RuggedCom to Acquire Substation Automation Business of Bow Networks,
Announces Information Backbone for the Smart Grid Vision

CONCORD, ON, Oct 4 /CNW/ - RuggedCom, a leading designer and manufacturer of rugged communications networking solutions for mission critical applications in harsh environments, today announced it has agreed to purchase the substation automation business of Bow Networks Inc. Bow Networks is a leader in the development of substation automation and security software solutions which are used to securely retrieve, present and analyze information from intelligent electronic devices, allowing utilities to make decisions that facilitate the restoration of power and increase utilization of critical assets and infrastructure. When integrated with RuggedCom's portfolio of utility grade communications platforms, the combined offering provides a comprehensive Information Backbone for use in Smart Grid applications.

Bow Networks has developed software based solutions for the substation and distribution automation sectors for almost 25 years. Bow's eLAN^™ offering for substation integration was one of the first to address the need for managing non-operational data, while its CrossBow^™ security software was a front runner in the delivery of NERC compliance solutions for remote access. The Bow team is comprised of a number of industry veterans and experienced developers and engineers.

"As a leader and pioneer in Smart Grid communications we are always looking for ways to expand our Smart Grid offering in a way which builds upon the strong communications foundation we've already established in the substation," explains Marzio Pozzuoli, President and CEO of RuggedCom. "With the acquisition of key personnel and technologies from Bow Networks, we are now adding the ability to manage data, perform analysis and deliver critical information securely from end-to-end to whoever needs it. This in essence now allows us to provide an 'Information Backbone' for Smart Grid applications."

The Bow Networks product offering consists of a range of substation automation and security software that will be delivered on substation hardened computing and communications platforms as well as enterprise servers. Solutions extend from basic protocol conversion between various IED vendors to secure corporate-wide IED access and data management applications targeting critical asset management and maintenance.

"We are enthusiastic about becoming part of the RuggedCom family," said Jeff Gill, President & CEO of Bow Networks and now Vice President of the newly formed RuggedSolutions™ division of RuggedCom. "The combination of our solutions for substation data management and security, with the product platforms from the market leader in Smart Grid communications technologies, will give utilities an integrated offering that is unmatched in the industry."

Deal Highlights:

• Purchase Price: $2.1 million (CAD) cash for the selected assets and intellectual property of Bow Networks.
• Employment offers have been made to 10 Bow Networks employees, who will form the core of the new RuggedSolutions™ division of RuggedCom
• Financial impact: expected to be accretive

The transaction is subject to typical closing conditions and is expected to close in 30 days.

For more information about RuggedSolutions™ please visit www.RuggedCom.com.

About Bow Networks:

Bow Networks was founded in 1986 to provide real-time computing expertise to utilities and electric industry vendors. For more than 24 years, the Company has established its reputation as a leader in applying sophisticated network-based solutions and user applications, expert knowledge of protocol translation, security, enterprise networks, LAN/WAN technology, and communications media. Bow Networks is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

About RuggedCom Inc.:

RuggedCom is a leading provider of rugged communications networking solutions designed for mission-critical applications in harsh environments. RuggedCom's pioneering leadership in developing technologies and products for the electric power industry delivered the world's first IEC 61850-3 compliant Ethernet switch suitable for electric utility substation environments, the world's first IEEE 1613 Class 2 error free communication devices, the world's fastest network fault recovery and the world's first fully managed IP67 rated Ethernet switch. RuggedCom's technology solutions include Ethernet switches, network routers, wireless devices, serial servers, media converters, software and professional services. RuggedCom's products are expressly designed for use in challenging environments such as those found in electrical power substations and "Smart Grids".

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