TapRoot Systems Expands Wireless Software Operations, Appoints Hugh Thomas to CEO

Thomas to drive expansion and new product development

(PRWEB) December 18, 2002 -- TapRoot Systems (www.TapRootSystems.com), a leader in developing software solutions for wireless consumer products, announced today the appointment of Hugh Thomas to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Thomas will work closely with President Blane E. Rockafellow to carry out the companys strategic plan, which includes raising venture capital and increasing the staffing to meet the growing, global demand for their wireless solutions.

Thomas career spans over 15 years in the semiconductor industry, specializing in microprocessor and communications applications. Thomas comes to TapRoot Systems after serving as Vice President of Marketing for Vitesse Semiconductor, a leading communications semiconductor manufacturer. Prior to his tenure at Vitesse Semiconductor, Thomas was the Vice President of Marketing and Applications for Orologic Inc., a local telecommunications start-up. At Orologic, he was instrumental in the fundraising and subsequent acquisition of the company for $450 million to Vitesse Semiconductor. Earlier in his career, Thomas spent 9 years at ST Microelectronics, the worlds 3rd largest semiconductor company. There, he was involved in a number of engineering and sales management roles, including responsibility for creating and leading the datacommunications business unit in the US marketplace.

Hugh Thomas is an exceptionally skilled professional with extensive experience in the semiconductor and mobile handset industries. He has already proven himself invaluable in developing a start-up company and so we are very pleased he has accepted this position with TapRoot Systems," said Rockafellow. Our customer base is growing rapidly, as is the demand for new products. With Hughs guidance, we will expand and develop our staff, establish new partnerships worldwide, and readily move into new product areas of the wireless market with our leading edge Symbian OS smart phone systems and 802.11 products."

Says CEO Thomas, Im excited to be working with TapRoot Systems, and in particular with Blane. Blane has put together a very strong and experienced team that has continually produced the highest quality products. I will build upon the companys solid reputation with its global customers and its respected position within the wireless industry to expand our operations. My first priority is to double the size of our organization to meet the ever-increasing demand for our leading edge products."

TapRoot Systems, situated in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, should have no difficulty expanding operations. The company is surrounded by a local population of experienced software programmers familiar with the wireless industry. TapRoot Systems currently employs 18 software engineers and expects to double that number within the coming months.

About TapRoot Systems, Inc.
TapRoot Systems Inc. is a global leader in developing software solutions for wireless consumer products. With strong expertise in leading edge Symbian OS based smart-phone systems and 802.11 wireless LAN consumer applications, TapRoot Systems creates products and solutions that are used by major wireless mobile handset manufacturers and semiconductor vendors worldwide. TapRoot Systems is located in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, USA. For more information, please visit www.TapRootSystems.com.

Media Contact:
Ellen Grosman      
Marketing Communications / Development Strategies(919) 359-8555
Marketing@TapRootSystems.com