Washington, DC Chooses OPTIMUS Corporation to Implement New Mobile Ambulatory Reporting System

Michaels(TM) Fire and EMS to Strengthen Wireless Emergency Communications Network

SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 21, 2002 -- OPTIMUS Corporation, a leader in public safety technology, today announced that it has been awarded a contract by Washington, DC to implement Michaels Fire and EMS - a comprehensive mobile communications system for emergency personnel. Michaels provides wireless, uniform access to critical assessment, triage and reporting data needed to effectively mitigate and respond to emergency situations - helping to break down communication and coordination barriers.

A fully mobile system, Michaels will enable Washington, DC emergency management system (EMS) professionals to convey data directly from the first point of patient contact to emergency room staff, administrators and other city agencies - and determine real-time responses.

"Michaels Fire and EMS significantly strengthens the city's emergency management system, empowering our first responders with the ability to communicate critical data more quickly and effectively," stated Washington, DC Medical Director, Dr. Fernando Daniels, III. "We consider OPTIMUS Corporation a key partner for the city."

"We are honored to be working with our Nation's Capital to support the mission to create a more open and efficient emergency network system," stated Eric Adolphe, President and CEO of OPTIMUS Corporation. "We commend Washington, DC for its ongoing vision and commitment to public safety."

Michaels Fire and EMS, named for the Patron Saint of fire and EMS, increases the productivity of emergency workers by speeding up the entire data entry and analysis process. First responders can easily input critical medical data from the field and collaborate with emergency room staff and other medical personnel via video and wireless units. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), the Michaels command center software enables the Fire & EMS field supervisory staff to view and track the locations of all ambulances and fire apparatus immediately, and quickly deploy the most appropriate equipment in a state of emergency.

In addition, with Michaels, Washington, DC will now have real-time visibility of their vehicles and assets, which will enable them to make more efficient and strategic dispatch decisions. The system also will provide the city with immediate hazardous material (hazmat) data to better protect emergency workers and citizens.

Developed in conjunction with and fully tested by emergency professionals, Michaels is one of the only EMS products on the market that is certified under the National Security Agency (NSA) Security Proof of Concept Keystone (SPOCK) program - meeting the highest level of government security standards. This certification also ensures compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Michaels Fire and EMS is part of a comprehensive suite of innovative, customer-driven public safety technology products delivered by OPTIMUS that enable governments to enhance citizen safety and break down communication barriers. With these products, personnel can easily use handhelds, wireless laptops, and other mobile technologies to make critical decisions more effectively.

And, with the integration of Geospatial Information System (GIS) - based data display and reporting tools, mobile field personnel, citizens, and city and agency managers can collaborate and communicate with significantly increased levels of efficiency. OPTIMUS products are highly secure, user-friendly, and based on open computing and databasing standards. For a complete list of public safety products, visit www.optimuscorp.com.

About OPTIMUS Corporation

OPTIMUS Corporation enhances public safety and quality of life through innovative, customer-driven solutions that increase efficiencies while reducing transaction costs. Since 1992, OPTIMUS has been helping to ensure public safety in such critical environments as the U.S. Coast Guard, District of Columbia, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NASA, and others. For more information, visit www.optimuscorp.com.

    --30--DM/ph*

    CONTACT: OPTIMUS Corporation
             by
             D. Larkin & Associates 
             Kimberly Larkin, 703/250-3590
             klarkin@dlarkin.com