August 5, 2002 - Florida Today

Seven Brevard County technology companies have been named to Deloitte & Touche's Fast 50 list in recognition of their sales growth during the last five years.

The technology companies chosen came from what's commonly referred to as Central Florida's High-Tech Corridor, which is an area encompassing a 21-county area that roughly stretches from Flagler and Levy counties in the north, to Brevard and Sarasota counties in the south. Last year, six local companies made the list, which "really is to recognize the talent and the innovative ideas that are coming out of the technology companies right there," said LaKeidra Veal, a Deloitte & Touche spokeswoman.

Among those named this year were AirNet Communications Corp., EMX Inc., Identitech Inc., ImageLinks Inc., IntelliNet Technologies Inc., Synergon Solutions Inc. and V-Systems Inc.

To be eligible for the award, these companies had to be in business at least five years and have 1997 revenues of at least $50,000 and 2001 revenues of at least $1 million. They also were require to have developed proprietary technology, manufacture a technology product or devoted substantial efforts to technology research and design.

One standout on the list is Melbourne's AirNet, which has struggled, along with many telecommunications companies during the last two years. The company cut 150 local jobs last year as sales tumbled 58 percent to $14.54 million amid a slowing economy and downturn in the telecommunications industry.

However, over a five-year period, sales have risen 809 percent, the company said. AirNet also completed an initial public offering of stock during that time.

"We've definitely grown over the last five years," said Stuart Dawley, head of investor relations for AirNet.

This is the company's third time on the list. Deloitte & Touch also is AirNet's auditor.

Melbourne-based Synergon also was named to the list once before. The company provides help-desk services for makers of personal computers and servers, as well as organizations such as the military and hospitals. Since it was founded by three former Dictaphone managers in 1994, Synergon's employment has grown to about 50 workers.

Synergon President and Chief Executive Gary Bradley, said making the list provides local and national exposure. Bradley said the company remains mindful of the need to provide good customer service, despite posting sales growth of 77 percent since 1997.

"We're not trying to create explosive growth, but rather, continued growth," he said. "If you grow too fast, it affects your ability to perform," which, in turn, hurts service.

Debuting on the list for the first time was V-Systems of Satellite Beach. The company, which provides hardware and software engineering services, said sales soared 847 percent between 1997 and the end of 2001. Both V-Systems and Synergon are privately owned companies that do not reveal specific sales or profit figures.

V-Systems President Ken Vilardebo said he started the company in 1990 with the vision of creating an employee-friendly environment in which engineers could flourish.

"I wanted to create a top-notch engineering-services organization with a fast reaction capability," he said. "And I wanted to create a place where customers could do business with trust and the knowledge that their requirements would be met."

V-Systems' local employment has grown from two people in 1997 to 15 today. The company also has five employees in the Washington, D.C., area.

"Now that V-Systems has been named to the Deloitte & Touche Fast 50 in the High Technology Corridor, I can see that my hopes are becoming reality," Vilardebo said.

Companies on Deloitte & Touche's Central Florida Fast 50 are automatically entered into the running for the company's Technology Fast 500, which is a list of the 500 fastest-growing technology companies in North America. That list will be released Oct. 16.

Other local companies that have been included on the Central Florida Fast 50 in prior years include Exigent International Inc. and Paravant Inc.

In addition to AirNet and Synergon, Identitech, ImageLinks and IntelliNet were named to the list in prior years.

February 2002

Mr. De La Nuez brings 20 years of experience in the Aerospace, Defense and Aviation Industry. Mr. De La Nuez has been directly involved with design and manufacture for components for the Tomahawk Cruise Missile, C-17, F-16 Fighting Falcon, AH-64 Apache, MD80, MD11, and the F-14 Tomcat.

President Ken Vilardebo states, "We are very proud that Sal is aboard. His experience will directly influence the quality of our pod based reconaissance systems, fighter aircraft cockpit display technology, and FAA certified products".

