Trusted Computer Solutions' Cross Domain Linux Product Now Part of Accredited System at U.S. Coast Guard

HERNDON, Va., Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Trusted Computer Solutions, Inc. (TCS), a leading supplier of Cross Domain Solutions for government and industry, announced today that the company's new, trusted Linux-based, SecureOffice(R) NetTop(R)2 - Thin Client(TM) product is now operational in a system as part of the Coast Guard Intelligence Program (CGIP). The system was granted an Authority to Operate (ATO) by the Accrediting Authority for the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS). This newly accredited system provides access to the top secret JWICS network and the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) network from a single desktop.

This implementation represents a significant step forward in providing government agencies with the ability to deploy low-cost, low-maintenance Linux platforms as the basis of a new generation of Cross Domain Solutions. Prior to the Coast Guard ATO, the most often accredited platforms for cross-domain solutions were typically Sun's Trusted Solaris 8 or the STOP/XTS 400 operating system from BAE. Both of these operating systems are UNIX based and traditionally more expensive and more difficult to administer than the newer Linux-based Intel platforms.

"IBM is pleased to partner with TCS on the first Linux Cross Domain accredited system at the U.S. Coast Guard," said Anne Altman, IBM's managing director of U.S. Federal. "IBM is investing heavily in the Cross Domain Linux solution area. This is the latest in a series of firsts that IBM has been able to contribute to the Linux Community. In addition, IBM servers are the first official Targeted Operating Environment for the Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme currently underway. Through our partnership with TCS, IBM can now assure future buyers that its platforms can be accredited for operational cross-domain solutions."

NetTop2 - Thin Client provides users with the ability to access multiple independent sessions at different classification or sensitivity levels. Each level is securely separated from others by the operating system layer, which enforces a strong protection security policy that prevents cross-domain contamination. Using a single, low cost desktop appliance, users can access and operate at multiple disparate classification levels based, in part, on National Security Agency (NSA) developed security mechanisms and policies protecting the session at the operating system level. Unique to the NetTop2 - Thin Client solution is network separation provided by a centralized distribution console running a trusted Linux operating system.

"The Government now has a real choice of platforms upon which to deploy accreditable Cross Domain solutions," said Ed Hammersla, chief operating officer for TCS. "When properly implemented and accredited, these systems can help prevent terrorist attacks and make our citizens more secure, by facilitating greater levels of information sharing than ever before possible."

About the CCEVS and C&A Processes

The Common Criteria Evaluation Validation Scheme (CCEVS) and the Certification & Accreditation (C&A) processes are "sister" processes that address risk. The CCEVS process focuses on "evaluating" a product independent of its environment, and the C&A process focuses on "accrediting" a whole system in a particular environment. Evaluated products can benefit the process of accrediting a system in its environment, but it is never correct to state that a product is "accredited," only that the product is part of an accredited system. All government agencies and divisions implementing Cross Domain solutions are required to complete the C&A process before a system can be made operational. For more information on these processes, their similarities and differences, readers can download the white paper entitled "CCEVS v. C&A" from http://www.TrustedCS.com.

About Trusted Computer Solutions, Inc.

Founded in 1994, Trusted Computer Solutions (TCS) is an industry leader in cross-domain solutions. The company's SecureOffice(R) Suite of software products enable government and industry to securely share information, striking the right balance between information protection and information sharing, a vital component to national security. All SecureOffice products adhere to the most stringent security standards set by U. S. Government Agencies such as the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. SecureOffice products, which run on trusted versions of Linux and UNIX, are installed and accredited in operational systems around the world today protecting our nation's most sensitive digital information. TCS is headquartered in Herndon, Va., with offices in Urbana, Ill. and San Antonio, TX. For more information, visit http://www.TrustedCS.com.

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Evan Weisel

Welz & Weisel Communications

P: 703-218-3555

evan@w2comm.com