Fortress Announces the ES520 Secure Wireless Access Bridge
Fortress Technologies Launches Integrated Wireless Solution to Meet the Demands of National Security, First Responder and Defense Programs; Groundbreaking Solution Provides Industry’s Most Powerful, Flexible and Secure Wireless Networking
TAMPA, Fla. -/July 18, 2006 - Wi-Fi Technology News/- Fortress Technologies, a leader in secure wireless networking, announced the general availability of a secure wireless access bridge. The ES520 combines wireless, switching and security services in a small and rugged form factor.
Functioning as a self-contained network or as a secure wireless access point/bridge, the ES520 is ideally suited for the rapid deployment of incident response and tactical networks or fixed wireless applications – enabling “on-demand” secure voice, video and data communications. Enabling the quick establishment of secure communications in environments that have no available infrastructure, the ES520 provides the security, dependability and versatility required to support soldiers, first responders, as well as customs and border patrol officers.
The ES520 is the result of Fortress coupling its industry-leading security expertise with networking and wireless capabilities gained through the acquisition of wireless switch company Legra Systems, Inc. The ES520 combines the functions of an access point, wireless bridge, switch and security gateway in a powerful and flexible design enabling customers to implement various applications across fixed, portable or mobile networks. The ES520 solves the challenges faced by organizations that have struggled to deploy solutions for perimeter/border security, “rapid response kits” or vehicle area networks.
“Fortress’ release of the ES520 is certainly taking place at the right time. New national security and defense programs, such as the recently released Secure Border Initiative (SBInet), Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) and Integrated Wireless Network (IWN) are looking to step up spending on Information Technology (IT) products/services,” said Alan Balutis, President & CEO, Government Strategies, INPUT. “As an example, our recently issued Secure Border Initiative INPUT/Output report estimates SBInet alone will exceed $2 billion in IT spending. A good portion of this will be on communications infrastructure and services.”
“Our customers operate in dynamic, mission critical environments that require dependable and versatile solutions that meet their demanding requirements,” said John Dow, VP Business Development and Marketing, Fortress. “The ES520 directly reflects the feedback we received from our customers as we protect tens of thousands of their wireless networks.”
The ES520 has been validated through numerous beta tests at organizations within the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Army National Guard as well as through Fortress’ network of partners. In addition, it was deployed as part of the 2006 Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (CWID). An annual Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff event, CWID is a statutory requirement for the Department of Defense (DoD) to test existing and emerging communications capabilities.
“During events that require quick and efficient response – whether for natural disasters, terrorist attacks or battlefield coordination – the ability to establish secure lines of communications can be the difference between life and death,” said Colonel Debra A. Rose, CIO/J-6, South Carolina National Guard. “The goal of this year’s CWID demonstration in Charleston, SC was to test our preparedness for the upcoming hurricane season by using existing and emerging communications technologies. As a designed part of the demonstration, we incorporated the ES520 into our wireless networking testbed. Our test systems enabled us to effectively share critical information during stressful scenarios. The results of the CWID 2006 exercise were undeniably positive.”
ES520 features and capabilities include:
· Simple and secure connectivity – creates a secure wireless infrastructure enabling “on demand” voice, video and data communications anywhere
· Maximum range – industry leading wireless performance enables customers to wirelessly extend network services over 32 miles
· Easy configuration – allows field personnel to deploy communications within minutes
· Highly portable and rugged design – compact (weighs approximately 3.5 lbs) and can be deployed as a “rapid response kit,” delivering dependable performance in a wide range of conditions – from arid mountainous desert to low land jungles
· High assurance certified security – contains FIPS-validated, Layer 2, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption necessary for sensitive mission critical communications
“We are looking forward to offering the ES520 to our customers,” said Chuck Saffell, Chief Executive Officer, Nortel Government Solutions. “This is clearly an innovative product that will be a good fit for some of our current and future government wireless implementations.”
“Fortress is committed to developing the most innovative, secure and flexible wireless communications solutions to support the vital work of the U.S. federal, state and local governments,” said Janet Kumpu, CEO and President, Fortress. “The launch of the ES520 is the next step in providing agencies the ability to communicate securely while under duress. We look forward to working with military, national security and civilian agency organizations in their important roles of protecting our nation.”
The ES520 is available through Fortress’ reseller partners and Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) vehicles. More information is available at
http://www.fortresstech.com/where_to_buy.asp.
To download the ES520 datasheet, visit:
http://www.fortresstech.com/products_services/products_es520.asp
About Fortress Technologies
Fortress Technologies provides market leading solutions that help government and commercial customers worldwide implement wireless technologies confidently, securely and simply. Rigorously tested and proven for high security assurance, Fortress’ interoperable solutions protect all wireless transports including Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), free space optics (FSO), Military RF and satellite. Securing over 12,000 wireless government networks, Fortress specializes in deployable networking, mobile edge applications, fixed wireless and office wireless LANs. Fortress has won numerous awards including Federal Computer Week’s “10 Hot Companies to Watch,” Venture Reporter’s “20 Venture-backed Wireless Firms Most Likely to Succeed” and SC Magazine’s “Reader’s Trust Award” two years in a row.
For more information, visit
http://www.fortresstech.com or call 813-288-7388.
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