PacStar®… Fielding Hundreds (Comms)

[SatNews] PacStar has been awarded a contract totaling $12.2 million….

….for the delivery of several hundred of the firm’s mobile tactical communications units to U.S. Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A). PacStar will deliver 225 units of its 2010 SIPR / NIPR Baseband Node (SNBN), which provides secure, converged, unified communications, over wired 3G/4G, WiMax and satellite networks. The firm will also deliver 450 units of its PacStar 2011 SIPR / NIPR / Coalition Enclaves (SNCE), which, when combined with the PacStar 2010, provides USFOR-A with simultaneous, expanded access to three major command and control communications networks (NIPR / SIPR / CENTRIXS) that will connect to established Harris RF-7800W Broadband Ethernet Radio antennas.

Both the PacStar 2010 and PacStar 2011 are managed by PacStar IQ-Core® software, a comprehensive software management platform that simplifies system setup, unifies network management, protects against mis-configuration and makes the systems easier to use for lightly-trained or busy communication operators in the field. As a result, warfighters will benefit from mobile tactical communications units that are quick and easy to set up, while providing maximum flexibility in network access and command and control.

PacStar was hired by DOD on a $12.2M contract to put together and deliver over 600 units of its communications tech for US forces in Afghanistan. PacStar CEO Bob Dunn says the mobile tactical communications kits provide secure convergence of voice, video over the military’s network. Bob says PacStar’s IQ Core network management software makes the kits able to communicate with Harris’ broadband antennas. The kits will be delivered in batches between now and the end of March. With 50 employees and $70M in revenue, the company works on deals for several DOD customers and NYPD. But Bob says the win will open up so many other doors for the small Portland, Ore.-based company.

Date: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 12:59pm PST

Pacific Star Communications, Inc. Thursday announced a $12.2 million deal with the U.S. Department of Defense marking the largest contract in the company’s history.

Portland-based PacStar makes tactical communications systems, taking critical communications equipment from manufacturers such as Cisco and VMWare and packaging it into a ruggedized, portable form suitable for use in the field.

It also makes IQ-Core Software which provides an easy-to-use interface for its so-called “offices in a box.”

The deal announced Thursday calls for providing 225 of its mobile tactical communications units to U.S. forces in Afghanistan for use over wired 3G/4G, WiMax and satellite networks.

It will deliver another 450 units capable of connecting to broadband ethernet radio antennas made by Harris Corp.

CEO Bob Dunn said PacStar, which employs 51 and expects 2011 revenue of $58 million, had worked on winning this contract for more than a year.

“It’s very exciting for us, because we’re a small business and we think we have some pretty special, talented engineers and good solutions,” Dunn said.

The contract — which Dunn said is more than two times the size of the typical PacStar contract — also helps to validate the technology within the defense market.

“Four years ago when we were just getting started trying to create these solutions, we had a couple first-time customers that trusted us,” Dunn said. “Now we think we have a strong enough foundation that enough of the customers and systems integrators are paying attention to PacStar.”

That could portend more good things to come for PacStar.

But the announcement of the big defense contract also comes on the day that President Obama declares an official end to the war in Iraq.

Dunn, however, said that fact doesn’t limit PacStar’s market.

Portable communications kits are also applicable for use by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in disaster response efforts or banks and other corporations with operations in disaster areas.

“As long as companies like Riverbed Technology, VMware with virtualization, Cisco with routing, as long as they’re out there providing technology, there will be a need for tactical kits,” Dunn said.

PacStar will deliver 675 of its mobile tactical communications units to Afghanistan for use by U.S. military forces under a $12.2 million contract with U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, company officials said Dec. 15.

The communications services provider will furnish the military forces with 225 of its 2010 SIPR/NIPR Baseband Node (SNBN) units, and also 450 of its 2011 SIPR/NIPR Coalition Enclaves (SNCE) units, the officials said.

The SNBN units offer in-country forces secure, converged communications over wired 3G/4G, WiMax and satellite networks. The SNCE units, when used with the SNBN units, give forces simultaneous access to three major command and control networks.

PacStar®, a leading developer of advanced communications solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), today announced it has been awarded a contract totaling $12.2 million for the delivery of several hundred of the firm’s mobile tactical communications units to US Forces-Afghanistan (USFOR-A).

PacStar will deliver 225 units of its 2010 SIPR / NIPR Baseband Node (SNBN), which provides secure, converged, unified communications, over wired 3G/4G, WiMax and satellite networks. The firm will also deliver 450 units of its PacStar 2011 SIPR / NIPR / Coalition Enclaves (SNCE), which, when combined with the PacStar 2010, provides USFOR-A with simultaneous, expanded access to three major command and control communications networks (NIPR / SIPR / CENTRIXS) that will connect to established Harris RF-7800W Broadband Ethernet Radio antennas.

“Providing secure, easy-to-use, and reliable communication in austere environments on the battlefield is of the utmost importance for today’s networked warfighter,” said Bob Dunn, chief executive officer, PacStar.“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to deliver a solution that will improve USFOR-A’s capability to communicate with each other and the coalition forces.”

Both the PacStar 2010 and PacStar 2011 are managed by PacStar IQ-Core® Software, a comprehensive software management platform that simplifies system setup, unifies network management, protects against mis-configuration and makes the systems easier to use for lightly-trained or busy communication operators in the field. As a result, warfighters will benefit from mobile tactical communications units that are quick and easy to set up, while providing maximum flexibility in network access and command and control.

The reconfiguration, the company said, allows system operators to train and operate General Dynamic’s Dismounted Company Command Post communications system faster and more efficiently.  DCCP is an expeditionary Communications system intended for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The DCCP system, using the new software, will be demonstrated by General Dynamics at the Association of the United States Army ILW Winter Symposium later this month in Florida.

IQ-Core Software automates routine, difficult or error-prone setup, configuration and management tasks. The software reduces setup time and improves system uptime by reducing configuration errors.

The company said the software is especially valuable in reducing the complexity of tasks related to the deployment of unified capabilities that provide voice, data, video and application services in the field.

“This development effort further expands the reach of IQ-Core Software with the potential to bring the ‘ease-of-use’ of our technology to a much wider audience,” said PacStar Chief Executive Officer Bob Dunn.

UPI 

DCCP is an expeditionary communications system for the U.S. Department of Defense. IQ-Core training software automates routine, difficult, or error-prone setup, configuration and management tasks, reduces setup time, and improves system uptime by reducing mis-configuration errors.

General Dynamics C4 Systems will demonstrate the DCCP — a new company development — with the IQ-Core software at the at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) ILW Winter Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., next week.

IQ-Core software helps reduce the complexity of tasks related to deploying voice, data, video, and application services in the field, PacStar officials say. IQ-Core software has been proven in the field and has been DISA JITC-certified on five different platforms.

IQ-Core software is embedded in PacStar’s software-managed deployable communications solutions, including the PacStar 6000 and PacStar 4000-series for delivering IP and TDM connectivity to defense networks including NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS, CENTRIX-ISAF, as well as DOD Defense Switched Network (DSN) voice and data services and VoSIP.

For more information on General Dynamics C4 Systems : www.gdc4s.com.

Military & Aerospace Electronics

Fed Tech Bisnow

Bob Dunn, CEO, PacStar

Bob Dunn was appointed PacStar’s Chief Executive Officer inJune 2010 after rejoining the company in early 2010 with the main goal being to expand and develop the company’s technology penetration in Department of Defense programs and with large system integrators. In addition to his responsibilities as CEO, Bob continues to spearhead these business development efforts. Prior to rejoining PacStar, Bob served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Ericsson Federal Inc. (EFI). Bob joined EFI in October of 2008 and directed all Business Development efforts across U.S. federal, state and local government agencies that demand the same broadband applications and communications capabilities as commercial markets. His team helped customers leverage Ericsson’s worldwide commercial leadership and massive research and development investment to achieve mission success.

Before working wtih Ericsson, Bob served as the Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at PacStar, where he maintained a client roster that included numerous influential U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Defense, Defense Information Systems Agency, the Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence. Previous to his work with PacStar, Bob served as President of the Product Solutions Sector for Nortel Government Solutions (NGS). There he played an active role in the merger between Nortel and PEC Solutions as well as the consolidation of the business units. In addition to these executive roles, Bob held numerous business development and management positions for NYNEX, Northern Telecom and Bell Atlantic.

He is a member of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), where he serves on its international board.

