TAMPA, FL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- March 21, 2007 -- Fortress Technologies, a leading provider of
secure wireless networking, today announced that it teamed with Nortel
Government Solutions and Kestrel Technologies to present a converged
wireless communications solution for the Department of Defense (DoD)
Interoperability Communications Exercise (DICE). At this annual event, the
companies demonstrated a secure wireless voice and video solution for
portable situational awareness applications.
Supported by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Joint Forces Command (JFCOM),
DICE is hosted by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and
focuses on assessing the degree of interoperability of a "realistic" Joint
Task Force (JTF). DICE employs a real-life operational Joint architecture
that provides the opportunity to rigorously test and evaluate voice, video
and data interfaces, as well as emerging technologies.
"Ensuring secure, interoperable communications at home and on the
battlefield is a major priority for the DoD," said Janet Kumpu, Chief
Executive Officer and President of Fortress. "Operational testing
environments that are created through DICE and other similar exercises
provide an accurate measure of the military's ability to move forward with
a true JTF. By enabling the DoD to uncover the most cutting-edge, secure
communication technologies, DICE ultimately helps to increase the United
States' combat effectiveness."
As part of DICE, Fortress combined its ES520 Secure Wireless Access Bridges
with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies from Nortel
Government Solutions and video surveillance systems from Kestrel
Technologies. The solution combines high-resolution video and VoIP in a
portable unit that provides a flexible architecture for tactical
communications -- including point-to-point bridging, wireless access for
mobile devices and enterprise mesh capabilities.
"The secure wireless solution that our team demonstrated at DICE provides
the DoD and other national defense agencies the ability to quickly deploy a
situational awareness solution in environments that have no existing
communications infrastructure," said John Dow, Vice President, Business
Development and Marketing for Fortress. "This solution will positively
affect the interoperable communications requirements of the DoD. We are
excited with the testing outcomes and are honored that JITC selected us as
a secure communications provider for this exercise."
Fortress' ES520 provides the wireless infrastructure for mission-critical
communications across fixed, portable and mobile environments -- offering
immediate "on-demand" secure voice, video and data. The ES520 enables
organizations to rapidly establish a high-performance wireless mesh network
by combining the functions of an access point, switch, wireless bridge and
security gateway in a form factor engineered specifically for harsh outdoor
environments. The ES520's wireless mesh capabilities provide the ability
to establish lines of communications in areas with no available
infrastructure.
The objectives of this year's DICE program included:
-- Interoperability: Successfully demonstrate a high degree of
interoperability of new versions of hardware and software employed in Joint
transmission, switching and information systems
-- System Certification: Successfully integrate and conduct Joint
interoperability tests on selected new systems
-- Assessments: Successfully conduct developmental assessments that may
not conclusively qualify for a certification, but may provide valuable
insight into possible future uses or capabilities
-- Training: Replicate Joint communications architectures and operational
or organizational structures that allow participating units an opportunity
to develop mission performance-oriented training
About Fortress Technologies
Fortress Technologies designs, develops and manufactures market leading
wireless infrastructure and software solutions for secure mission-critical
communications. Rigorously tested and proven, Fortress products provide
government and commercial customers secure wireless capabilities across
fixed, portable and mobile environments -- from the tactical edge to
municipal networks. Fortress' versatile, interoperable and standards-based
solutions enable immediate "on-demand" secure voice, video and data
communications virtually anywhere and across all wireless transports
including Wi-Fi (802.11), WiMAX (802.16), free space optics (FSO), Military
RF and satellite. Fortress products are currently deployed in some of the
U.S. government's most demanding environments, supporting vital operations
that range from maintaining a forward presence to border protection to
emergency response.
For more information, visit
www.fortresstech.com or call 813-288-7388.
Contact Information: Contact:
Chris Whalen
Fortress Technologies
813-288-7388
Email Contact
A.J. Guenther
ConnellyWorks, Inc.
703-742-7184
Email Contact