Key information about this competitor

Varis is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Becker Mining Systems.

Varis hasn't reported any significant news since June 2007 when its mining communications network received unconditional approval from the West Virginia Communications-Tracking task force.

Product offerings for underground coal mines
> Smart Com IS for explosive atmospheres [Leaky Feeder (VHF Radio) and Ethernet Communications System)
- 240 systems (Smart Com 150 and Smart Com 150 intrinsically safe) commissioned worldwide since 1997.
- Over 60 Part 23 approved systems operating in US coal mines as of May 2009. (MSHA C.F.R. 30 part 23 approval 23-A050001-0 March 8, 2005.)
> Smart Tag (Resource Tracking System)
> Smart Com 450 Intrinsically Safe (IS) - UHF Radio + Ethernet network with 3x more range than VHF, at 3x the cost and 24 hour battery backup with Comtrol PS-1558A 33 Ah UPS. [MSHA approval in progress, target date 4Q 2009.]

A comparison of the Smart Com family of products from a presentation at the NIOSH Workshops, May 2009.
http://varismine.com/news/NIOSH_Workshop_09.pdf