Press Release
InfoWorld Honors Blue Ridge Networks Chief Scientist For
Accomplishments in Wireless Network Security
BorderGuard 6000 Series Extends High Security to Wireless Environments
CHANTILLY, Va.- August 4, 2005 – Blue Ridge Networks, the premier provider of secure communications products and managed VPN services, announced today that Ken Hardwick, the company’s Chief Scientist, has been honored as “One to Watch in 2006” by InfoWorld, a leading IT magazine. Hardwick was one of five IT visionaries recognized with this distinction as part of InfoWorld’s Innovator Awards for 2005.
"By abandoning business as usual, these honorees are striking new paths to efficiency and reliability across the board, from more vigilant security systems to robust Web services architectures," said Richard Gincel, InfoWorld associate editor. “We are pleased to honor those who are leading the way with their ingenuity."
Hardwick was honored for his efforts in developing technology that underpins Blue Ridge Networks highly secure solutions for remote access, currently relied upon by the most security-conscious organizations in the world. In order to protect against the security dangers of providing roaming access to always-on networks, Hardwick invented a cryptographic authentication process for the company’s BorderGuard Secure Wireless VPN that avoids the trade-offs inherent in SSL VPN and IPSec solutions. The process leverages the key material from the VPN tunnel prior to connectivity disruption, making a seamless transition, and foiling session hijacking and man-in-the-middle attacks. Ideal for Voice Over IP, videoconferencing, and Pocket PC apps, the solution provides security without sacrificing convenience.
“Ken’s groundbreaking work echoes the foundation that the entire line of Blue Ridge Networks’ secure remote access offerings is built upon,” said Tony Russo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ridge Networks. “Many VPN solutions have been developed by companies that moved into information security after focusing purely on network connectivity. By contrast, Blue Ridge Networks’ technology was created by security experts, including one of the most respected cryptologists in the world in Ken Hardwick. This award both honors Ken’s contribution to the technology industry and highlights Blue Ridge Networks strong security heritage.”
About the Awards
InfoWorld Innovators Awards honor 10 technology pioneers and several up and coming innovators whose work, creations, and ideas have changed the way we look at technology today. Results appear in the August 1, 2005, edition of InfoWorld and are available online as a PDF at: www.infoworld.com/3080 (free registration required).
About InfoWorld
For more than 25 years, InfoWorld Media Group has provided cutting-edge coverage and evaluation of IT products and services for technology experts in senior management. Through integrated channels, including print, online, events, and demand generation, InfoWorld reaches the most influential senior-level information technologists -- those who drive their enterprises' strategies and technology purchases. Powered by a continued investment in an independent Test Center, InfoWorld analysts and editors provide hands-on analysis and evaluation, as well as expert commentary on issues surrounding emerging technologies and products. Visit InfoWorld at http://www.infoworld.com.
About Blue Ridge Networks
Blue Ridge Networks develops secure communications solutions for wireless and wired environments. The company was responsible for the industry's first commercial virtual private network and has completed widespread deployments across commercial and government sectors. The Blue Ridge Networks BorderGuard product suite has been deployed globally and in demanding applications such as wireless LAN, extranets, site-to-site and remote access VPN, and thin client computing. The company has earned several government agency certifications, including: FIPS 140-2 Validation, Common Criteria Certification, HIPAA compliance, and the Department of Defense SPOCK Validation. Blue Ridge Networks is a GSA Schedule 70 contract holder and is classified as a small business. Information about the company’s products and managed services can be found at www.blueridgenetworks.com.
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Blue Ridge Networks is a trademark and BorderGuard is a registered trademark of Blue Ridge Networks, Inc. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.