PacStar Announces New Unified Communications Solutions Based on Cisco Technology...

PacStar Announces New Unified Communications Solutions Based on Cisco
Technology to Help Military Achieve 'Everything Over IP' Mission

WASHINGTON, March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- PacStar(TM), a technology-based
provider of communications solutions to the military and government, today
announced the availability of the PacStar 6000 series of Unified
Communications (UC) Enterprise and Deployable solutions for the military. The
new products are designed to deliver IP-based voice, video and data
communications to U.S. forces around the world.
Under new specifications for military networks, the Office of the
Secretary of Defense (OSD) has mandated this shift to fully IP-capable
solutions. PacStar is introducing its new solutions to meet these
specifications. The products are the result of a collaborative development
between Cisco and PacStar that enhances Cisco's Unified Communications
products in US Military markets. Among other key capabilities, the product set
allows users to connect directly to the Defense Information Systems Network
(DISN), eliminating the cumbersome two-step analog to IP networks process.
"The mandate that the military move to Everything over IP (EoIP) is
helping to modernize today's battlefield and provides our warfighters with
unparalleled access to information in real time, over almost any type of
device," said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. "These new PacStar systems
deliver these applications with the flexibility and reliability required by
the OSD. Only the PacStar 6000 products can deliver an IP-based solution that
is easy to use, fully deployable and backed by reliable unified communications
solutions from Cisco."
The PacStar 6000 series maximizes situational awareness and ease of use,
as well as offers a smaller footprint and ruggedization to survive any theater
environment. It delivers messaging, video conferencing, data, and scheduling
suites in addition to IP telephony. The system allows the military to swap
modules in the field to upgrade from a deployable small-scale UC footprint to
a full Small End Office (SMEO) base-level solution that can support thousands
of users at any time. This ability to scale will save time and money for
rapidly-changing field environments.
The PacStar 6000 series is based on Cisco Unified Communications systems
that have been enhanced with PacStar's patented IQ-Core(TM) Software. This
system management software package provides a unified, easy to use interface
that automates and simplifies routine, time-consuming, and difficult tasks.
Recent third party tests have shown at least a 500% improvement in set up time
and error reduction by teams using IQ-Core software. This can save money, save
time and save lives in the difficult environments of PacStar clients.
To improve reliability, cooling and accessibility, the PacStar 6000 series
products are housed in PacStar's IQ-Core(TM) Case. The ruggedized case housing
and tray structure are designed to meet Military Standard 810F requirements
for transportation, vibration, shock, and temperature. The case goes well
beyond static or "dumb" ruggedized cases, providing an easy to use and
understand interface that includes embedded microcontrollers that monitor
internal temperatures, allow remote presence (AC power reset, console port
access), offer visual and auditory alerts, and provide a simplified menu
system for common operations.
"Cisco's solutions help customers connect, communicate and collaborate
more effectively via voice, video and data," said Bruce Klein, federal area
vice president at Cisco. "Combining our comprehensive and secure networking
platform with PacStar's battle-tested IQ-Core Software and IQ-Core Case gives
the military proven reliability that can be quickly and easily deployed,
managed and maintained, even by minimally trained personnel."
Meeting Department of Defense and Congressional Mandates
In 2003, legislation passed by Congress requires US Defense Networks to
transition to Internet Protocol(1), and more recently the Office of the
Secretary of Defense (OSD) mandated that systems connecting directly into the
Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) be entirely IP-based(2). The
PacStar 6000 Unified Communications solutions based on certified Cisco
networking and unified communications is the only fully IP-based solution that
meets these government requirements from deployable kits to small enterprise
military installations.
PacStar's Unified Communications Solutions for the Military
PacStar(TM) 6300 Deployable UC Exchange and PacStar 6350 UC Extender
The PacStar(TM) 6300 Advanced Deployable UC (Unified Communications) Exchange
is a full-featured, IP-based, deployable, tandem switch and PBX. The PacStar
6300 is designed to meet the stringent DISA requirements to provide
voice/communications services through the DISN, and provides IP-converged
services based on the Cisco UC platform. Designed for deployed operations, and
managed through the PacStar IQ-Core(TM) Software, the PacStar 6300 brings the
power of IP communications to the warfighter, yet requires reduced training
and operations support services.
The PacStar 6350 UC (Unified Communications) Extender increases the
trunking and tandem functions of the 6300 and adds Cisco's Unified
MeetingPlace Express. It connects seamlessly with any 6300, which in turn
connects seamlessly with both IP and telephone style voice networks. The
product line has both US (6350-US) and Global (6350-GL) standards-based
models. The units are delivered with IQ-Core (TM) Case technology which
provides ruggedization, remote management, and environmental conditioning. For
more information on the PacStar 6300 and PacStar 6350, please visit
http://www.pacstar.com/pgs/unified_communications.html.
PacStar(TM) 6800 Enterprise UC Exchange
The PacStar(TM) 6800 Enterprise UC (Unified Communications) Exchange is a
full-featured, IP-based, high-reliability, tandem switch and PBX for military
base infrastructure. The PacStar 6800 is a rack-mounted UC solution designed
to meet the stringent DISA requirements to provide voice/communications
services through the DISN, and provides Everything over IP-converged services
based on the Cisco UC platform. For the first time it makes the advanced
Cisco-based "Everything Over IP" available to US Military customers.
Intended for military enterprise infrastructure, and managed through the
PacStar IQ-Core(TM) Software, the PacStar 6800 brings the power of IP
communications to the military enterprise, yet requires reduced training and
maintenance support services. For more information on the PacStar 6800, please
visit http://www.pacstar.com/pgs/unified_communications.html .
Pricing and Availability
The PacStar 6300, 6350 and 6800 are available today. For more information
on pricing or to set up a demonstration, contact PacStar at 888-872-1512.
About PacStar
Pacific Star Communications (PacStar(TM)) is a leading technology-based
systems integrator providing total communications solutions that empower
military, federal, state and local governments, and emergency responders with
reliable, interoperable communications capabilities. Our patent-pending IQ-
Core(TM) software and hardware technology and integration/installation
services provide secure, command control and communications systems for any
environment. In addition, PacStar provides a full range of communications
solutions to commercial businesses, as well as telecommunications service
providers.
(1) Congress passed Public Law 107-314 / House Resolution 4546: National
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY03. House Report 107-436 on H.R. 4546.
(2) ASD(NII)/DoD CIO DoD Instruction Number 8100.3, dated 16 Jan 2004,
implements the Public Law.
For more information, please visit www.pacstar.com or call 888-872-1512.

Press Contact: Andrew Miller
Zeno Group on behalf of PacStar
Phone: 707.386.1193
Email: andrew.miller@zenogroup.com

SOURCE PacStar

Andrew Miller, Zeno Group, +1-707-386-1193, andrew.miller@zenogroup.com, for
PacStar