SYTAR development began shortly after the founding of the company in 1988, and continued for nearly five years, first as a conceptual idea, then as a developmental tool. The idea behind SYTAR was to use software technology running on increasingly powerful microcomputers to process radar information in real-time and at lower cost. Until then only specialized hardware scan converters and so-called Extractor technology were used for maritime traffic monitoring. These technologies could quickly identify track information, however they were expensive and unable to apply intelligence to track correlation. Lost tracks and track swapping were commonplace. In addition, only tracks or plots could be sent over narrowband lines. For full raw radar video information, massive amounts of bandwidth were required such as provided by expensive microwave links or T1 lines.

SYTAR changed all that. By the early 1990's Pentium based PC technology, running early versions of SYTAR were able to successfully provide VTS operations. Our first installed was at the Port of Rouen in France. While our competitors were claiming that such technology could not possibly work, we were busy expanding our Reference List. We were also developing and refining additional intelligent algorithms for tracking and processing as well as integrating new technologies such as transponders and Internet/Intranet interfaces.

By the late 1990's SYTAR was being installed more frequently than any other technology and others were finally beginning to put aside their hardware scan converters and develop their own software. However, with more than a decade of experience and a well-established product support program, SYTAR continued to gain market share.

Today, SYTAR technology continues to lead the industry. Sofrelog has more installation using computer-based radar processing than any other provider. Refinements and new features are being added, and new intelligent algorithms are being developed and optimized.

For a comprehensive demonstration of SYTAR please contact us.