MilsatMagazine (MSM)
You’ve been involved with communications and telecom throughout your career, and the Federal Marketplace for the last 10 years. What attracted you to PacStar and what market opportunity did you see for the company?
Bob Dunn
PacStar is a proven leader in the tactical marketplace. We have some of the most talented engineering and business development professionals in the Federal Marketplace who are supported by an experienced management team and board. We also partner with some of the most advanced communications companies in the world. Our challenge is to take that advanced technology and deliver tactical, ruggedized solutions in a SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) that exceeds our customers’ requirements. Once we assemble the solution we apply our IQ Core management software that enables easy set up and access to the associated applications.
MSM
DoD budget cuts increase the appeal of commercial-off-the shelf COTS) technology that can be ruggedized and used by warfighters. How will this trend impact PacStar?
Bob Dunn
The trend defines our business model. Ruggedizing COTS, utilizing our network, systems and software engineering, and delivering comprehensive tactical solutions is what we do.

As DoD looks for big cuts (i.e. big iron, big programs, etc.), and applies a more commercial cost cutting model, the men and women in the field will always need to communicate. We find ourselves extolling the benefits of tech refresh, efficiencies, and cost saving measures without giving up quality or security.
MSM
Your customers need the latest technology, but sized to meet their needs. It’s all about size, weight, power and immediacy — particularly in the military. How does PacStar fit into these DoD requirements?
Bob Dunn
Perfectly. We often whiteboard new designs that illustrate “the art of the possible.” At the end of several sessions, we find ourselves asking, “Can we really get 3, 4, 5 enclaves in one unit that weighs under x pounds”? “There is only one way to find out,” is how PacStar Engineers answer this question. We make our Operations/Assembly team crazy sometimes, but the results speak for themselves. IQ Core Solutions are deployed globally.
MSM
You’ve announced some product and technology partnerships this year with General Dynamics, Cisco, and, more recently, Riverbed. When you tie all of these together — how does it reflect PacStar’s approach to the market?
Bob Dunn
It’s the model of “Coopetition.” Sometimes we compete with GD, sometimes we partner with them. Let’s face it, GD is one of the best tactical solutions providers in the world, and DoD works very closely with them, along with several other leading Systems Integrators. We are proud to be a part of their team, especially when we truly add value.

We are finding that IQ Core Software is really making a difference to the men and women in the field. It provides that “easy to use” experience that is essential when you need comms fast, both in set up and speed. Cisco, Riverbed and other soon to be announced partners, deliver the most advanced technology that applies to the mission. Whether it’s routing, voice compression, WAN acceleration or simple analog voice PacStar focuses on SWaP, ease of use and delivers the same mission critical technologies in a form factor demanding by our customers.

MSM
Network management, ease of use and increased efficiencies are becoming more important
than ever. How are you building product/technology solutions around demand for voice, video
and data by warfighters within a user-friendly environment, all the while meeting such metrics?
Bob Dunn
We achieve this through our patented IQ Core technologies. We reengineer products, bundle them in the expected form factor, and apply IQ Core software. Imagine having a kit that provides Cisco routing and video, VMWare virtualization and Fortress security. The user wants to turn it on, and use it rather than having to pore through four different manuals. PacStar IQ Core Software does all of the complex work behind the scenes so that all the user is thinking about is what to say, send, or show another user or Command and Control.
MSM
What is your Company’s IQ-Core ruggedized technology, and how does such assist in the implementation of fixed and tactical communications services?
Bob Dunn
The Company’s patented IQ-Core Software and hardware technology and integration/installation services provide secure, command control and communications systems particularly in remote, or infrastructure-starved, areas. In addition, PacStar provides a full range of communications solutions to commercial businesses as well as telecommunications service providers.
MSM
Would you discuss PacStar’s approach to the critical issue of communications security — how does your firm solve this problem to the satisfaction of all involved? What products do you present that incorporate these technologies?
Bob Dunn
We work closely with all technology providers ensuring their security features transfer to our bundled solutions. If the customer requires type-1 or other high level security protocols we’ll either build it “in-skins” or interoperate with another enclave. We also have high-level security in our IQ Core Software designs.
MSM
How does PacStar manage to navigate through the various channels and over the numerous bridges of federal and state acquisition systems to get their product and technology messages not only heard, but understood?
Bob Dunn
There is no question that the Federal procurement process can be cumbersome, but we appreciate the fact that our customers just want to get it right the first time. We deliver high quality solutions that meet customer requirements. When we respond correctly and professionally, and work closely with the engineers on the desired deliverables, the process usually works well. It helps to have a couple of procurement specialists on the team as well.
MSM
Looking back over your career and past experiences, what one or two projects that you have been responsible for completing bring a great deal of satisfaction to you?
Bob Dunn
I worked with a particular group of people, customers, and patriots, and we delivered solutions that helped save lives. If they are reading this article they know who they are, they know what we accomplished; and, they how deeply proud I am to have worked with them.

I also worked with a talented team to upgrade DISA’s DSN to VoIP. Back in the day when analog was king, and “they” said it would never happen, I took a great deal of satisfaction in knowing the customer trusted the team and me enough to move forward with the transition. Now VoIP is commonplace.
MSM
Where do you see tactical communications heading over the next couple of years?
Bob Dunn
Look for smaller and lighter, needing less power, all running on IQ Core Software.
MSM
What challenges do you see facing our warfighters as the demands of smaller, but more mobile, combat units continues to demand attention?
Bob Dunn
Some companies that supply wireless communications need to focus on applications that are mission critical to the warfighter and the needs of our men and women in battle. Too often, Programs of Record are not geared towards military requirements. That said, our brave men and women have enough to worry about out there. The last thing they should worry about is communications. Creating a hassle-free communications experience is PacStar’s top priority.
MSM
With additional technologies and more complex systems offered in various, hostile environments, then with these capabilities moving downstream from command to the warfighters themselves, how can product implementation be sped up and training administered more effectively and with proper support?
Bob Dunn
Through IQ Core Solutions. When the men and women in uniform stop or pass by our booth at LandWarNet, AUSA, etc., and say, or better shout, “Hey there’s our PacStar”!!, you know you’re doing something right. PacStar will always be there for our bravest with the latest technologies, regardless of environment. We also sponsor, and I am on the Board of, GallantFew, an organization that supports wounded Rangers. It’s a very small way of saying thank you. Check them out and help support the troops.

PacStar^®, a leading developer of advanced communications solutions for the US Department of Defense, today announced that it has released IQ-Core^® Software version 3.4 for its tactical communications solutions.  This new software release, initially available on the PacStar 4100 IEP/RRK platform, delivers powerful new network management and diagnostic tools to first-in communicators and warfighters operating in rugged battlefield environments.

IQ-Core Software, PacStar’s flagship technology, significantly simplifies system setup and management, protects the system from mis-configuration by preventing user errors, and reduces training and support requirements. IQ-Core Software v3.4 delivers additional capabilities to communications operators and specialists:

• New Diagnostic Tools including a real-time bandwidth utilization monitor that enables communications operators to examine and export the bandwidth utilization on any port or interface of the Cisco routers and switches included in their PacStar solution.   As a result operators can quickly access critical information for troubleshooting and performance purposes. 

• Advanced Troubleshooting Tools including a phone-circuit, end-to-end analysis tool enabling operators to detect and repair common configuration problems when setting up Cisco VoIP systems in remote locations.

• Powerful Configuration Management enhancements, including the ability to backup switch and router configurations on a daily basis, and automatically when configuration changes are detected.   Version 3.4 also includes a side-by-side comparison view, easing the ability to review/edit changes.

• Enhanced Customization including easy-to-use wizards that provide advanced communications specialists with the ability to create “scripts” that automate router, switch and port configuration.  With a transparent user interface, IQ-Core Software assists entry-level operators in learning underlying command-line interfaces of the equipment, reducing the likelihood of mis-configuration of systems in the field.

• Assistance for Operators in Training and Learning including operator-visible “preview” and operator-visible execution of advanced scripting commands, reinforcing training of advanced command syntax, while providing easy-to-use wizard-based user interfaces

• Integration of Additional Communications Equipment for Field Use through an extension of the number and types of equipment managed by IQ-Core Software.  New features include the integration with Cisco’s G2 series of ISR routers, Cisco’s 5915 ESR router, Nexus HAWK cellular/Wi-Fi/3G gateway, and support for Cisco Unified Communications Manager 7.x and 8.x APIs.

• Improved Cisco VoIP Phone Provisioning through a simplified and user-customizable “add phone” wizard – allowing operators to speed the provision of phones.

“With the release of this software, PacStar continues to innovate and demonstrate our commitment to helping warfighters succeed in their missions,” said Bob Dunn, chief executive officer of PacStar.  “PacStar continues to work very closely with our partners and customers to identify and build solutions around the most critical challenges faced by military organizations.”

PacStar develops rapid-deployment communications equipment for the US DoD in small, soldier-portable solutions.  Comprising IP-based network, security, voice and satcom equipment, PacStar solutions provide all of the communications capabilities that in-theater teams need for access to one or more networks such as NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS, CENTRIXS, and BICES. With the announcement of IQ-Core Software v3.4, teams of deployed personnel can maximize the effectiveness of data communications, while continuing to field ever-more complex systems.

