Cranite Systems Awarded Contract To Secure New York City First Responder Network

Los Gatos, CA -- Cranite Systems, Inc. announced that it will design the first responder security architecture for the Geospatially-Aware Urban Approaches for Responding to Disasters (GUARD) program. Rosettex Technology & Ventures Group (Rosettex), under contract from the National Technology Alliance (NTA), awarded Cranite the contract for GUARD, a model program to be replicated by first responders nationwide.

GUARD implements a congressional vision for a first responder communications and decision support capability. This essential network will allow fire department, police, and other first responders to communicate securely in challenging environments such as natural disasters, fires, and terrorist attacks. The network will use 802.16e (WiMAX-Ready) technology to provide high-bandwidth mobile communications.

"We looked to Cranite to be our wireless security experts," said David Ihrie, Chief Technology Officer for Rosettex, "Using their experience and technological capabilities enables us to assure our Government partners that we're building on a rock-solid wireless communications security architecture."

GUARD builds on two prior years of prototyping and demonstration as the "Smart Dissemination Networks" (Smart Nets) program, developed in conjunction with users from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD). GUARD extends the capabilities, team and technologies already in place to establish a pre-operational prototype in New York City.

"First responders put their lives on the line for us every day. Cranite is extremely proud to help secure their crucial communication systems," said John Vigouroux, CEO of Cranite Systems. "The GUARD program establishes a standard for first responders across the country to replicate. We look forward to working with Rosettex and our teaming partners to make this cutting-edge vision a reality."

The GUARD plan calls for extending the enhanced Smart Nets capability with a second interconnected regional solution in St. Louis, and a third in Washington, D.C. GUARD will provide an open platform and model that communities around the country can evaluate and adapt, to best serve local requirements.

SOURCE: Cranite Systems, Inc.