V_Systems, a Florida 100 company, provides hardware, software and systems engineering services to the government, aerospace, telecommunications and information technology customers. For more information please visit www.vsystemsinc.com or call 877-251-6967.

December 17, 2001

Ken Vilardebo, President of V_Systems, said, "This is truly an honor. V_Systems has worked throughout the year to continue a responsible level of growth. 2001 was our best year ever, and we are looking forward to the challenges of 2002."

V_Systems, Inc. provides hardware, software and systems engineering services to the government, aerospace, telecommunications and information technology customers.

November 2001

October 2001

V_Systems, an engineering services company, was awarded two awards for positive economic impact in Brevard County in the information technology category. Company President Ken Vilardebo states, "It is truly an honor, to be recognized by the EDC."

With over 300 people in attendance, this was one of the largest attendances ever for this banquet.

August 2001 - Brevard Technical Journal

Steve has over 20 years of complex systems experience in Engineering Management, Project Management and Product Management overseeing the efforts of both internal engineering resources and third party development partners. He has experience with small companies, larger companies, startups and turnarounds. Steve is experienced in all facets of the product life cycle from market requirements definition through product introduction and ongoing support with product development based on formalized methodology that emphasizes quality and time to market. Prior to V_Systems, he held several positions as Director and Vice President of Engineering. Steve has a BS of Mathematics from Oklahoma State University.

This addition to our staff is consistent with V_Systems ongoing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Ken Vilardebo, President of V_Systems, Inc., states: "I am very enthusiastic about having Steve onboard. His leadership and capabilities are not only directly applicable to our current needs but will allow us to continue to enhance our product development and corporate growth."

July 30, 2001

Groome brings more than 15 years system engineering and program management experience. His most recent position was Program Manager, Advanced Business Development Group of Agilent Technologies, Inc. Wireless Network Services Organization in Melbourne. He is also an adjunct professor at Florida Tech and works closely with the University's Wireless Center of Excellence.

Mr. Groome's career in telecommunications began as an RF Engineer with TEC Cellular, Inc. in Melbourne. He has designed, built, and optimized macrocellular and microcellular wireless telecommunications networks. His experience also includes organizational consulting, technical training, software development, and system specifications.

"My focus at V_Systems will be to work the high tech companies in the local community by providing quick and cost effective solutions to technical related business critical problems in the areas of telecommunications, wireless, and information technologies," states Groome.

Ken Vilardebo, President of V_Systems, Inc., states: "We are very pleased to have Andy aboard. He brings an additive capability that will enable V_Systems to become a major provider of engineering services to the Telecommunications market."

July 2001

The three-day advanced course instruction about how to market, bid, perform and close contracts with NASA is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of business principles and the NASA acquisition environment. The major focus includes marketing strategies, financial management, control techniques, proposal content and proposal format.

NASA conducts the training to recruit diverse, efficient, and knowledgeable small and disadvantaged businesses and minority-oriented universities and institutions into contract bidding, because it has determined that its mission can be performed better, faster, and more economically only through maximum utilization of those entities.

June 2001

Ken Vilardebo, President of V_Systems, Inc., states: "We are very pleased with the terms of the IDIQ contract with Logicon/TASC supporting a valued Air Force Space Command customer. It is a tangible vote of confidence in V_Systems support capabilities and our ability to meet our customers needs. It is also an endorsement of two of our most valuable and customers."

April 2001 - Brevard Technical Journal

V_Systems, Inc., a systems and software engineering company located in Satellite Beach, has hired former Air Force Captain Jerry Afflerback to become their new Director of Business Development. Afflerback, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, spent 12 years as an officer in the Air Force and has ties to the local area. He plans to grow the company by bringing in business from Patrick Air Force Base and NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

V_Systems, Inc., made famous by their embedded software development work for the aerospace and telecommunications industry, is currently working on the International Space Station and developing an advanced all digital reconnaissance system for the military.