“As more and more military organizations rely on IQ-Core Software for tactical communications, PacStar will continue to drive innovation and capabilities that enhance the user experience in a meaningful way,” added Charlie Kawasaki, chief technology officer of PacStar. 

PacStar®, a developer of advanced communications solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has announced an integrated solution that delivers Riverbed® Virtual Steelhead® on the PacStar 1210 Tactical Accelerator Appliance (TAA). As a result, PacStar offers DoD customers the Riverbed wide area network (WAN) optimization solution in the smallest form factor possible. This effectively reduces the size of the physical equipment needed – by more than 50 percent – for applications where size, weight and power count. In addition, the PacStar 1210 includes a quick-release solid state drive, providing a convenient method to meet security requirements.

“By using the Riverbed Virtual Steelhead, we were able to quickly develop the right solution for our DoD customers without the concerns and delays normally found in porting software to a new platform,” said Bob Dunn, chief executive officer of PacStar. “Riverbed Virtual Steelhead proved to be extremely easy to use and adaptable, and brings the best of the appliance packaging and predictability to a form factor that meets our customers’ needs. ”

PacStar selected Riverbed Virtual Steelhead to provide WAN optimization for deployed military units that often have many soldiers in the field sharing limited bandwidth, high-latency satellite communications links. Riverbed Steelhead appliances are a favorite among satellite users for their ability to speed application performance and data transfer over the WAN, which work extremely well in high-latency environments and meets the need anywhere-anytime access. PacStar develops rapid-deployment communications equipment for the U.S. DoD, in small, soldier-portable solutions. Comprised of an IP-based network, security, voice and satcom equipment, PacStar solutions provide all of the communications capabilities that in-theater teams need for access to one or more networks such as NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS and CENTRIXS. Also, with the PacStar 1210, teams of deployed personnel can maximize the effectiveness of data communications, using Riverbed acceleration technologies, in an appliance form-factor designed specifically for executive, early-entry, joint task force (JTF) or forward operating base use.

SatNews Daily

“By using the Riverbed Virtual Steelhead, we were able to quickly develop the right solution for our DoD customers without the concerns and delays normally found in porting software to a new platform,” said Bob Dunn, chief executive officer of PacStar.  “Riverbed Virtual Steelhead proved to be extremely easy to use and adaptable, and brings the best of the appliance packaging and predictability to a form factor that meets our customers’ needs. ”

PacStar selected Riverbed Virtual Steelhead to provide WAN optimization for deployed military units that often have many soldiers in the field sharing limited bandwidth, high-latency satellite communications links.  Riverbed Steelhead appliances are a favorite among satellite users for their ability to speed application performance and data transfer over the WAN, which work extremely well in high-latency environments and meets the need anywhere-anytime access.

PacStar develops rapid-deployment communications equipment for the U.S. DoD, in small, soldier-portable solutions.  Comprised of an IP-based network, security, voice and satcom equipment, PacStar solutions provide all of the communications capabilities that in-theater teams need for access to one or more networks such as NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS and CENTRIXS.  Also, with the PacStar 1210, teams of deployed personnel can maximize the effectiveness of data communications, using Riverbed acceleration technologies, in an appliance form-factor designed specifically for executive, early-entry, joint task force (JTF) or forward operating base use.

About PacStar

Pacific Star Communications, Inc. (PacStar) is a leading technology-based systems integrator that delivers advanced, reliable and interoperable tactical and enterprise communications systems to the military, federal, state and local government agencies, as well as emergency responders. The company’s patented IQ-Core^® Software and hardware technology and integration/installation services provide secure, command, control and communications systems – particularly in remote or infrastructure starved areas. In addition, PacStar’s unified and tactical network communications systems are ideally suited for commercial sector organizations with mission-critical, complex communications requirements.

“These new approvals permit PacStar to assist the US Navy to have real time mobile communications with high-speed data rate solutions for NIPRNet and SIPRNet connectivity on a global basis.” said Bob Dunn, chief executive officer of PacStar.  “This further demonstrates that the PacStar 4100 is the right solution for secure tactical communications, providing broadband communications for teams, in a compact carry-on size case – ideal for executive travel, rapid response, and initial entry uses.”

The PacStar 4100 is currently deployed in all of the US DoD services, providing access to NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS and CENTRIXS networks, providing voice, data and video transmission, routing and access for phones, laptops, and VTC equipment.  Based on Cisco® 1861 ISR routers, with extensive attention to reduction in size, weight and power, the PacStar 4100 is the multi-network solution of choice for communication teams in austere environments.  The PacStar 4100 also sets the benchmark for ease-of-use through PacStar’s integrated software management GUI, IQ-Core® Software.  Providing monitoring, alerting, provisioning and configuration management, IQ-Core Software makes sophisticated networking and communication equipment easier to use for lightly-trained or busy communication operators in the field.

“PacStar puts great effort into meeting DoD mandated requirements,’ said Charlie Kawasaki, chief technical officer of PacStar.  “Our engineering team is uniquely qualified to assist customers in both interoperability and information assurance certifications – as demonstrated by this new approval.”

PacStar®, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, announced today that they have reconfigured their IQ-Core® Software product for use in General Dynamics C4 Systems’ Dismounted Company Command Post (DCCP) communications system. The IQ-Core-based software enables users to train and operate the DCCP faster and more efficiently. DCCP is an expeditionary communications system intended for the U.S. Department of Defense. The communications system, using the new software, will be demonstrated in General Dynamics’ booth #723 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) ILW Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, February 23 to 25, 2011.

IQ-Core Software automates routine, difficult, or error-prone setup, configuration and management tasks. The software lso reduces setup time and improves system uptime by reducing mis-configuration errors. IQ-Core Software is especially aluable in reducing the complexity of tasks related to the deployment of unified capabilities that provide voice, data, video and application services in the field. “This development effort further expands the reach of IQ-Core Software with the potential to bring the ‘ease-of-use’ of our technology to a much wider audience,” said Bob Dunn, PacStar chief executive officer.

IQ-Core Software has been proven in the field and has been DISA JITC-certified on five different platforms. IQ-Core Software is embedded in PacStar’s broad product family of software-managed deployable communications solutions, including the PacStar 6000 and
PacStar 4000-series solutions, which deliver IP and TDM connectivity to defense networks including NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS and CENTRIX-ISAF as well as DoD Defense Switched Network (DSN) voice and data services and VoSIP.

GallantFew is a non-profit nationwide veteran mentor network that helps our returning heroes transition successfully from military service to civilian life.

GallantFew today announced that Bob Dunn has been appointed to their Advisory Board.

GallantFew is a 501(c)(3) non-profit nationwide veteran mentor network that helps our returning heroes transition successfully from military service to civilian life. GallantFew provides a social network, professional development, emotional support and physical assistance.

“We are pleased to welcome Mr. Dunn to the GallantFew Advisory Board. As a successful and respected executive, Bob brings a wealth of business development and management experience to the team,” stated Mr. Karl Monger, executive director. “We expect him to add a clear and strong voice to our advisory board and are certain his expertise will help us move in the right direction.”

Mr. Dunn stated, “As a member of the GallantFew Advisory Board, I will be joining a phenomenal nationwide mentor network that helps our veterans transition from military service to successful civilian careers. I am honored to serve with these outstanding individuals and look forward to working with the Board and management to further develop this network.”

Mr. Dunn is currently the chief executive officer and a board director of Pacific Star Communications, Inc. (PacStar®). Bob has had a distinguished career in the communications industry, including serving as president, Product Solutions Sector, Nortel Government Solutions, where he played an integral role in the merger between Nortel and PEC Solutions as well as the consolidation of the business units. Additionally, Mr. Dunn served as senior vice president, sales and marketing at Ericsson Federal Inc. (EFI).

For further information about GallantFew, please contact the executive director, Army veteran Karl Monger at 316.249.0218 or ranger@gallantfew.org.

PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government agencies, announced that it has been granted a new patent for the “systems and methods for establishing IT services in edge environments” by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

PacStar has been granted U.S. patent number 7,817,589 for a mobile, integrated communications system establishing a self-supported broadband communication network contained in ruggedized transit cases managed by PacStar’s IQ-CoreTM Software. This technology is deployed throughout PacStar’s portfolio of advanced, deployable unified communications equipment based on Cisco Systems hardware/software and third-party commercial-off-the-self networking/communications equipment. It is designed for military, homeland security, disaster recovery and enterprise customers.

