Fortress Technologies to Provide Secure Wireless Component of U.S. Marine Corps Mobile Wireless Enterprise Network

Solution Enables Tracking of Equipment Aboard Deployed Ships

Fortress Technologies, the leader in secure tactical wireless communications, today announced that it has been selected as a key technology provider of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) certified wireless solutions to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Mobile Wireless Expeditionary Network (MWEN). Developed by technology integrator Global Services Corporation of Fayetteville, NC for the USMC's Transportation and Distribution Information Systems (TDIS) Group, MWEN provides rapidly deployable, secure wireless networking and data communications capabilities, enabling more efficient and effective tracking of equipment deployed in support of military operations around the globe.

"TDIS is tasked with designing and developing flexible technology solutions that help improve mission effectiveness and logistics visibility across the USMC," said Jim Martin, Director of Technical Services, Global Services Corporation and lead on the MWEN project. "Our goal for MWEN is to replace the older, more expensive tracking solution previously in use on Maritime Preposition Force vessels -- the Shipboard Movement Tracker (SMT) -- which costs about $500,000 per ship. MWEN will significantly decrease this expenditure, while increasing deployment flexibility by extending capability ashore in other tactical environments."

MWEN is a rapidly deployable, self-contained kit that provides organic power, wireless communications, handheld devices, and FIPS-validated security. These kits can be deployed anywhere on a ship or in a forward operational area and provide on demand wireless communications, enabling the USMC to use handheld devices to track, record, and share equipment movement information in a completely secure environment. As part of the program, the USMC purchased 32 Fortress ES520 Secure Wireless Bridges, an "all-in-one" network access device that combines the features of a wireless access point, bridge, Ethernet switch, and high assurance FIPS 140-2 validated security in a small, rugged, weatherized form factor.

"TDIS deployed the first operational MWEN kits to Thailand, and will extend the program to other operations worldwide," said Jeff Bradbury, Vice President, Marketing, Fortress. "The USMC has shown confidence in the strong security and wireless capabilities of the Fortress solution. We look forward to the continued rollout and success of the MWEN kits."

About Fortress Technologies

Fortress Technologies develops secure wireless networking products for government markets. With a solid history of delivering reliable, policy-compliant solutions that are rugged, proven, and easily deployed, Fortress has established itself as the clear leader in secure wireless networking. Across the public sector, both military and civilian customers rely on Fortress to securely deliver mission related information that supports critical decision making, situational awareness, and force protection. Currently deployed in some of the world's most demanding environments, Fortress products support vital operations including deployable communications, outdoor network extensions, and vehicle based networks.

For more information visit www.fortresstech.com or call 813-288-7388.