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OSI introduces software development kit for COP-IDS™
Vancouver, Canada -- Offshore Systems International Ltd. (TSX: OSI / OTCBB: OFSYF) announced today that its new OSI Applications unit has begun to deliver developer tool kits and support for its COP-IDS™ server platform that extends the capabilities of third-party application developers and increases the availability of additional products for potential COP-IDS™ customers.
"We believe that this strategy will create long-term partnerships with developers who identify niche opportunities within the situational awareness market," said John Jacobson, President and CEO of OSI.
Initially, the OSI Applications unit will introduce the COP-IDS developers kit to defense contractors and research and development groups within existing Command and Control programs.
What is COP-IDS™?
COP-IDS™ was launched in March 2003. It is a client-server application that allows customers to rapidly and cost effectively integrate OSI's mapping and imagery display technology into existing command and control systems.
COP-IDS™ stands for Common Operational Picture - Image Display Server, and it is designed to meet the emerging requirements for the display of ever increasing formats of geographical data and images. Existing command and control systems have limited abilities to display mapping information, and many simply display colored symbols on top of a black background. COP-IDS™ enables these systems to overlay these symbols on top of any combination of land maps, nautical charts, or a satellite imagery and display the situation precisely and accurately on a single monitor.
A commander in a field command post or on the bridge of a ship sees the terrain and the tactical picture combined and is able to grasp all aspects of the situation - the terrain, the location of forces, other friendly forces, movements of enemy forces and other critical information - in one combined view. COP-IDS™ also allows customers to share data across command and control systems, answering the growing requirement for inter-operability among allies and land-based, marine or air forces.
We believe that COP-IDS™ is a powerful enhancement to existing systems, and a solid foundation component for new systems.
OSI estimates that the major naval defense community will spend approximately US$2.5 billion during the next fifteen years on procurements which improve situational awareness for command and control systems. Given the early stage of the product's entry into this market, much uncertainty exists at this time in terms of which individual customers and which particular improvements COP-IDS™ can most readily address. However, OSI is optimistic about the future success of COP-IDS™ considering its broader application, beyond this US$2.5 billion opportunity with naval customers, to land-based and air forces.
Applications Business Unit Update
OSI previously announced five sales of COP-IDS™ to established customers and partners, and the OSI Applications unit is now initiating the roll-out of the product to the broader command and control market.
The OSI Applications unit is led by Andrew Carniel, Vice President of Business Development for OSI. His leadership of the Navigation Systems unit established OSI as a leading supplier of military navigation systems. He will now focus upon expanding OSI's existing Navy relationships into the broader and larger global command and control marketplace for all forces - land-based, air and marine.
"We have great expectations for both COP-IDS™ and the OSI Applications unit in general. The team will be focused on leveraging our strong market position and reputation for excellence in the management and display of geographical data", said Mr. Carniel. "In support of this initiative, we are building a new team strictly focused on the requirements of the command and control market."
During the past few weeks, additions to the OSI Applications team include a Director of Sales, a Canadian Area Sales Manager and a Technical Manager - who collectively bring more than 45 years of business and product development within client-server applications and military sales.
About Offshore Systems International Limited
Offshore Systems International Ltd. (OSI) provides precise electronic display systems and geo-spatial data for situational awareness. Founded in 1977, OSI maintains a position of technological leadership in its field, a record appreciated by military, government, and commercial customers around the world. OSI conducts its operations through two business units: Offshore Systems Ltd. provides systems for the dynamic display of geo-spatial data for mission-critical operations such as fleet navigation; and OSI Geomatics which provides analysis, production, and distribution of geo-spatial data for electronic display. OSI is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:OSI) and in the United States of America on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB:OFSYF).
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains discussion of items that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws including Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21e of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to achieving corporate objectives, developing additional project interests, OSI's analysis of opportunities in the acquisition and development of various project interests and other matters. These statements are made under the 'safe harbour' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from the results implied herein. Although Offshore Systems International believes the expectations reflected in such forward-look statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include the effects of general economic conditions, changing foreign exchange rates, actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with contract negotiations, industry supply.
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Jane Hayward
Investor Relations |
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