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Motorola Recognizes State of Arkansas as NASCIO 2008 Recognition Awards Finalist


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The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) named Arkansas’ Wireless Information Network for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology in State Government

SCHAUMBURG, IL – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today recognized the State of Arkansas as a leader and innovator in information technology. Each year NASCIO honors outstanding information technology achievements in the public sector. The Arkansas Wireless Information Network (AWIN) has been named a finalist in the Information Communications Technology Innovations category, which covers initiatives or services to promote economic development, interoperability and improve quality of life.

“When we began this project, our goal was to ensure that every Arkansan, whether they lived in the most economically challenged areas of our Delta or the most populated areas in northwest Arkansas, has the capability to call 911 and our first responders will respond to them,” said Claire Bailey, chief technology officer for the State of Arkansas and director, Arkansas Department of Information Systems. “And, as they respond, our AWIN communications works without fail.”

Prior to the implementation of AWIN, public safety personnel across the state responded to emergencies isolated from other agencies. With each individual agency communicating on separate radio systems, a coordinated emergency response was not only delayed, but limited. The multi-phased AWIN program leveraged new and existing wireless resources to create a statewide, interoperable, wireless communication system for first responders and public service entities. AWIN is a multiple site, trunked communication system based on a digital 700/800 MHz system using the industry standard Association of Public Safety Communication Officials (APCO) Project 25 (P25).

“AWIN allows agencies more efficient responses to emergency situations in the State of Arkansas,” said Debora Courtright, Motorola vice president, North America Government and Commercial Markets. “Motorola applauds Arkansas’ interoperability efforts and implementation of AWIN, an innovative solution to a complex problem.”

The interoperable solution is a standards-based 700/800 MHz Motorola ASTRO25® IP network consisting of two Master Sites, 72 RF Sites, 22 console locations, and three High Performance Data (HPD) locations, providing statewide interoperable communication and integrated voice and data capabilities to 13,000 police, fire, EMS, sheriff’s police and other first responders throughout the state.

The AWIN return on investment is measured through the increased communication coverage for emergency responders’ throughout the state and by lives saved because of increased communications among agencies. AWIN directly aligns with the Governor of Arkansas’ priorities for public safety.

During Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe’s January 2007 State of the State Address he said, “Because the well-being of our future must be protected against large scale natural and manmade disasters, we will work to connect all our communities in times of emergency. We need to facilitate funding to support full-time local emergency management functions for local governments that have not otherwise had the resources to do so.”

Through AWIN’s connection of all communities, the State of Arkansas is working to protect the citizens in a coordinated manner, prior to, during, and in the aftermath of a large scale disaster.

Other NASCIO Information Communications Technology Innovations finalists include the State of California for its Telecommunications Infrastructure Replacement Project and the State of Michigan for its MI Drive Web Site Project. The award will be formally announced at the NASCIO Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 23, 2008.

About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.

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MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved.



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