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Press Release

Blue Ridge Networks™ and Proactive Communications Build Secure Communications Infrastructure for Iraqi Government

BorderGuard™ at Core of World's Largest Secure VoIP Network

CHANTILLY, Va.- June 13, 2006 - Blue Ridge Networks, the premier provider of secure communications products and managed VPN services, announced today that its BorderGuard technology is being used to secure voice and data communications for the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior's command and control network connecting provincial headquarters, Police headquarters, Ports of Entry, and Department of Border Enforcement sites.

Proactive Communications, a leader in satellite telecommunications, network, and specialized system engineering, has implemented Blue Ridge Networks BorderGuard VPN technology to create a secure VoIP and VSAT communications network in Iraq. Already linking more than one hundred sites, the project's plan calls for Proactive Communications to continue to expand the network to approximately three times that size.

Built from a list of unique market requirements, the Iraqi communications project introduced new challenges and accomplishments in secure communications. Distinctive traits of the project include:

  • Hyper-sensitive security environment
  • Largest secure full-meshed VoIP network in the world
  • Largest secure VoIP over Satellite network in the world
  • Remotely configured and managed half a world away

BorderGuard VPN appliances encrypt voice and data traffic for the Ministry of the Interior, providing the highest level of security possible via satellite connections. The full-meshed configuration of the network adds an additional layer of continuity protection as it allows each site to independently communicate securely to any other site. Using BorderGuard technology, IP acceleration, and innovative QOS engineering, these sites are able to communicate despite typical latency delays that have plagued VoIP in the past - enabling clear, error free communication.

"Because of the instability in the Middle East, a wired network would have become an easy target for anyone looking to inhibit the success of the new government," said Marc LeGare, Chief Operating Officer for Proactive Communications. "Lots of people can implement secure remote communications over cable. The difficulty here, and what sets Blue Ridge Networks apart from other security companies, is the remote management and engineering enabling VoIP to run securely over VSAT."

"Because of the instability in the Middle East, a wired network would have become an easy target for anyone looking to inhibit the success of the new government," said Marc LeGare, Chief Operating Officer for Proactive Communications. "Lots of people can implement secure remote communications over cable. The difficulty here, and what sets Blue Ridge Networks apart from other security companies, is the remote management and engineering enabling VoIP to run securely over VSAT."

From its headquarters in Killeen, Texas, Proactive Communications and Blue Ridge have developed unique procedures for creating, monitoring, and maintaining this large-scale fully meshed network. "The security environment is a challenge and our procedures safeguard the integrity of the network during engineering, to testing/integration, transportation, and final installation," said LeGare.

"We're very proud to be part of this important undertaking with Proactive Communications. BorderGuard appliances have been securing highly sensitive communications for more than a decade without a single reported vulnerability. The type of traffic that is flowing through this network might be some of the most important we've ever had to secure," said Blue Ridge Networks' CEO Tony Russo.

"Too often we hear negative stories from Iraq about slow progress," said Hector Salazar, President of Proactive Communications. "From our perspective, through this partnership, we can take pride in the fact that we are very swiftly building one of the most fundamental parts of the country's infrastructure - the ability to communicate quickly and safely."

About Proactive Communications, Inc.

Proactive Communications, Inc provides information technology services to the U.S. Government and commercial clients in the continental United States and overseas. The company excels in network engineering, satellite telecommunications, and specialized system engineering. The company has been active for over 5 years and has expanded its geographic reach, capabilities, and staffing to meet the growing needs of customers. PCI has offices in Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas; El Paso/Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Middle East. More information about Proactive Communications can be found at www.proactivecommo.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: JITC, FIPS 140-2 validation, Common Criteria certification, HIPAA compliance, and the Department of Defense SPOCK validation. Information about the company's products and managed services can be found at www.blueridgenetworks.com.

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Blue Ridge Networks and BorderGuard are trademarks of Blue Ridge Networks, Inc. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

 

Media Contact:
Nicole Heinrich
703-631-7695