San Diego, CA — July 8, 2002 – The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and BusinessWeek today distinguished Z Microsystems and Vladymir Rogov - and with a 2002 Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA). Each year, the IDEA honors companies and individuals from around the world in diverse categories including medical, transportation, furniture, new media design, environmental, and computer equipment. The IDEA seeks to foster business and public understanding about the impact of industrial design excellence on the quality of life, and the economy. A jury of independent peers comprises the panel that evaluates each entry. The IDEA is regarded as the pinnacle achievement for product design.

Z Microsystems received a Bronze in the Computer Equipment Category for the design of their Command Console, a “Field-Ready” liquid crystal display (LCD), desk, and storage system built for the military. This year, a total of 1,265 entries were evaluated, and of the 174 winners, Z Microsystems was the only defense supplier named.

“We are extremely grateful to the jury for recognizing Z Microsystems’ mission, and feel this award underscores our commitment to today’s peacekeepers,” said Jack Wade, President of Z Microsystems. “We are dedicated to providing field-ready computing solutions that meet the rigid requirements of mission-critical applications. Providing rugged solutions that factor technology and the human interface on the battlefield, a venue where destruction reigns, truly is a unique and challenging proposition.”

The ultra slim Command Console fits in 19" RETMA racks and transit cases. It is 22" deep and takes up only 3.5" (2U) in height. Dual locks hold the Command Console firmly in the storage position, and quick release levers lock and unlock the console, allowing it to slide out. Users simply flip open the LCD, pull out the keyboard, and are ready to work.