[May 20, 2013]

Wireless Mesh Network Innovator, Firetide, Names Cisco Veteran John McCool as CEO

Firetide Inc., the technology leader in next-generation wireless mesh networking, announced the appointment of Cisco veteran John McCool (News - Alert) as president and CEO. McCool comes to Firetide™ from Cisco, where he was CTO and SVP of Cisco's Global Enterprise Segment and led the "borderless networks" initiative, which accounted for one-third of Cisco's (News - Alert) $46 billion sales in fiscal 2012.

John McCool joins Firetide (News - Alert) as CEO. He brings deep technology expertise and proven ability to scale a global network business. (Photo: Business Wire)

In addition to his deep technical knowledge, McCool brings expertise in leadership and channel sales, acquired during 17 years of successfully developing new networking businesses for Cisco. He joins Firetide just as the company is experiencing exploding demand for its advanced wireless networking technology, which can be used in applications ranging from video surveillance to the emerging sensor-based networks known as the "Internet of Things."

Before joining Cisco, McCool led product evelopment teams at SynOptics, NeXT Computer and Advanced Micro Devices (News - Alert). He has been active in creating industry standards, playing a key role in the development of 10/100BASE-T and FDDI technologies, and holds five patents in the field.

"The demand to connect advanced sensors, control equipment and video to the Internet in industrial environments is surging," said John McCool, CEO of Firetide. "This represents a rare opportunity for any company that can lead in delivering next-generation mesh networks that provide high-bandwidth and low-latency connectivity to both fixed and mobile assets. I think Firetide is that company."

"John understands how to build and scale a global business, and he brings a dynamic blend of management experience and technology depth. We are delighted to have John lead Firetide as we enter this period of expanding market opportunity and business growth," said Andy Ludwick, a Firetide board member.

McCool will join the Firetide board of directors, which includes H. DuBose Montgomery, founder of Menlo Ventures; Duane Zitzner, former EVP of the Personal Systems Group at Hewlett Packard; Andy Ludwick, co-founder of SynOptics and former CEO of Bay Networks; Bo Hedfords, former EVP of Motorola (News - Alert) and president of its global wireless infrastructure business; and Christopher Smith, director with Coral Group, a venture investment group.

Firetide targets high-growth government, commercial and industrial applications

Wireless mesh network infrastructure supports video surveillance, mobility, wireless backhaul offload and process automation for applications such as public safety, transportation and smart grid. Unique to Firetide's solution is its patented AutoMesh^™ technology, which enables businesses, governments and industrial customers to view live, high-bandwidth video feeds reliably, securely and with low latency.

Firetide, headquartered in Los Gatos, California, has more than 10,000 customers in 40 countries around the globe, including Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit, the City of Chicago and the world's longest wireless mesh network at the Thailand Royal Irrigation Department. Last month, the Atlanta Police Department deployed a Firetide wireless mesh video surveillance network to help control vehicle traffic and protect more than 500,000 fans during the 2013 NCAA Final Four basketball tournaments.

About Firetide Inc.

Firetide is the leading provider of next-generation wireless mesh networks for municipal, public safety, government, transportation and industrial customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.firetide.com or follow Firetide at @firetide.

Firetide and AutoMesh are trademarks of Firetide Inc. All other company and product names are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130520005455/en/

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