Tele Atlas and FiRST Responder Systems & Technology Announce Joint Effort to Promote Navigation Systems for the Nation's Public Safety Agencies.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

BATON ROUGE, La. & MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 26, 2004

Tele Atlas (www.na.teleatlas.com) and FiRST Responder Systems & Technology (FiRST) (www.FiRSTrst.com) today announced a joint strategic initiative to deliver navigation, mapping and data sharing products to the public safety agencies in the United States. In addition, the companies will host educational seminars at key national and regional events to assist first responder agencies in their research and understanding of how geographic information and data sharing systems for their operations can directly improve response times and ultimately assist in saving lives.

This unique solution combines mapping and information required at the scene by emergency personnel. The mapping component will allow precise location and directions to emergencies, and other map-based information (such as addresses, overpasses/underpasses and water features) can support such applications as evacuation planning and emergency notifications. The solution is also designed to interface easily with any Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and does not require replacement of existing CAD systems.

"FiRST sought out Tele Atlas as a partner during the development of our in-the-line-of-duty software products. We selected Tele Atlas products for both their exceptional quality and commitment to the first responder community," said Jeffrey A. Bean, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As our relationship with Tele Atlas grew, it became clear to both companies that not only was there a tremendous need for these products within the public safety agencies, but there was also a need to clarify and convey to the agencies how this powerful technology can be easily incorporated into day-to-day operations."

Bean added, "Tele Atlas and FiRST are partnering to deliver on our combined commitment to be here for the long haul for our nation's first responders. We are proud to work with our country's first responders as we build the technology tools that they need today to make every neighborhood in our country a little safer."

"By working together, Tele Atlas and FiRST are able to deliver a solution to aid emergency personnel in responding quickly and effectively to emergency situations," said Joseph J. Berry, Vice President of Geographic Information Systems and Location-Based Services for Tele Atlas in North America. "These joint efforts allow both of our companies to leverage our expertise to positively impact the crucial, important roles first responders play in our communities."

About Tele Atlas

Founded in 1984, Tele Atlas is a worldwide leading provider of digital maps and dynamic location content for a variety of navigation, location-based services and geospatial products and database solutions. Tele Atlas' database is a highly accurate reproduction of today's street network, enabling turn-by-turn route guidance on a high percentage of European, U.S. and Canadian roads. Tele Atlas' compatibility with major navigation systems and its open system design have placed the company's technology at the heart of both consumer and business-to-business applications worldwide. From logistics to marketing to traffic and fleet management, in almost every sector of today's business and consumer world, Tele Atlas has built a reputation as an acknowledged pioneer and leader in the digital map industry. For more information, please visit www.na.teleatlas.com (in North America) or www.teleatlas.com (in Europe).

About FiRST Responder Systems & Technology

FiRST Responder Systems & Technology, LLC of Baton Rouge, Louisiana is privately held and has two nationally released products. FiRST's flagship product, RespondWare(TM), is an in-the-line-of-duty navigation and data sharing system designed for all emergency response vehicles with mission critical geo-located data such as hydrant status, chemical information, facility planning, street management and more. FiRST's other product, HazGuide(TM) allows responders to search for hazardous materials not only by chemical name but also by UN number, CAS number, DOT placard or NFPA placard. Now with greater speed and efficiency responders can identify chemical reactions, review NIOSH respirator recommendations, quickly access procedures and recommendations for chemical classes and determine chemical properties such as: IDLH, flash point, boiling point and lower explosion limits. FiRST has its offices within the Louisiana Business and Technology Center on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge, LA.