COLUMBIA, Md., July 25, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integral Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq:ISYS) announced today that it has received a $468,000 contract from mZeal Communications, Inc., to provide space systems expertise and define the Multi-level Secure (MLS) network architecture supporting mZeal's Mission-Aware Network Architecture for Small-Satellite Adaptive Systems (MANASSAS) project. MANASSAS was competitively selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) within Technical Area 3, Information Architecture, of the F6 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). Integral Systems' Military and Intelligence Group (MIG) will perform the work and provide space systems expertise, supporting mZeal by developing standards for advanced concepts in satellite operations and design.
The System F6 program's goal is to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of disaggregated – or fractionated – network architectures in space, wherein functionality traditionally contained within a single, large, monolithic satellite can be delivered by a cluster of wirelessly-interconnected modules capable of sharing and using resources found elsewhere in the network. Such an architecture enhances the adaptability and survivability of space systems, while also shortening development timelines and reducing the barrier-to-entry for participation in the national security space industry. The program is predicated on developing open interface standards – from the physical wireless link layer, through the network protocol stack. This will include the real-time resource sharing middleware and cluster flight logic that can enable the emergence of a space "global commons" that will enhance the mutual security posture of all participants through interdependence. A key program goal is the industry-wide promulgation of these open interface standards for sustaining and developing future fractionated systems.
The Cognitive Networking approach in MANASSAS addresses the current requirements of F6, such as MLS and real-time communication. An F6 network will operate unattended once placed in orbit and the ability to modify its behavior in flight can significantly enhance its effectiveness and flexibility.
ABOUT MZEAL
mZeal Communications, Inc. is a technology services company specializing in network security, cognitive networking, adaptive systems and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for enterprise, ad-hoc, sensor, airborne and space communication – serving defense, federal and commercial markets. They provide a wide variety of bandwidth management solutions for tactical and airborne operational environments. Ongoing R&D efforts in cognitive networking allow them to apply a multilayered approach for efficient distribution of information over wireless networks. Their research focus on Network Security enables provisioning of cyber defense solutions such as Information Assurance, IPV4 to IPV6 transition security, trusted computing, behavioral analysis and secure wireless sensor networks. mZeal's core competency is in utilizing state-of-the-art technologies for building new systems and extending existing systems based on open standards which will stand the test of time. Strict adherence to component design methodologies and open standards results in dynamic systems which are easily upgradeable, deployable, and cost effective. mZeal is an 8(a) certified, woman owned small disadvantaged business. For more information, visit www.mZeal.com.
ABOUT INTEGRAL SYSTEMS
Integral Systems, Inc. is a global provider of products, systems and services for satellite command and control, telemetry and digital signal processing, data communications, enterprise network management and communications information assurance. We specialize in developing, managing and operating secure communications networks, both satellite and terrestrial, as well as systems and services to detect, characterize and geolocate sources of RF interference. Our customers include U.S. and foreign commercial, government, military and intelligence organizations. For almost 30 years, customers have relied on Integral Systems to design and deliver innovative commercial-based products, solutions and services that are cost-effective and reduce delivery schedules and risk. The Integral Systems family of solution providers (Integral Systems, Inc., Integral Systems Europe, Lumistar, Inc., Newpoint Technologies, Inc., RT Logic and SAT Corporation) as well as our services organization, Integral Systems Service Solutions (IS3), leads the market in offering complete ground segment solutions. Our dedication to "The Integral Difference" has solidified long-term relationships with the U.S. DoD, NASA, NOAA and nearly every commercial satellite operator in the world. For more information, visit www.integ.com.