MCLEAN, Va., May 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spacenet Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILT) and one of the world's leading providers of satellite networking solutions, announced that its high-performance Connexstar satellite communications services have been deployed to support Star Race Cars, the exclusive producer of cars used in the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear. The system was deployed by Spacenet channel partner, Orbital Enterprises, a leading provider of fixed and mobile satellite communications systems.
As the exclusive producer of cars for the Star Mazda Championship, Star Race Cars requires reliable and transportable communications services for its Command Center Trailer to provide critical support on race days to the Star Mazda Series teams. The trailer is used to provide key communications, including data transport between the command center and headquarters in California. It supports administrative and back-office applications, including real-time accounting and billing.
"Having a reliable communications network is critical for us to support the Star Mazda teams at the races," said Star Race Cars IT Director/Timing & Scoring Tony Rodrigues. "Compared to other services we tried, Spacenet's Connexstar service provides a more consistent solution with guaranteed minimum assured network speeds. More importantly, Spacenet's part-time plan enables us to pay only for the service that we need during the few days a month races occur. This provides a more cost-effective solution than alternative full-time options. Spacenet's satellite services, combined with the design and integration expertise of Orbital Enterprises, meet our communications requirements and ultimately help us provide better service to the Star Mazda Racing Series teams."
To meet its high-speed data and voice requirements in its Command Center Trailer, Star Race Cars deployed Spacenet's Connexstar Performance series of satellite services using a transportable auto-acquire antenna, with design and installation support from Orbital Enterprises. The satellite services meet the customer's network requirements, enabling transfer of large data and media files, VPN access, and support for wireless high-speed Internet access that is shared with the Star Mazda Racing Series officials during the races.
"Spacenet is excited to meet Star Race Cars communications requirements by providing a transportable and high-performance satellite solution with part-time services," said Spacenet Vice President of Channels Steven D'Argenio. "As the exclusive producer of cars for the races, the teams depend on Star Race Cars for essential supplies. Spacenet's satellite services and minimum assured network speed guarantees, combined with Orbital Enterprises' design expertise, provide a highly reliable and cost-effective solution that helps Star Race Cars provide improved support to the teams on race day."
About Star Race Cars
Star Race Cars builds 'spec' or 'single formula' open-wheel (Indy-style) race cars for the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, one of the premier open-wheel driver development series in North America. For further information about the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, please visit the series web site at www.StarMazda.com, or contact Communications Director Peter Frey at 818-398-5733 / StarMazdaPR@aol.com.
About Orbital Enterprises
Orbital Enterprises is a leading provider of fixed and mobile satellite communications systems and is committed to providing the very best in remote satellite broadband connectivity. Orbital Enterprises can be contacted at 919-341-3849 or visit www.orbitalenterprises.net.
About Spacenet(r)
Founded in 1981, Spacenet Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of high-performance satellite and hybrid terrestrial networking solutions for US based enterprise, government and small office/small business customers. Spacenet has a longstanding tradition of industry leadership and innovation, and today has more than 100,000 operational network endpoints for customers including many Fortune 500 companies and major government agencies. Spacenet's services include its custom satellite and hybrid network solutions for enterprise and government; Connexstar(tm) VSAT services for primary, backup and disaster recovery networks; and StarBand(r) broadband Internet by satellite. Spacenet is based in McLean, Virginia, and operates its own end-to-end services infrastructure including network management, field services and teleport facilities in McLean, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; and Chicago, Illinois. Spacenet is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq:GILT). Visit Spacenet at www.spacenet.com.
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