The invention represents a fundamental shift in the methods organizations can use to deploy advanced communications. By including IQ-Core Software technologies in deployable communication solutions, organizations are now able to deploy and repair the most advanced commercial-off-the-self networking technologies without the need for highly trained field operators. IQ-Core Software automates difficult networking tasks that are prone to errors in setup and mis-configuration. IQ-Core Software improves setup time and system uptime by simplifying complex configuration tasks. IQ-Core Software is especially valuable in reducing the complexity of tasks related to the deployment of unified communications solutions that provide voice, data, video and application services in the field. Using the IQ-Core Case technologies included in PacStar products, operators may now deploy and repair complex systems using easy-to-
use “tray”-based field repairable units – modular units that enable rapid replacement of entire networking devices and associated electronics. Combined with IQ-Core Software, this approach to field dramatically reduces the “mean-time-to-repair” for the most complex of networking/communications solutions.

The technology was developed and patented by PacStar’s award winning product development team responsible for the creation of innovative solutions to meet complex customer requirements. This marks the third patent awarded to PacStar’s IQ-Core Technologies and demonstrates PacStar commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art.

“The government and U.S. military increasing relies on broadband unified communications in the field. However, the number and complexity of services being deployed is rapidly out-pacing organizations’ abilities to train personnel to support advanced technologies. PacStar IQ-Core Software and IQ-Core Case working together reduce that complexity trend, enabling more widespread deployment of advanced, unified communications,” said Charlie Kawasaki, Chief Technology Officer of PacStar. “Many agencies are using PacStar’s powerful, wizard-based approach in an easily transportable, secure communications package. This invention addressed their needs.”

The invention is embodied in PacStar’s broad product family of software-managed deployable communications solutions, including the PacStar 6300 and PacStar 5500 solutions, which deliver Defense Switched Network (DSN) voice and data services. The packages can also provide access to data networks (such as NIPRNet and SIPRNet) and are configurable based on user requirements.

“Providing reliable, quick-to-set-up access to the defense network ensures our soldiers
are effectively able to respond to any level of conflict or disaster worldwide,” said Kawasaki.

Many of the methods and technologies used in the invention have also been adapted by PacStar into PacStar’s diverse product line, including the PacStar 4500 Commander Kit, the PacStar 4100 Initial Entry Package, and the PacStar 6800 SMEO.

PacStar maintains a diverse portfolio of intellectual property such as copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and technological know-how. In particular, PacStar frequently applies for patents in the United States to protect its inventions. PacStar has applied for patents in a variety of areas including management software technologies and deployed communications ruggedization technologies.

PacStar today announced that its board of directors has named Bob Dunn as the company’s chief executive officer effective immediately. Dunn, 45, was promoted from his position as senior vice president of business development and strategy which he assumed earlier this year.

Prior to rejoining PacStar, Dunn served as senior vice president, sales and marketing at Ericsson Federal Inc. (EFI) where he directed all business development efforts across U.S. federal, state and local government agencies. Previously, he was president of product solutions at Nortel Government Solutions George Stroemple, PacStar’s chairman, said, “PacStar’s board unanimously selected Bob based on his track record of building successful teams, as well as his strong executive and personal qualities. Our search for a new leader led us back to Bob Dunn, who before he joined EFI had served as PacStar’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. He has the respect of the entire management team and the talented employees here at PacStar.”

“PacStar is focused on meeting customer requirements through our innovative IQ-CoreTM Technologies. This company is an innovator at providing leading-edge deployable communications technologies integrated by its proprietary, user friendly IQ-Core Software. I am proud to be a part of a company that puts the customer first, especially when the solutions are tactical in nature and mission critical,” said Dunn.

Dunn will remain located in the DC area where he will focus his efforts on expanding the company’s product penetration throughout the Department of Defense and federal agencies involved in disaster response and mobile communications.

REDCOM Laboratories Inc., a company that designs and manufactures digital and IP-enabled telecommunications systems, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, to integrate as well as resell REDCOM’s HDX and SLICE® switching systems in order to better meet the needs of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers.

“Our DoD customers require JITC-certified solutions that enable seamless VoIP and TDM interoperability and provide advanced VoIP and TDM Call Management capabilities combined in a single platform,” said Charlie Kawasaki, Chief Technical Officer, PacStar. “Integrated into the PacStar 6000-series, the REDCOM HDX and SLICE deliver truly interoperable TDM communications that don’t hinder mission flexibility and enable U.S. And coalition military users to take advantage of DVX and SMEO capabilities.”

REDCOM’s HDX and SLICE are integrated into the PacStar 6000-series of Unified Communications Enterprise and Deployable solutions for the military. As part of the PacStar solutions, HDX and SLICE have been certified by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and listed on the Defense Switched Network Approved Products List (APL) for Deployable Voice Exchange (DVX) and as a Small End Office (SMEO).

“We are excited to have PacStar serve as an integrator and reseller of REDCOM’s HDX and SLICE systems,” said Dinah Gueldenpfennig, Vice President of Planning and Government Program Administration, REDCOM. “This agreement will greatly benefit military and government customers who are looking to converge their networks, as they migrate from TDM to IP, with fully integrated communications that offer complete VoIP-TDM interoperability in a single platform.”

About REDCOM
For more than 30 years, REDCOM has specialized in the design and manufacture of innovative
telecommunications products noted for their quality and reliability. REDCOM products provide customers with state-of-the-art public and private network systems, ISDN systems, integrated TDM and VoIP systems, transportable systems, programmable systems, and test equipment.

Located in Victor, New York, REDCOM markets to a global customer base including commercial telecom service providers, private networks, integrators, emergency responders, and government and defense agencies, customizing products to meet each market’s specific needs. All REDCOM products are proudly designed, manufactured and assembled in the United States. The company website is: www.redcom.com.

PacStar, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, announced that it was granted a new patent for high-velocity air cooling of electronic equipment by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

PacStar was granted U.S. patent number 7,573,713 for a high-velocity air cooling system used to expand the environmental/operational envelope and extend the life of standard IT/communications equipment such as Internet routers, switches, voice gateways and application servers. The high-velocity air cooling system technology is deployed throughout PacStar’s portfolio of advanced, deployable unified communications equipment based on IQ-CoreTM Technologies, Cisco Systems, and third-party, COTS (Commercial-Off-The- Shelf) networking/communications equipment. The products are designed for a broad range of applications for Military, Homeland Security, Disaster Recovery and Enterprise customers.

The invention represents a significant advancement in the methods which organizations use to deploy advanced communications. By including IQ-Core Technologies in deployable communications solutions, organizations are now able to deploy the most advanced COTS networking technologies without relying on heavy, expensive, power-intensive, cooling systems. The invention, included in PacStar IQ-Core Case solutions, provides an easy-to-maintain, power-efficient cooling system so communications solutions can run reliably in environments where ambient temperatures exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.

The technology was developed and patented by the PacStar product development team, which creates innovative solutions to common customer challenges. This marks the second patent awarded to PacStar for its IQ-Core Technologies, and demonstrates PacStar’s commitment to advancing state-of-the-art communications systems.

“The government and U.S. military increasingly rely on broadband, unified communications in the field. To take advantage of low-cost commercial technologies, these organizations often field equipment designed for environmentally-controlled data centers.” said Charlie Kawasaki, Chief Technology Officer of PacStar. “Agencies have struggled to adapt equipment for use in the field and ensure it runs reliably in scorching environments. This invention addresses that need.”

The invention is embodied in PacStar’s broad product family of IQ-Core Software-managed, deployable communications solutions, including the PacStar 6300, which delivers Defense Switched Network (DSN) voice services, can connect to LAN or satellite, and supports IP and analog phones. The underlying IQ-Core Case technology can package this sensitive equipment to provide unprecedented field access to networks (such as NIPRNet and SIPRNet) anywhere on the globe.

“Providing reliable, secure, cost-effective access to the defense network ensures our soldiers are able to respond to any level of conflict or disaster worldwide,” said Kawasaki.

PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, today announced that the PacStar 6800 Small End Office (SMEO) and the PacStar 6300 Deployable Voice Exchange (DVX) have received information assurance accreditation by the Defense IA/Security Accreditation Working Group (DSAWG). The solutions have also received interoperability certification by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), and consequently the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) placed them on the Approved Product List (APL). Both solutions are designed to be the voice core of the network infrastructure for the U.S. military around the world.

The PacStar 6800 and 6300 solutions enable the military to connect to the Defense Switched Network (DSN), eliminating cumbersome two-step analog to IP network complexity. Also, the PacStar 6800 is the only SMEO voice switch based on the Cisco Unified Communications platform that is accredited for the DSN.

With proven Cisco hardware at its core, the PacStar 6800 and 6300 solutions were designed to meet the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)’s everything over IP mandate, a requirement for the military to shift to fully IP-capable solutions. These solutions provide a common IP communications platform from the military base to the battlefield.

