CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 8, 2004--Global ePoint, Inc. (Nasdaq:GEPT), an innovator in homeland security solutions in aviation, law enforcement and high-volume contract manufacturing, announced today that leading European air carrier Swiss International Air Lines has ordered 24 of the Company’s AirWorks division’s video-based Cockpit Door Surveillance System (CDSS) technology.  The CDSS systems are scheduled to be delivered by the end of the year, for installation in aircraft in Swiss International’s commuter jet fleet.   The announcement was made by Toresa Lou, CEO of Global ePoint.

The AirWorks CDSS technology enables pilots in the secured cockpit to observe the area outside the cockpit door and throughout the passenger compartment via a remote-controlled, multi-camera digital video surveillance system.  Governmental aviation authorities around the world have already mandated that commercial airlines install such solutions as part of efforts to protect airplanes from hijackings, terrorism and other threats.

Swiss International will install the new CDSS surveillance systems in its British Aerospace RJ-85 and RJ-100 aircraft, a fleet of narrow-body commuter jets the airline uses to service its commuter routes.  The Basel-based Swiss International commuter group flies throughout Europe and operates short-haul flights to approximately 75 destinations in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. 

“Swiss International’s decision to install our CDSS surveillance systems on such a large scale is solid validation of their satisfaction with the security advantages that our products provide,” said Ricky Frick, President of Global ePoint’s Aviation division.  “AirWorks’ goal is to continue to provide the best and most reliable surveillance technologies for air carriers worldwide. We are particularly pleased that an aviation industry technology leader such as Swiss International has committed to the implementation of our systems throughout its commuter fleet.”

The AirWorks CDSS configuration purchased by Swiss International includes dual 6.4 inchmonitors inside the cockpit. The monitors are served by cameras positioned outside the cockpit door and in the galley and passenger loading areas, providing the pilot with surveillance capability through the cabin.  The Company believes its CDSS products can be integrated into any existing cockpit configuration, regardless of aircraft model, size and passenger count. 

“Commuter carrier business continues to be robust across Europe, and AirWorks continues to penetrate the important commuter jet market,” said Mr. Frick. “The Company has focused from the beginning on delivering solutions where our competitors have not made inroads.”    

"The demand for effective, reliable and sophisticated onboard security capabilities is just as high a security priority for short-range commuter carriers as it is for larger aircraft and long-haul routes,” said Ms. Lou.  “Security and surveillance considerations are vital to these carrier’s operational and strategic planning, and Global ePoint's CDSS products have become the industry standard for cockpit surveillance capability across the spectrum of passenger aircraft designations."

There are currently 102 aircraft of the commuter designation flying with the AirWorks CDSS system.  AirWorks' FAA-certified CDSS product line is one cornerstone of Global ePoint's broader suite of homeland security technology and products.

About Swiss International Air Lines

Swiss International Air Lines is an international carrier that operates short-haul flights to nearly 75 destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It provides an additional 37 medium- and long-haul routes previously operated by Swissair.  Based in Basel, Switzerland, the airline is the national carrier of Switzerland.

About Global ePoint's Aviation Division

The AirWorks division's primary communications and security products include cockpit door surveillance systems (CDSS), a digital electronic "flight bag" of all flight and on-board manuals and records for pilots, and a Laptop Computer Power System for passengers and flight crews. AirWorks customers include airline OEMs including AT&T Aviation, BAE Systems, In-flight Phone, L3 Communications, and Rockwell Collins; all major U.S. airlines; and all major international carriers, including ATA, Air China, Bombardier, Finnair, Varig, KLM, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific. AirWorks holds more than 40 supplemental type certificates (STC) certifying AirWorks as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved manufacturer and installer for a range of interior equipment and systems for a variety of commercial aircraft flying worldwide.

About Global ePoint, Inc.

Global ePoint's growth catalyst, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is the design, manufacturing, sales and distribution of digital video surveillance systems for the law enforcement, military, aviation and homeland security markets. On the cutting edge of digital technology and seeking to expand its product line, Global ePoint is developing new compression technologies and next-generation, secure network digital video systems and servers for a wide range of new markets, concentrating primarily on security and homeland defense applications. As a solid recurring revenue stream, the Company also manufactures customized computing systems for industrial, business and consumer markets, as well as other specialized electronic products and systems. Complete vertical integration -- from design and manufacturing to sales and distribution -- allows the Company to capture efficiencies and maintain a cost leadership advantage in these growing markets, particularly homeland security. For more information, please visit http://www.globalepoint.com.

Cautionary Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the company's current expectations, estimates and projections, management's beliefs and numerous assumptions, all of which are subject to change. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. For example, deliveries may be delayed or installations canceled. Regulations may change and negatively affect demand for our products. There can be no assurance that the company's subsidiaries and/or divisions will be able to achieve growth of sales or market share. The forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of the date of this release. We undertake no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statement for any reason. These and other risk factors are detailed in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission