General Dynamics to Deliver First High Assurance Platform-compliant Workstation on a Dell

July 21, 2008

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. , July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics C4 Systems has selected the OptiPlex(TM) 755 desktop by Dell Inc. as the computer hardware to host its Trusted Virtual Environment (TVE), the first High Assurance Platform (HAP)-compliant workstation intended for classified work by government users. The workstation enables individuals to use a single computer workstation to securely access information and applications from multiple networks, at different classification levels, as opposed to limiting a computer to a single security level.

In October 2006 , The National Security Agency awarded the first contract under the High Assurance Platform Initiative to General Dynamics. HAP is an information security program that employs commercial hardware and virtualization technology to manage the separation of multiple classification levels of data running simultaneously on a single computer.

"One computer allowing authorized users to work securely in multiple operating domains across the enterprise is an advancement for military and government personnel," said John Cole , vice president of Information Assurance for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "We have leveraged the advantages available in the commercial world and optimized them for military tactical environments and government workstations."

"Government customers engaged in classified work require solutions that deliver effective network security in complex environments," said Troy West , vice president, Dell Federal. "The Dell OptiPlex 755 helps simplify the user experience by providing an efficient, secure foundation for the HAP-compliant workstation."

The General Dynamics Trusted Virtual Environment workstation extends the efficiency of computing and storage capability by reducing the amount of equipment, in many cases by more than 50 percent. In addition to the Dell computing platform, the General Dynamics TVE solution bundles best-in-class commercial technology for hardware-based security mechanisms and centralized self-monitoring security technology from the Intel Corp., along with industry-leading virtualization software from VMware(R), Inc.

"Today's computing solutions demand higher levels of security, manageability and convenience," said Rob Crooke , vice president and general manager, Intel Business Client Group. "Intel Virtualization and Trusted Execution Technologies, components of Intel vPro(TM) technology, combine to enable programs with multiple levels of classification to reside securely on a single computer."

"VMware is committed to providing comprehensive virtualization solutions with the highest security -- from data center virtualization and management to enterprise desktop management to application lifecycle management," said Aileen Black , vice president of federal sales at VMware. "Working with General Dynamics to create the HAP-compliant workstation brings efficiency and flexibility to government agencies with the most stringent security requirements."

Dell is accepting orders for the General Dynamics TVE workstation to fulfill 2008 deliveries.

General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 10,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, space systems, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va. , employs approximately 84,000 people worldwide and had 2007 revenues of $27.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information about the company is available on the Internet at http://www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics C4 Systems

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