A key differentiator for both solutions is PacStar’s proprietary IQ-CoreTM Software. The software integrates disparate hardware components to meet the stringent JITC information assurance and interoperability requirements. Additionally, IQ-Core Software simplifies the management of the system through intuitive wizards for configuration and monitoring.

“We are proud to receive JITC certification for these solutions,” said Laura Kubisiak, vice president of marketing and business development at PacStar. “It is important for military communications to leverage IP-based technology in a reliable and secure way to enable advanced collaboration capabilities. This certification not only validates the interoperability and security of our Cisco Unified Communications solutions, but also supports our commitment to provide the best tools for the U.S. military to achieve their mission while reducing costs and simplifying operations.”

“As defense agencies embrace the mandated everything over IP strategy, the network becomes the platform to help modernize today’s base and battlefield operations to provide unparalleled communications capabilities,” said Patrick Finn, Cisco’s federal vice president. “With the PacStar 6800 and 6300 solutions based on Cisco’s Unified Communications platform now JITC certified and APL listed, these solutions form a strategic path for the government to effectively migrate from TDM to IP.”

PacStar, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, announced that it has been granted a new patent for deployable broadband communications systems by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

PacStar has been granted U.S. patent number 7,535,861 for a mobile, integrated communications system establishing a self-supported broadband communications network contained in ruggedized transit cases, managed by PacStar’s IQ-CoreTM Software system management software. This technology is deployed throughout PacStar’s portfolio of advanced, deployable, unified communications equipment based on Cisco Systems and third-party commercial-off-the-shelf networking/communications equipment, designed for Military, Homeland Security, Disaster Recovery and Enterprise customers.

The invention represents a fundamental shift in the methods which organizations can use to deploy advanced communications. By including IQ-Core technologies in deployable communications solutions, organizations are now able to deploy the most advanced commercial-off-the-shelf networking technologies without the need to train field operators to be advanced networking experts. IQ-Core Software automates routine, difficult, or error-prone setup, configuration and management tasks. IQ-Core Software reduces setup time, and improves system uptime by reducing configuration errors. IQ-Core Software is especially valuable in reducing the complexity of tasks related to the deployment of unified communications solutions that provide voice, data, video and application services in the field.

The technology was developed and patented by the PacStar product development team, responsible for the creation of innovative solutions to customer challenges. This marks the first patent awarded to PacStar’s IQ- Core technologies and demonstrates the PacStar commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art in deployable communications solutions.

“The government and U.S. military increasingly rely on broadband unified communications in the field. However, the number and complexity of services being deployed are rapidly out-pacing organizations’ abilities to train on advanced technologies. PacStar IQ-Core Software fundamentally reduces that complexity trend, enabling more widespread deployment of advanced, unified communications” said Charlie Kawasaki, Chief Technology Officer of PacStar and co-inventor. “Agencies have expressed interest in having PacStar’s powerful, wizard-based approach in an easily transportable, secure communications package. The invention addresses that need.”

The invention is embodied in PacStar’s broad product family of software-managed deployable communications solutions, including the PacStar 4100, PacStar 6300 and PacStar 5500 solutions, which deliver Defense Switched Network (DSN) voice and data services, can connect to LAN or satellite, and can support IP or analog phones. The packages can also provide access to data networks such as NIPRNet and SIPRNet and are configurable based on user requirements.

“Providing reliable, quick-to-set-up access to the defense network ensures our soldiers are effectively able to respond to any level of conflict or disaster worldwide,” said Kawasaki.

PacStar maintains a diverse portfolio of intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and technological know-how. In particular, PacStar frequently applies for patents in the United States to protect its inventions. PacStar has applied for patents in a variety of areas, including management software technologies and deployed communications ruggedization technologies.

MIT and Jeff Sinclair discuss the Joint Communications Support Element’s (JCSE) collaboration with PacStar on the re-engineering of the IEP (Initial Entry Package), and how PacStar worked within a highly compressed development cycle to turn out a much lighter and more compact version of the IEP.

PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, announces the availability of the PacStar 4100 Initial Entry Package (IEP). The PacStar 4100 IEP is a highly portable, software- managed communications package designed to provide rapid on-the-ground network support to high-profile individuals and teams of up to 20 users. The easy-to-use interface enables a complete communications solution including converged voice and data and both classified and non-classified network access.

The development of the PacStar 4100 was achieved in partnership with the Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), the Department of Defense’s leader in the modernization of tactical communications. JCSE will provide the PacStar 4100 to some of the military’s “early entry teams.” These highly specialized units are routinely deployed throughout the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism, as well as in reaction to natural disasters and humanitarian relief operations.

The new product leverages PacStar’s years of expertise in software development, network integration, and mechanical engineering. All components are pre-connected, pre-configured, and managed by customized PacStar IQ-CoreTM Software.

“The government and U.S. military rely on PacStar’s IQ-Core Software to simplify set-up and operate some of its most advanced communications systems,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “Agencies have expressed interest in having PacStar’s powerful, wizard-based approach in an easily transportable, secure communications package. The PacStar 4100 addresses that need.”

In a package that is small and light enough to meet airline carry-on requirements and fit into the overhead bin, the PacStar 4100 is uniquely powerful and flexible, enabling simultaneous service to classified and non-classified networks. “The PacStar 4100 is an incredibly robust platform that allows a minimally trained user to support Commanders or small teams during the initial entry period of an operation until the mission is complete,” said Charlie Kawasaki, Chief Technology Officer at PacStar.

The PacStar 4100 delivers Defense Switched Network (DSN) voice and data services, can connect to LAN or satellite, and IP or analog phones. The package also provides access to two data networks (NIPRNet and SIPRNet) that are configurable based on user requirements. These data networks and Voice over Secure Internet Protocol (VoSIP) phones are separated from the system by High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE) devices.

“Providing immediate, reliable access to the defense network ensures our soldiers are effectively able to respond to any level of conflict or disaster worldwide,” said Kawasaki.

About Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE)
The Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., is a subordinate unified command of U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). JCSE provides United States Special Operations Command, the services, combatant commanders, DoD and governmental organizations, as well as foreign governments, state of the art, rapidly deployable and flexible communications at the direction of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. JCSE also supports U.S. Northern Command and Department of Homeland Security contingency planning for natural disasters and the Global War on Terrorism.

PacStarTM, a technology-based provider ofcommunications solutions to the military and government, announced today that the City ofInglewood in California has selected technology from PacStar and LGS, a subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), as the backbone of its Mobile-Emergency Operations Center (M-EOC).Inglewood will leverage the PacStar 5500 and LGS Tactical Base Station Router (TacBSRTM) toensure the City is able to communicate with disaster and emergency responders when existingcommunications have been cut off or destroyed.
In the initial stages of a disaster, communications with emergency personnel is critical todetermine the right level of response that will ultimately impact public safety. The M-EOC willbe used as a command center where local, state and federal officials can coordinate activities.Through the PacStar 5500 and LGS TacBSR, officials will have access to satellite voice, videoand data communications as well as the ability to set up a cellular network.
In addition, the technology gives the City of Inglewood the added benefit of running its 911emergency call center when existing communications have failed. Internet Technology officialssimply plug in a mirrored image of the server that runs the computer aided dispatch system intothe PacStar 5500. Within minutes, the City is able to dispatch police and public safety officers asneeded.
“Residing on top of the Newport-Inglewood Fault, we recognized the need for satellite-basedmobile communications that could be deployed in the event of a major disaster,” said MichaelFalkow, acting assistant city administrator for Inglewood . “The technology behind the MobileEmergency Operations Center gives us the ability to quickly set up and manage acommunications command center that will help us respond in a way that best meets the needs ofour citizens.
”Mobile Emergency Command Center Put to Test During Earthquake DrillLast week, more than 5,000 emergency responders from local, state and federal agenciesparticipated in the Golden Guardian 2008 exercise, which simulated a magnitude 7.8earthquake hitting the southern portion of California’s San Andreas fault. In conjunction withGolden Guardian, approximately five million Californians registered to take part in theShakeOut Drill (www.shakeout.org).
“After assessing the situation, we immediately deployed the Mobile Emergency CommandCenter,” said Michael Falkow. “Within 10 minutes, we had the PacStar 5500 up and running andwere able to make and receive calls. Additionally, we set up a private cell phone network throughthe PacStar 5500 that could be used by local, state and federal officials to coordinate theresponse.
”PacStar 5500 Based on IQ-CoreTM SoftwareThe PacStar 5500 is a self-managed, feature-rich and highly secure deployable communicationssystem contained within a lightweight and rugged case, and intended for use in disaster orremote areas, or war zones. The embedded IQ-CoreTM Software simplifies the user interfaceand eliminates the need for specialized IT staff in the field, reducing operational risk andmaking the PacStar 5500 an ideal solution for remote, unstable and/or high-risk environmentswhere rapidly deployable teams are paramount. IQ-Core Software is also an integral part ofPacStar’s Unified Communications (UC) solutions. The PacStar 6000-series of products enablefull UC functionality with all the benefits of the proven Cisco platform.
“Communications are often among the first systems to go down when a major disaster strikes,resulting in slow response times and an uncoordinated effort,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO ofPacStar. “The combined solution from PacStar and LGS gives local governments like the City ofInglewood the power to quickly and easily deploy a state of the art mobile communicationsplatform. Having the system at the ready, ensures city officials have access to reliable, easy touse communications, helping to save time and potentially lives.”

