's business needs. We are delighted that ARINC, the successful bidder of the Cairo T3/ITS tender, identified Appear Networks as an innovative software vendor able to provide a true context-aware mobile platform."

Xavier Aubry, chief operating officer EMEA at Appear Networks, said: "Ramp accidents are estimated to cost the industry up to $2 billion per year, while ramp delays represent an additional burden of $150 per minute per aircraft to an airline's bottom line. Thus, implementing an intelligent wireless solution that improves the operational processes associated with ramp activities can result in massive cost savings. In the case of Cairo Airport, a target time reduction of six minutes per aircraft turnaround could generate an estimated savings of $45 million per year."

Appear Networks' contribution to the Cairo project, in addition to its work with major European rail providers, solidifies its position as a leading software vendor in the transport sector able to fulfil complex requirements for mobile solutions supporting a large number of nomadic workers and short deployment schedules.

About Appear Networks: Appear Networks is a leading provider of wireless communication platforms that enable enterprise mobility solutions. The Appear IQ suite of products transforms standard wireless data networks into multimedia channels to deliver personalized, real-time information, mission-critical video and VoIP communication to mobile workers. In highly demanding, mobile environments, Appear IQ makes technology accessible and intuitive, leveraging existing IT investments to maximize employee productivity and the effectiveness of customer interactions. Appear IQ is used by leaders in the transportation, telecommunication and public sectors, including Dutch Rail (NS), Stockholm Subway (SL), Paris Local Transport Authority (RATP), Connex, France Telecom and the City of Kista, Sweden. Appear Networks partners with IT industry leaders Cisco, ARINC, Capgemini, Intel and Fujitsu Siemens Computers to deliver innovative, end-to-end, integrated wireless solutions. The privately held company is headquartered in Stockholm. For more information, visit www.appearnetworks.com.

About ARINC:

ARINC Incorporated is the world leader in transportation communications and systems engineering. The company develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,200 employees worldwide. ARINC is ISO 9001:2000 certified.

About Cairo International Airport: Under the umbrella of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Egyptian Holding Company for Airports and Air Navigation, and Cairo Airport Company's management team, Cairo International Airport has embarked on major development projects designed to upgrade services and improve passenger services. Achievements to date include the refurbishment of the Terminal 1 building, infrastructural changes to the Terminal 2 building and the construction of the new Terminal 3 building. For more information, visit www.cairo-airport.com.

Press Contact:

Mia Falgard (Europe), +46 8 545 91 370, [email protected]