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Oskando To Introduce GPS-Based Personal Security Device, Accurate Location Data Provided With Fastrax GPS Technology


Oskando To Utilize Small Footprint, Low Power Drain Fastrax GPS Receivers, One-Touch Connectivity And Panic Strap To Enhance Safety In Security And Emergency Services

Helsinki, Finland - June 23, 2003 - Fastrax Ltd., a developer of industry-leading GPS receivers for optimal utilization of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and OÜ Oskando, a designer and producer of GSM-based telematics devices, today introduced a new Personal Security Device (PSD). Based on Fastrax GPS technology combined with a GSM modem, the device will be produced and marketed by Oskando starting in Fall 2003.

The Oskando PSD is built in two modules; a GSM communications module designed to fit in a breast pocket of an employee, e.g. a security guard; and a stamp-size GPS receiver and patch antenna module designed for shoulder attachment. The device works both as an easy-to-operate communications system with one-touch SMS or voice connection to the control center, and as a safety-enhancing emergency alert system.

The PSD enables a security or emergency service control center to keep track of their personnel on the field, utilizing accurate positioning information provided by the high-performance Fastrax GPS receiver. The data is transmitted to the control center via the GSM modem either continuously, in desired intervals, or at request by pushing the one-touch connectivity button. The button may be configured to send SMS messages or to open a regular GSM voice connection.

As an additional safety enhancement, the Oskando PSD module features a panic strap, designed to give an instant emergency alarm to the control center along with the exact location of the person in danger. Pulling off the panic strap both delivers an instant SMS message and opens a voice connection to the control center to allow audio monitoring. The panic strap provides a quick and easy way to give an alert, while full attention may be placed to the situation at hand.

The positioning information for the Oskando PSD device is provided with a Fastrax iTrax02/8 GPS receiver, the lowest power consuming 12-channel GPS receiver on the market. The receiver enables continuous tracking down to very low signal levels, with support for assisted GPS (A-GPS) for demanding urban tracking.

Designed for demanding conditions, Fastrax GPS technology offers industry-leading performance and reliability along with fast time to first fix (TTFF). The low power drain enables an extremely long operating time, a crucial factor in a battery-operated device used in security and emergency services.

"The Oskando PSD is an innovative example of the wide variety of applications enabled by modern, high performance, small size and low power consuming GPS technology. We are glad to cooperate with Oskando in developing devices to enhance the efficiency and safety of personnel with demanding tasks and responsibilities in security and emergency services", said Kim Kaisti, VP Business Development, Fastrax Ltd.

Fastrax's product family of iTrax02 Series 12-channel GPS receivers offers key benefits in performance, size, power consumption and versatility. The iTrax02 Series modules with iSuite navigation firmware enable the implementation of position-aware features into practically any appliance. The modules are ideally suited for both industrial tracking systems and small battery-operated products like mobile phones, asset tracking devices, handheld computers and sports accessories.

Oskando PSD modules are commercially available in Fall 2003 through OÜ Oskando and its network of partners and distributors. Fastrax GPS receivers are globally available via a network of qualified distributors. More information on Fastrax distributors is available at www.fastrax.fi/distrib/kartta.html.

Fastrax contact:
Mr. Kim Kaisti, VP Business Development, tel. +358 400 107 186, kim.kaisti@fastrax.fi
Oskando contact:
Andrus Aaslaid, Managing Director, tel. +372 6737 310, andrus.aaslaid@oskando.ee
Fastrax agency contact:
Netprofile Finland, Mr. Juha Rantanen, tel. +358 40 572 4674, juha@netprofile.fi

About Fastrax Ltd

Fastrax develops industry-leading products for optimal utilization of GNSS location services (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). The most well known of these services is GPS (Global Positioning System). Fastrax transforms GPS technologies into highly scalable solutions with open interfaces, combined with ultra low power consumption and miniature hardware design. With industry-leading performance, Fastrax GPS receivers navigate continuously even in extreme conditions. Receivers are ideally suited in both industrial location applications and high-volume consumer products such as cell phones and sports accessories. Headquartered in Finland and founded in 1999, the company is privately owned and backed by leading venture capital investors CapMan, Eqvitec, Startupfactory and Innocap, with a strategic investment by Suunto Corporation, a subsidiary of Amer Group, a leading global supplier of sporting goods equipment.

About OÜ Oskando

Oskando is a designer and producer of GSM-based telematics devices and m-commerce solutions founded in 1997 and based in Tallinn, Estonia. In November 2002, the company was awarded the ISO 9001:2000 quality certificate. Oskando has participated in developing a mobile parking system and designed GSM-based mobile controllers for a wide range of electric devices including vending machines, cars and gates. Oskando is an Ericsson Associated Partner in Estonia.

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide satellite navigation infrastructure funded and controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense, originally developed for U.S. military purposes. GPS provides satellite signals that enable GPS receivers to calculate their exact position and velocity. The GPS infrastructure has three segments. The space segment consists of 24 satellites that orbit the earth every 12 hours. The control segment consists of tracking stations located around the world, with the master control station located at Falcon Air Force Base in Colorado. The user segment consists of GPS receivers and users utilizing the information provided by the system. GPS is widely used in e.g. marine navigation.



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