About PacStar

Pacific Star Communications (PacStarTM) is a leading technology-based systems integratorproviding total communications solutions that empower military, federal, state and localgovernments, and emergency responders with reliable, interoperable communicationscapabilities. Our patent-pending IQ-CoreTM software and hardware technology provide secure,command control and communications systems for any environment. In addition, PacStarprovides a full range of communications solutions to commercial businesses, as well astelecommunications service providers. For more information, please visit www.test.pacstar.com orcall 888-872-1512.

About LGS

LGS, a subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), designs and delivers TransformedCommunications and R&D-based technology solutions to the U.S. government community.Leveraging the world-class R&D of Bell Labs and innovation of Alcatel-Lucent, with global reachand expertise, LGS challenges itself to solve the unsolvable and deliver secure, reliable,standards-based solutions to its customers. For more information about LGS visitwww.LGSinnovations.com.

About Golden Guardian

According to the California Governor’s Web site, Golden Guardian 2008 is the statewideemergency preparedness exercise and is paid for by federal homeland security grants. It will testcoordination between federal, state and local response and recovery among city, county, andstate agencies, community-based organizations and the private sector, as well as the state’sStandardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and mass care and shelter operations.
Dozens of state agencies participated, including the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security(OHS), Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), California Highway Patrol,CaliforniaVolunteers, Health and Human Services Agency, California Department ofTransportation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and others-all withcritical roles to play in the event of a disaster. The California National Guard, for example,simulated command and control of its more than 20,000 members in crucial areas such assecurity, transportation and equipment support for the exercise.

Steve Boutelle

Vice President Global Government Solutions Group Cisco

Q: Can you tell us about yourself?

A: For almost four decades, I had the privilege of serving in the U.S. Army, retiring in 2007 as a three- star general and chief information officer [CIO] of the Army. Before becoming CIO of the Army, I served in several leadership positions, including director of information, operations, networks and space; program executive officer of command, control and communications systems; and Joint Chiefs of Staff, Pacific Theater plannercommunications systems. As a teacher and mentor, I expanded the Army’s education program to incorporate the latest Internet and convergence technologies. Today, I am a vice president at Cisco in the Global Government Solutions Group and chief executive officer of Cisco IRIS, an internal team focused on Internet Routing in Space [IRIS] for government and commercial markets.

Q: If you were still CIO of the Army, what do you think would be keeping you up at night?

A: Completing the move to an Everything Over IP [EOIP] network infrastructure. The war on terror forced the military to speed up the transmission to EOIP on a tactical level. With two occupations, the hunt for terrorists around the world and defending the homeland, our troops and first responders needed the flexibility that only comes from IP. EOIP offers many benefits, including reduction in costs and consistent access to greater numbers of applications and services that can be tailored to fit the mission. In addition, an EOIP network increases ease of deployment. For example, for every 10 servers you need with the old system, with IP and virtualization you only need one. The reduction in hardware saves huge amounts of time and money.

At the post, camp and station level, work still needs to be done. The military operates thousands of bases throughout the world, some of which have been around since the birth of the nation. A large percentage of the outposts rely on copper switching technology that is more than 35 years old. Not only will moving our posts, camps and stations to EOIP provide them with the benefits discussed above, but it will also provide a greater ability to train soldiers on the equipment they will be using on the battlefield. At the early stages of the war on terror, we were obliged to train soldiers at home on Cold War era technology. When they arrived in country, they’d have to quickly train on the next- generation IP systems they’d be using in combat.

Q: How does EOIP fit into the military’s plans?

A: To ensure decision superiority, delivering communications to every layer of EOIP is a critical piece to completing the military’s mission. Once you have a fully IP-based network, there is a lot you can plug in that gives the warfighter an unbelievable amount of data, for rapid decision making. For instance, sensors around the world can be IP enabled. When something is not right, or a change is detected, an alert is immediately generated, and sent to the appropriate person. With this type of sensor, battle planners would have access to real-time information down to the level of a particular river a special forces team needs to cross at a specific time. Intelligence personnel would hear and see a greater amount of information, allowing them to provide almost real-time intelligence to teams globally.

There are plenty of additional examples, but the one that provides the most promise is the capability to attribute each sensor to specific information or a person. Let’s say you are a battle commander and one of your convoys is ambushed. Through your Blue Force digital battlefield display, you can see what reserves you have available to send. What’s really unique is that you can have individuals or vehicles, equipped with IPenabled sensors, that tell how much ammo is available, the skill set of the personnel on board, such as the medical skills of a medic in a specific ambulance, how much fuel has been used and more. Being able to see at this level of granularity gives commanders an incredible amount of flexibility to complete the mission.

Q: Have you recently come across any technologies that you think will have a significant impact on military communications now and in the future?

A: Moving to an EOIP platform via Unified Communications dramatically reduces the complexity and total cost of ownership of the network, and simplifies network upgrades. PacStar co-developed with Cisco the only fully IP-based network solution that enables converged, collaborative Unified Communications in theater and on the base. This solution is differentiated by the added benefit of PacStar’s IQ-Core Software, an advanced, wizard-based, network management system that makes the solution easy to deploy and maintain, and dramatically drives down training costs and school requirements.

PacStar offers a solution set, based on a Unified Communications platform from Cisco, that helps fill the tactical void by extending EOIP to the lowest level, and ensuring continuity from the battlefield to the base. The software is easy to use and translate into other languages, and provides faster set-up time for situational awareness. Remote management capabilities and alerting frees soldiers to do other tasks beyond maintaining the network. Providing IP-based communications that are easy to deploy and manage greatly increases the military’s ability to complete its mission.

Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has added key products from PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, to its offerings under the U.S. Air Force Network Centric Solutions (NETCENTS) contract. The solutions — PacStar 6300, PacStar 6350, PacStar 6800 and PacStar 6800-T — are the only products available on the market using the Cisco Unified Communications platform that are designed to meet the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Deployed Voice eXchange and Small End Office standards. Harris IT Services is the only NETCENTS contract holder offering PacStar solutions.

Through this agreement, Harris IT Services will offer NETCENTS customers communications solutions that can be installed at a base or deployed in rugged field conditions, and are designed to meet the needs of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) customers and coalition partners. The PacStar 6000 series will serve as the core communications system for a robust, integrated solution to meet requirements as DoD agencies transition to Everything Over Internet Protocol. Harris IT Services also offers a full services suite including engineering design, deployment, installation and maintenance support for PacStar products.

“We are very pleased to be working with Harris to provide PacStar technologies through the NETCENTS contract,” said Robert Frisbee, chief executive officer of PacStar. “PacStar takes great pride in being able to provide deployable and enterprise communications platforms to the U.S. military, its allies and partners to deliver information to remote, and often dangerous field conditions. We look forward to being able to provide further mission-critical solutions with our partnership with Harris.”

“Harris is excited to be the first to provide our defense customers with a much needed capability to deploy reliable, interoperable communications systems in a rugged field environment as well as for the base infrastructure,” said Ted Hengst, president of Harris IT Services. “We look forward to being able to provide these solutions through our partnership with PacStar, and are proud to offer their high-quality solutions through NETCENTS.”

NETCENTS is a five-year, $9 billion acquisition initiative to provide the Air Force, DoD, and other federal agencies with a complete range of IT, networking, telephony, and security services and solutions.

Harris IT Services is a leading provider of mission-critical IT and communications services and support to defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and commercial customers. With over 3,000 professionals performing to the highest industry standards at locations worldwide, Harris IT Services offers essential past performance, proven technical expertise, and innovative solutions in supporting large-scale IT programs that encompass the full technology lifecycle. The organization’s distributed workforce, present in all 50 states, and extensive experience in performance-based contracting and managed IT services, combine to deliver best- value results to our customers.

About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of more than $5.3 billion and 16,500 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications®; products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.

During the past three years, city officials have been focused on
emergency preparedness, readying Inglewood for a major earthquake,
airplane crashes, spills of toxic wastes, and other disasters or
dangerous events.

Officials created a division for public safety systems that
would oversee implementation of technologies such as computer-aided
dispatch and records management, mobile data computers,
telecommunications, and radio.

