General Dynamics Awarded NSA Contract to Add Switched Network Compatibility to the Sectera(R) vIPer(TM) Universal Secure Phone

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. , Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics C4 Systems has been awarded a $2.8 million contract by the National Security Agency (NSA) to add a new Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) feature to the Sectera(R) vIPer(TM) Universal Secure Phone. The new feature, called "PSTN Connect," will enable the vIPer Phone to connect with traditional telephone networks, enabling users of secure desktop phones to use one secure phone on either PSTN or VoIP networks. The vIPer Phone currently operates on Internet Protocol (IP) networks.

"The idea behind PSTN Connect is to provide users with a flexibility they don't have today. For example, the vIPer Universal Secure Phone will appeal to those whose installations currently use the PSTN network, but who plan to migrate to voice over IP; users who currently have voice over IP networks; and others who plan to stay with traditional PSTN," said John Cole , vice president of Information Assurance for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "It's about protecting our customers' investments by providing a product that will accommodate evolving communications technologies."

Introduced in 2006, the Sectera vIPer Phone remains the only voice over IP phone certified by the NSA to protect information classified Top Secret and below over commercial networks. The vIPer Universal Secure Phone, with PSTN Connect, will be submitted for NSA certification testing in the third-quarter of 2008. The vIPer, with PSTN Connect, upon successfully completing certification testing, will provide secure phone users with a cost effective solution for replacing legacy secure phones, including the Secure Telephone Unit (STU-III).

General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. 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 84,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2008 revenues of approximately $29.5 billion. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about the company is available on the Internet at http://www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics C4 Systems