User:Jbuczek/Telematics International

Telematics International was a computer vendor that specialized in data communications systems. The company was founded in March of 1982 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida by executives and some of the founders of MODCOMP (Modular Computer Systems, Inc.). Telematics announced its IPO in March of 1987 and was eventually acquired by ECI Telecom, Ltd. in 1993.

History
During his employment with MODCOMP, company CEO, John Pitt, had experienced the France Telecom MiniTel system in Paris and sought to develop computer systems that would make replicating the MiniTel Videotex server systems possible and cost effective. This became the initial product goal of the company.

After building initial prototype systems and showing them at the 1982 Interop trade show, sales did not justify continuing the development of Videotex servers. The company then adopted a short term and long term product direction. The short term direction was to build serial terminal front-end computers for DEC VAX interactive systems. The long term direction was to develop X.25 packet network software.

The VAX front-end product was adopted by the London Stock Exchange in 1986 to enable it to complete trades via computer. The X.25 product was deployed in Europe and the United States. United Press International used Telematics' X.25 networks to distribute news stories, and some bank ATMs in New York City were using Telematics systems by 1987.

The company went on to develop SONET capabilities and was eventually acquired by ECI Telecom of Israel.