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Engineering Systems Solutions Participates in Department of Homeland Security’s Maritime Interoperability Demonstration
August 9, 2006
By Ellie Whims
Robin Jones LLC
ESS’s ISIS ForeWarn Used in First U.S. BGAN Exercise for First Responders.
Frederick, MD – Engineering Systems Solutions (ESS) announced today its participation in a Multi-agency Maritime Interoperability Demonstration conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, in the first national exercise to make use of the newly operational Inmarsat Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) Satellite Communications Network.
In the exercise, ESS’s ISIS™ ForeWarn Universal Communicator was used to provide mobile satellite communications to transmit a catalog of authenticated Personal Identification Verification data for first responders who were reporting for a simulated emergency response situation in three major U.S. ports on the East Coast: Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia; and Jacksonville, Florida. The event simulated the non-availability of terrestrial or local wireless communications, and relied on the recently launched Inmarsat BGAN Satellite System which became operational over the Americas in May, 2006.
Throughout the exercise, dozens of individuals from various organizations had their FIPS 201 and other credentials verified by CoreStreet’s PIVMAN™ System, a system designed to check credentials, authenticate individuals, and display any associated privileges or attributes, without requiring a network connection. The information collected at each site was then consolidated and broadcast to all participating locations, providing a clear view of all available assets at the scene. Credential types that were checked during the exercise include, Mariner Administrative Card (MAC), First Responder Authentication Credential (FRAC), Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), and DoD Common Access Card (CAC) as well as drivers licenses.
“This exercise successfully demonstrates the ability to track national first responder assets in real time across multiple locations for the purpose of cataloging, inventorying and managing all applied human assets and associated qualifications. Doing so under real-world emergency conditions also requires one to consider that terrestrial communications and reliable power are most likely not going to be readily available.,” said Jay Nathan, founder and Chief Executive Officer of ESS.
“ISIS is ideal for this application,” Nathan continued. “It’s capable of providing uninterrupted communications in the most challenging environment. ISIS can transmit clear or encrypted voice and data on a wide variety of networks enabling first responders to leverage available resources as emergency response initiatives are implemented – re-tooling on the fly to utilize communications assets as they become available.”
ForeWarn is a self-contained, full-featured mobile computer platform that includes wireless communications via satellite, cellular telephone, radio, WiFi, and terrestrial network connections. Its unique architecture allows for the use of Type 4 or other user-selected encryption over any available communications link – eliminating the need for separate encryption devices for each connection. Where communications cost is an issue, ForeWarn realizes an immediate return on investment by enabling selection of the communications network that satisfies end user needs most economically. Fully integrated in a mobile backpack and weighing less than 35 lbs., the unit includes a microprocessor-based management and control system that powers all system components from virtually any AC or DC power source and provides two hours of battery backup power in the event of power loss. When equipped with a light-weight, portable, ultra-quiet hand held generator, the system can provide untethered broadband communications (up to 432Kbps) indefinitely.
Engineering Systems Solutions, Inc.(ESS) is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVO) business located in Frederick, Maryland, providing customized solutions that include high-end engineering, design and manufacturing services for a wide variety of fixed and mobile information technology systems. ESS also possesses superior capability in professional services, mission-critical information technology support; lifecycle management, advanced IT training, grants and conference services. For additional information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.essworld.net.
Certain statements in this press release are forward looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. The actual results may differ from those described or contemplated.
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