VistaScape Automated Video Surveillance to Enhance Security at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport.

HOUSTON -- Multi-Sensor Security Management System to Help Secure Airport Perimeter

VistaScape Security Systems announced today that its Automated Wide-Area Surveillance platform will be part of an advanced perimeter security system at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).

Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA), the governing body for McGhee Tyson Airport, chose VistaScape with the goal of improving the airport's security system. McGhee Tyson has supported and promoted growth in aviation security by hosting tests of security components that range from access control biometrics to explosive detection systems.

Comprehensive evaluation of the new system will be conducted by National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies), which will provide the MKAA and the TSA with valuable information about the operational and security effectiveness of the solution. The project is funded by a grant from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

VistaScape's software works with surveillance cameras and other sensors to continually check for intruders and automatically alert guards to prevent security breaches. The software can monitor a variety of security sensors, such as bio, chemical, radar and GPS, with the ability to report abnormal activities and activate local cameras to visually inspect a signaling sensor. Cameras, microwave sensors and access control are among the equipment that McGhee Tyson Airport plans to integrate with VistaScape's software.

"McGhee Tyson is taking a multi-layered approach to perimeter security by using redundant security sensors tied together through software from VistaScape," said Tom Aiken, Director of Public Safety for the MKAA. "A secure perimeter is a core component in any airport's overall security strategy and this project will serve as a model for other airports around the nation."

McGhee Tyson Airport has contracted Safe Skies to perform the independent evaluation of the installed system. "As an independent and objective evaluator of leading-edge airport security solutions, Safe Skies will contribute our findings from the project to the TSA for the benefit of other airports across the nation," said Ken Martin, Senior Test Engineer at Safe Skies.

Despite intense media scrutiny on internal airport security issues, such as baggage and passenger screening, improved perimeter security at airports is also a major goal of the TSA. In a report issued in June 2004, "Further Steps Needed to Strengthen the Security of Commercial Airport Perimeters and Access Controls," the General Accounting Office (GAO) recommended stronger perimeter security efforts at U.S. airports.

About McGhee Tyson Airport

McGhee Tyson Airport is the premier air facility in East Tennessee, serving the commercial airline industry, air cargo, military aviation and general aviation. With parallel 9,000 feet runways, McGhee Tyson Airport can accommodate any size aircraft in today's inventory. Located 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville, the airport occupies more than 2,000 acres of land with space for additional air cargo facilities or economic development. The Airport has several major airlines serving many non-stop destinations throughout the eastern U.S. With more than 120 arrivals and departures each day and more than 4,000 seats available, McGhee Tyson Airport is one of the most convenient and accessible regional airports in the nation.

About National Safe Skies Alliance (Safe Skies)

The National Safe Skies Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation and membership-based organization, with over 80 members of stakeholders and solution providers for the commercial aviation industry. Safe Skies is dedicated to the investigation of new technologies that are applicable to the world of aviation security. In addition to its membership resources, Safe Skies has an internal staff of security and engineering professionals and statisticians who provide operational assessments of security systems and technologies for the United States Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration. To date, Safe Skies has conducted in excess of 80 assessments in over 30 airports.

About VistaScape Security Systems

VistaScape Security Systems is the leading provider of software solutions for Automated Wide-Area Surveillance. VistaScape's product intelligently analyzes data from video and other sensors to automatically detect threats and issue alerts. It delivers a complete view of a secure area, enabling security personnel to visually define and centrally manage an automated security policy. VistaScape's approach improves overall security and substantially lowers operational costs. For more information, visit http://www.vistascape.com.