Mil-Tech

ATEN Launches Secure Desktop KVM Switches for Government and Military Installations

ATEN announced the launch of new security-reinforced desktop KVM switches designed specifically for government and military environments where security is paramount. The new CS1182 and CS1184, two- and four-port DVI-based KVM switches housed in a rugged metal enclosure, ensure data integrity when switching between computers operating on different secure networks. The CS1182/CS1184 are NIAP-certified which complies with the Common Criteria EAL2+ for Peripheral Sharing Switch (PSS) Human Interface Devices Protection Profile v2.1. The NIAP is operated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The new secure desktop KVM switches provide users with hardware security features such as tamper-evident tape, providing a visual indication of any attempted access to the switch’s internal components, and chassis intrusion detection, which disables the unit if only one of the screws is removed. In accordance with the NIAP requirements, all integrated circuits are soldered directly onto the circuit board to prevent component tampering.

From a firmware point of view, the secure KVMs offer restricted USB connectivity whereby non-HID devices are ignored if connected. Isolated channel per port and automatic keyboard buffer clearing prevent any cross-computer communication. Lastly, non-reprogrammable ROM protects the unit’s firmware from tampering and reprogramming.

“As security threats on government and military continue to rise at an alarming rate, so too, does the need for a security-hardened IT environment,” explained James Hsieh, CEO of ATEN. “Our new secure KVM switches, the CS1182/CS1184, provide the means to consolidate multiple workstations of various security classification levels with one keyboard, video monitor and mouse (KVM) console. With hardware and software-based security features built into the units, military, intelligence and federal agency installations can rest assured that their data is being protected on both a physical and digital level.”

For government, military and other public sector installations, key on-going concerns include securing sensitive information, network breaches, malware attacks and cyber terrorism. With secure KVM switches from ATEN, agencies can minimize security threats by ensuring data integrity between user desktops accessing secure and unsecure networks. Serving the public sector market through its channel partners, ATEN offers competitive discounts to channel partners including seven percent (for government) and five percent (for education) implementations.

The CS1182/CS1184 offers the following features and functionality:

• One USB console controls two or four secure computers
• Restricted USB connectivity – non-HIDs (Human Interface Devices) are ignored when switching
• Isolated channel per port – data is unable to be transferred between computers
• Port selection only via pushbutton enhances security
• Tamper-evident tape – provides a visual indication of any attempt to gain access to the switch’s internal components
• Chassis intrusion detection – if cover is removed from the switch, the unit becomes inoperable and LEDs flash
• Tamper-proof hardware – all integrated circuits are soldered directly to the circuit board to prevent component tampering
• Non-reprogrammable ROM – prevents tampering and attempts to reprogram the switch’s
  firmware

• Clears keyboard buffer – keyboard data is automatically cleared after transmission to the switch
• Multiplatform support – Windows, Linux, Mac, and Sun
• Superior video quality – 2560 x 1600 (DVI Dual Link); 1920 x 1200 (DVI Single Link) and 2048 x1536 (DVI-A)
• Built-in internal power

About ATEN

ATEN is a leading manufacturer of KVM (keyboard/video/mouse) switches in addition to remote management, LCD consoles, video and data connectivity solutions. The company’s product line supports a range of data center, desktop and digital signage environments serving enterprise, government, SME and SOHO customers. ATEN has offices in California and New Jersey as well as Taiwan, Belgium, Korea, Japan, China and United Kingdom. For more information, contact ATEN at (888) 999-ATEN or 949-428-1111, via the Web at http://www.aten-usa.com

Calian’s SED Division Wins Contracts for Satellite Ground Systems

Calian Technologies Ltd. (TSX:CTY) is pleased to announce that its Systems Engineering Division (SED) has signed two new contracts for the provision of Satellite Ground Systems worth a combined value of $7.6 million.

SED was chosen by Thrane & Thrane of Denmark for the provision and installation of an Inmarsat BGAN RF Ground System for CTTIC in China. In addition, in late Q1 of this fiscal year, SED was selected by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) via PWGSC competitive tender to provide and install a Remote Sensing Antenna System in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

“These contract awards were excellent wins for us,” said Patrick Thera, President of SED. “They further demonstrate our capabilities as a leading supplier of high quality satellite ground systems, both domestically and around the world.”

About Calian

Calian employs over 2300 people with offices and projects that span Canada, U.S. and international markets. The company’s capabilities include the provision of business and technology services to industry and government in the health, operations and maintenance, IT services and training domains as well as the design, manufacturing and maintenance of complex systems to the communications and defence sectors. Our goal is to be the best company to work for, buy from and invest in.

The Business and Technology Services (BTS) Division is headquartered in Ottawa. This division augments customer workforces with flexible short and long-term placements of individuals and teams, provides access to critical recruiting capabilities and delivers outsourcing services for a variety of technical and professional functions. Our strength lies in understanding clients’ needs, recruiting highly qualified personnel who understand and meet those needs, and then effectively managing those personnel within our customers’ framework. Calian’s Systems Engineering Division (SED) plans, designs and implements complex communication systems for many of the world’s space agencies and leading satellite manufacturers and operators. SED also provides contract manufacturing services for both private sector and military customers in North America.

For further information, please visit our website at www.calian.com

Thuraya IP asymmetric streaming

Thuraya IP satellite modem offers Broadband Data Service through a highly compact, ultra lightweight and advanced satellite terminal. As the world’s first and only Mobile Satellite Service to support 384 Kbps streaming IP, ThurayaIP offers superior ‘Always on’ super quick Internet access even from the remotest regions in more than 140 countries in the world.

The Thuraya IP is the only terminal to support asymmetric streaming. This means that selectable upload and download speeds can be used to effectively control your data usage. Making the most of the bandwidth you need and delivering savings of up to 40%.

The service is ideal for media streaming and Thuraya have launched a calculator to show how this translates into cost savings for the end-user.

Click here to visit the IP calculator.