“One place I knew we were desperate was the area of mobile
telecommunications,” said Falkow, who is also the
city’s information technology director. “We learned
from [hurricanes] Katrina and Rita that if something bad goes down,
guess what? The whole telecom is going to go down. If we have [a
major earthquake] down here or a plane goes down, we could lose a
lot of cell sites.”

Police officers live by their radios, Falkow said. He wanted to
give the police department military-grade telecom technology
— a mobile system with satellite phone communications and
Internet connectivity that could be quickly deployed.

“I wanted to stand up a device, point it to the southern
sky and 45 minutes to an hour later get cellular communications if
I wanted to call the White House or other agencies,” Falkow
said.

Falkow bought the PacStar 5500 deployable network that connects
users with phones, laptop PCs, IP-based devices, and wired and
wireless systems — all supported with advanced security.

Going mobile
IT officials realized that the satellite dish was too large. They
wanted something more mobile. Falkow had limited funds but was able
to pay for new equipment through some asset forfeiture money from
the police department. He went back to PacStar to see if the city
could get a mobile trailer that had a generator and a
self-acquiring satellite dish. He’s in the process of
finalizing that purchase. Public safety officials will be able to
load everything in a trailer, haul it in back of a command van, go
to a city park or other area and create a mobile emergency
operations center.

“I can plug analog phones directly into my PacStar device
and create a 911 center,” Falkow said. “I can have the
cell phones and notebook with wireless network.”

Falkow said he wants to bring in a Quantar bay station and
another device to bridge the PacStar with the Motorola radio
system. “If I have all three, I have police officers and the
first responders, all in communications with one another, taking
commands from an incident manager,” he said.

The next stage would involve migrating the computer
aided-dispatch system off a 25-year-old IBM mainframe to a
Windows-based server environment.

The PacStar device is also a server, he said. Other devices can
plug into it because it has a router and switch. After the dispatch
system is on a server, Falkow could make a replica, put it on a
first responder’s vehicle and plug it into the PacStar
device.

“It would be as though the dispatch center down in our
sub-basement is fully operational,” Falkow said.

Falkow is working with his representative in the California
State Assembly, who is a former Inglewood City Council member, to
extend the system to other municipalities in that state’s
assembly district.

Portland, Ore. (July 9, 2008)—PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, announced today that it was included on Portland Business Journal’s Top 25 Private Companies. The award comes on the heels of being included in two additional Portland Business Journal lists: The Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Oregon and the Top 25 Technology Service Providers in Oregon.

“PacStar is very pleased to be recognized once again by one of the most important publications in Oregon,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “For almost a decade, we have built our company on providing the men and women in our armed forces with mission critical communication products and services.”

Companies included on Portland Business Journal’s Top 25 Private Companies, Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies and Top 25 Technology Service Providers lists were ranked by revenue. A complete list of winners can be found in the July 14, 2008, June 19, 2008 and May 30, 2008 print editions respectively.

Independent Study Underscores Benefits of IQ-CoreTM Software
The government and U.S. military rely on PacStar’s IQ-CoreTM Software to simplify set-up and operation of some of its most advanced communications systems. An independent test conducted by Benchmark Research & Safety, Inc. showed that IQ-Core Software helps untrained users perform tasks more rapidly with fewer errors. According to the study, average completion time of tasks was 4.4 times faster, while error rates were 3-6 times lower when using IQ-Core Software versus a manual method.

The comprehensive IQ-Core Software management platform can be leveraged in many situations running complex communication networks. Its intuitive, wizard-based approach is easy to use and uniquely configures and manages disparate components.

“IQ-Core Software reduces error rates and downtime while it speeds completion of routine tasks for users with minimal training or IT knowledge,” said Charlie Kawasaki, Chief Technology Officer at PacStar. “We also designed IQ-Core Software to easily integrate into common off the shelf (COTS) products allowing for more rapid deployment and greater cost savings.”

“JCSE provides rapid technology insertion of Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) communication solutions; we often partner with vendors to help customize COTS to meet Military Unique Features (MUF),” said Maj Jaime Villa, Chief Technical Officer Systems Acquisition Directorate JCSE, USAF. “As we are challenged to provide more and more information to the combatant commands, services, defense and other government agencies, a completely IP-based network that delivers voice, video and data through the same pipe will increase our efficiencies, reduce our footprint forward, and ultimately ensure mission success for our war fighters.”

JITC supports soldiers in their efforts to manage information on and off the battlefield. JITC evaluates information systems, reducing risk to personnel by providing value-added process and product evaluations, operational assessments, and technical assistance throughout the life cycle of DoD systems. Additional information on JITC can be found at http://jitc.fhu.disa.mil/.

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.

“Our customers in the government and military rely on us to provide innovative IP communications solutions that meet their stringent requirements,” said Laura Kubisiak, Vice President of Marketing, PacStar. “The Sectéra Universal vIPer phone is a cost effective, reliable replacement for the STU and STE.”

Incorporating the latest in secure desktop technology, the Sectéra vIPer phone eliminates the need for multiple desktop phones. The vIPer phone is currently compatible with VoIP networks implemented using Cisco SCCP (Skinny Call Control Protocol). Built to provide seamless communications with legacy secure phones, the secure vIPer phone is software programmable with extensive memory to easily accommodate future upgrades and functionality. Without impacting user-entered information stored in your phone’s memory (e.g., speed dial numbers), the vIPer phone can be easily upgraded for PSTN networks and SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) VoIP networks.

“We are pleased to have PacStar as a reseller of the Sectéra vIPer Phone,” said John Cole, vice president of Information Assurance for General Dynamics C4 systems. “The synergy created by this agreement will benefit Government customers migrating to Voice over IP (VoIP) who desire to implement a total Cisco IP solution, including the protection of communications classified Top Secret and below.”

Portland, Ore. (May 13, 2008)—PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, announced today that for the second straight year it has been included as a member of the prestigious VARBusiness 500.

The VARBusiness 500 is the definitive listing of the biggest IT solution providers, integrators and services companies in North America by gross worldwide revenue. Rankings are determined by 2007 fiscal year gross revenue generated by the sale of IT goods (software and hardware), software licensing, custom software sales, professional services and managed services.

PacStar has been recognized as a leading provider of communication solutions three times in the last 12 months. The most recent came in April when PacStar received a Cisco Partner Summit Theatre award for Solution Innovation Partner of the Year in the United States and Canada.

“It is an honor to be a member of the VARBusiness 500,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “We have worked hard to earn a solid reputation with our customers in the military and government and the recognition we have received from the industry is a testament to that commitment.”

What sets PacStar apart from other companies offering deployable communications is its patent-pending IQ-CoreTM Software. Through a series of intuitive wizards, the software management application enables users with limited technical experience to easily set up a complex communications system. Other competitive offerings require experts with certifications in multiple technologies. The government and the U.S. military see the software as a major advantage as it simplifies set-up and operation with fewer people in the field. The IQ-Core Software reduces the likelihood of accidental system mis-configuration – a common problem in highly fluid situations like combat, troop mobilization and disaster response – and provides comprehensive, unattended monitoring and alerts for remote management of the system.

Portland, Ore. (May 6, 2008) — PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, announced today that the California National Guard has selected the PacStarTM 3500 to support Joint Task Force Vista. The PacStar 3500 will provide a secure, easy to use satellite communications link to California National Guard Headquarters in Sacramento.

The California National Guard organized Task Force Vista in response to the Governor’s support to the President’s request for assistance to the US Customs and Border Patrol agency. There are over 1,300 Army and Air National Guard volunteers currently supporting this mission in eight general mission areas, to include operations, air support, ground transportation, command and control, base operations, maintenance, civil engineering, and ports of entry augmentation.

The California National Guard will gain a rugged mobile communications terminal that can be used in remote locations enabling emergency communications when it is needed the most. “The PacStar 3500 is ideal for emergency response and border security operations. It is lightweight, comes in a rugged case and is simple to operate,” said Laura Kubisiak, VP of Marketing, PacStar. “With the PacStar 3500, mobile satellite office capabilities are rapidly delivered to the California National Guard in the field.”

PacStar 3500
The PacStar 3500 is a deployable system that creates the communications capabilities of a small office, anywhere in the world. It is based on a hardened laptop, satellite modem and military approved firewall, all integrated into an easy-to-use package. With components designed and built to U.S. military specifications, the 3500 meets the needs of an individual or small team for voice and data connectivity. Through its satellite mini-dish (included), the unit sends and receives both voice and data.

As simple to transport as a piece of luggage, the 3500 is a compact, integrated communications solution that is easy to stow and easy to deploy. When the team is at a remote site without phone infrastructure, the 3500 enables them to communicate both locally and globally. For situations where mobility is critical, the 3500 delivers an advanced capability in an easy-to-use form factor. No need to connect or configure in the field. Just open, power up, and go.

