Monday, March 23, 2009

Motorola handheld mobile computer is first to enter ActiveMine(TM) partner certification program

TORONTO, Mar 23, 2009 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX News Network) -- 

 Industry-leading MC9090 handheld mobile computer combined with Snively software provides real-time information to mobile mine managers

Active Control Technology Inc. (TSX-V:ACT) today announced that Motorola's rugged MC9090 handheld mobile computer has become the first product to enter the new partner certification program for ActiveMine(TM), the premier wireless voice communications and locating system for mines. 

The industry-leading MC9090 handheld mobile computer, combined with an innovative new software application from ACT vendor partner, Snively Inc., will enhance the operational and safety benefits available with ActiveMine. The MC9090 enables the reading and transmission of data from mining equipment via a bar code and future RFID integration. In addition, the MC9090 provides real-time access to voice and text communications for improved productivity and streamlined operations. Built to withstand extreme environments and loaded with Snively software, it will be distributed exclusively through a partnership with Snively. 

The software application, called Safety Tracker, was designed by Snively to meet the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) compliancy and reporting requirements. By putting more information in the hands of mine managers, the MC9090 aids in trouble-shooting, decision-making and preventing unsafe equipment from entering mines. Safety Tracker runs on Active Mine's wireless mesh Wi-Fi network to provide real-time data about equipment via the network. In addition, the MC9090 can be used to control other devices that operate on the ActiveMine network optimizing their performance. 

"This new offering will help ActiveMine customers to get more out of their mine," said Steve Barrett, President and CEO, Active Control. "Mine managers will gain access to real-time information about key assets, allowing them to maximize output and minimize downtime." 

Active Control's field testing of the MC9090 is underway now. This ruggedly constructed mobile computer from Motorola has already received Europe's ATEX intrinsically safe (IS) standards approval, and is expected to receive MSHA certification by April, 2009. 

Under ACT's new certification program, products and applications to be used with ActiveMine undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are compatible with the system. The program will expand the number of products and applications available for use with ActiveMine, and will drive incremental revenues for Active Control through sales and services generated by new certified offerings. 

About ActiveMine 

The ActiveMine communications, data and tracking system enables monitoring of production, personnel and equipment in all types of surface and underground mining environments, including coal and hard rock mines. ActiveMine is positioned to bring to mining what the Internet brought to the world. The system is designed to: 

  - Provide the world's first standards-based wireless Wi-Fi + IP network for the underground mining industry with a 54Mb wireless backhaul.
  - Provide full duplex, clear voice communications and tracking as   required by law in US underground coal mines.
  - Provide ample bandwidth to move existing legacy applications onto a   single standards-based network, eliminating multiple proprietary   networks.
  - Enable the deployment of an unprecedented array of new IP-based   applications in mines - applications that are not possible with   proprietary and antiquated wired networks.
  - Enable the deployment of any Wi-Fi device in mines, thereby driving the   availability of new devices, controlling costs, and freeing mine operators from being locked into proprietary technology.
 


About Motorola 

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to high-definition video and mobile devices, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $30.1 billion in 2008.

About Snively 

Mentor, Ohio-based Snively Inc. was founded in 1990 as an application development firm. Today, the company's primary industry focus is manufacturing/distribution with a strong focus on WMS systems bar-coding, RFID and automation implementations. For the mining industry, Snively has developed Safety Tracker, a custom software application that meets MSHA compliancy and reporting requirements. Safety Tracker can be used to track and inspect high value and safety-related mine equipment, and other inventory.

About Active Control Technology 

ACT designs and markets wireless network control and communication systems for buildings and mining. Located in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, the company trades publicly on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ACT. 

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