SYMICRON SAVES MOD THOUSANDS BY ENABLING SECURE DATA TO GO OVER PUBLIC NETWORKS

Symicron Computer Communications Ltd, the UK's leading independent manufacturer of ISDN systems, has provided the advanced technology to enable the Ministry of Defence to save thousands of pounds by transmitting secure encrypted data, at high speed, between military units and platform integrators, over public ISDN Primary Rate networks instead of over expensive private leased lines.

Symicron is working with the Public Private Partnership that is developing the LION secure information transfer system and interoperability network between units from all three services that may be using different communications platforms. The other partners in this project, worth approximately £3million, are the MOD, Aerosystems International (prime contractor) and Zaxus, who are part of Racal Electronics. Symicron are providing the end-to-end WAN communications over ISDN that will enable the Lincoln based Sentry aircraft platform rig to communicate directly with those for Sea King AEW helicopters, Type 42 frigates, Sea Harrier and Tornado F3 aircraft in different locations. Any additional locations can easily be added to the network whenever required.

Symicron have provided ISDN Primary Rate Interfaces in PC-based communications controllers and Basic Rate terminal adapters at the remote sites that collect all the encrypted streams and send them, via secure dial up connections over the public network, to a central site. Symicron are also configuring and controlling the network using Zaxus IP encrypters as well as installing and maintaining all the network hubs and BT services.

According to Martin Wilson at Aerosystems International, "Because of the new technology available from Symicron and Zaxus, this new system is costing only about an eighth of what it would cost using traditional leased lines to carry the IP traffic. The system is completely automatic, transparent and self-managing. So far, two sites are up and running and we expect the full system to be installed by the third quarter of 2001. Symicron have responded magnificently to resolve any small problems that have occurred and we have now got completely stable communications."

John Tilbrook, Chairman of Symicron, commented, "The combination of Symicron's communications and Zaxus' encryption technology has saved the MOD a fortune for this specific solution. It would also be ideal for any other government departments requiring fully encrypted SoHo operation."