“I had the honor and privilege of recognizing PacStar as a Cisco Partner Summit regional award winner,” said Wendy Bahr, vice president of US and Canada channels at Cisco. “The Solution Innovation Partner of the Year award recognizes PacStar’s performance and success as a Cisco channel partner in the United States and Canada in 2007.”

Receiving the awards on behalf of PacStar, company CEO Robert Frisbee commented, “Being named as an innovative partner by Cisco is an honor. We have worked hard to develop products that our men and women in the military can rely on, underscored by the PacStar 6000 series of unified communications products co-developed with Cisco. The joint solutions offer warfighters sophisticated and reliable IP communications that are simple to use, deploy and maintain.”

Cisco Partner Summit awards are presented at three levels—regional, theater and global. Cisco Partner Summit U.S. and Canada regional awards reflect a partner’s performance in a given geographic region of the United States or Canada.

“I’ve spent my career making communications a centerpiece of US Forces,” said General Steven Boutelle (Ret.). “Information is the key to effectiveness, and I am proud of what our forces accomplished.”

Boutelle went on to comment, “Joining the PacStar team provides me the opportunity to extend my contribution to the effectiveness of the information Warfighter. As CIO of the Army, I saw first hand the critical need for deployable and base level IP communications. PacStar’s Unified Communications products make our troops safer, more successful, and more efficient at completing their mission in today’s global threat environment. This is all part of my commitment to US superiority at the base and in the field.”

“This step for PacStar is very important, and we are proud to have Steve on our team,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “For years, we have admired and followed Steve’s work as a key leader in bringing the US Army into the future of communications. We have designed new technologies to make that transition powerful and easy. It’s very fulfilling to us to have that work supported and endorsed by General Boutelle joining our Board of Directors.”

As a teacher and mentor, Boutelle expanded the Army’s education program to incorporate the latest Internet and convergence technologies. He has personally instructed and mentored more than 350 Admirals, Generals and Senior Civilians in networks, communications, web technologies and information assurance.

Boutelle has received numerous industry citations for his leadership, including as a “Top 100 CIO” by Federal Computer Week in 2006; the “North American Leadership Award” by Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association — Rocky Mountains in 2006; and as “US Department of Defense Executive of the Year” by Government Computer News in 2005.

Boutelle has served in several leadership positions in the US Army throughout his career, including Director of Information, Operations, Networks and Space; Program Executive Officer of Command, Control and Communications Systems and Joint Chiefs of Staff Project Manager — Communications Systems. He also received a Doctors of Law (Honarium) from University of Puget Sound.

PacStar Unified Communications Solutions
The easy to use PacStar 6000 series maximizes situational awareness and communications capabilities, while significantly reducing footprint, training and support. The tactical products also offer patent-pending ruggedization for even the most difficult theater environments. These products deliver messaging, video conferencing, data, and scheduling suites in addition to IP telephony, and leverage the same technical platform on the base and in the battlefield. The system allows the military to scale modules in the field to upgrade from a small deployable communications kit to a full Small/Medium End Office (SMEO) base-level solution that can support thousands of users at a time. This ability to scale will save time and money for rapidly-changing field environments. For more information on the PacStar 6000, please visit http://www.test.pacstar.com/pgs/unified_communications.html.

The PacStar 6000 series is designed to meet Congressional and Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) directives that mandate military networks move to IP-based communications. For base-level or tactical communications, the PacStar 6000 series connects directly to the Defense Systems Network (DSN) to maximize strategic and situational awareness over one communications pipe.

“We recognize that providing fast, reliable communications is critical to the military, especially when the chain of command can be thousands of miles apart at any given time,” said Roger Haney, Area Vice President – Federal Sales of INX. “The new IP solutions from PacStar deliver the next generation communications network that is easy to use, deploy, manage and maintain. INX is a leader in providing communications infrastructure to the military and we are excited to be able to offer the PacStar UC solutions.”

“The partnership with PacStar furthers our commitment to providing best of class networking and communications solutions to the government,” said Bill McKeon, Vice President of Federal Sales for World Wide Technology. “The PacStar 6000 series will set the standard for IP connectivity to the Defense Systems Network (DSN) moving forward. We are looking forward to providing our expertise and know-how to ensure US soldiers have the best possible communications equipment to ensure mission success.”

The PacStar 6000 series comprises of the following products:

• PacStar 6300 Deployable UC Exchange is designed for deployed operations, and managed through PacStar IQ-CoreTM Software, the PacStar 6300 brings the power of IP communications to the warfighter, yet requires reduced training and operations support services.
• PacStar 6350 UC Extender increases the trunking and tandem functions of the 6300 and adds Cisco’s MeetingPlace Express. The units are delivered with PacStar IQ-Core TM Case technology which provides ruggedization, remote management, and environmental conditioning.
• PacStar 6800 Enterprise UC (Unified Communications) Exchange is a rack-mounted UC solution designed to meet the stringent DISA requirements to provide communications services through the DISN, and provides Everything over IP-converged services.

“We are pleased to be partnering with INX and World Wide Technology,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “Through the partnership, we will expand our ability to provide the military with IP communications solutions. Based on our IQ-CoreTM Software, the solutions can be easily deployed and managed without having to rely on technical experts in the field. In fact a usability survey conducted by a third party organization showed that IQ-CoreTM Software provided up to seven times improvement in speed and ease of operations and three times improvement in time savings and error reduction.”

About INX
INX Inc. (NASDAQ:INXI) is a publicly traded network infrastructure professional services firm delivering best-of-class “Business Ready Networks” to enterprise organizations. INX offers a full suite of Advanced Technology solutions that support the entire life-cycle of IP Communications systems. We design, implement and support the IP network infrastructure for enterprise organizations including routing and switching, IP Telephony, messaging, wireless, network storage and security. Operating in a highly focused manner provides a level of expertise that enables us to better compete in the markets we serve. Our customers for enterprise-level Cisco- centric advanced technology solutions include large enterprise organizations such as corporations, public schools as well as federal, state and local governmental agencies. Because we have significant experience implementing and supporting the critical technology building blocks of IP Telephony systems and other IP Communications advanced technology solutions for enterprises, we believe we are well positioned to deliver superior solutions and services to our customers. Additional information about INX can be found on the Web at www.inxi.com.

About WWT
World Wide Technology, Inc. is a systems integrator that provides innovative technology and supply chain solutions to the commercial, government and telecom sectors. The company brings to market a powerful blend of knowledge, infrastructure and technology to help its customers manage the planning, procurement and deployment of IT products and solutions. Based in St. Louis, WWT works closely with industry leaders including Boeing (NYSE: BA); Dell (NASDAQ: DELL); Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO); EMC (NYSE: EMC); AT&T Inc., formerly SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: US:T); Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and the U.S. Air Force. WWT employs over 1,000 people and operates more than 1.7 million square-feet of warehousing, distribution and integration space in 20 facilities throughout the world. For more information on World Wide Technology, visit www.wwt.com.

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-CoreTM 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-CoreTM 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 0r “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 Protocol1, 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-based2. 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
PacStarTM 6300 Deployable UC Exchange and PacStar 6350 UC Extender
The PacStarTM 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-CoreTM 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 Unified communications.

PacStarTM 6800 Enterprise UC Exchange
The PacStarTM 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-CoreTM 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 Unified communications. 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.

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.

Portland, Ore. (March 18, 2008)—PacStarTM, a technology-based provider of communications solutions to the military and government, today announced that the PacStar 5500, a JITC certified secure deployable communication system operating on IQ-Core TM software, will be used at the Department of Defense Interoperability Communications Exercise (DICE) this month.

The primary of purpose of DICE is to test communication systems in a realistic joint tactical network environment that is characteristic of what the war-fighting community would face during real-world combat and contingency operations. The exercise is sponsored by the Joint Staff and U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM).

“PacStar has worked hard to develop a JITC certified, easy to use voice and networking solution that can operate in the most extreme environments,” said Laura Kubisiak, VP of Marketing for PacStar. “The PacStar 5500 is designed to support up to 92 users and provide connectivity via satellite, microwave or PSTN to allow the war-fighter the utmost flexibility in establishing a secure communication network. PacStar is thrilled to be selected to participate in this important Joint Forces Interoperability Exercise.”

About the PacStar 5500
The PacStar 5500 is a self-managed, feature-rich and highly secure deployable communications system contained within a lightweight and rugged case (MIL-STD 810F), and intended for use in disaster, remote areas, or war zones. The embedded IQ-Core TM wizard based software simplifies the user interface, eliminates the need for specialized IT staff and reduces operational risk rendering the PacStar 5500 an ideal solution for remote, unstable and/or high-risk environments where rapidly deployable teams are paramount.

Cisco announced with partner PacStar the availability of the PacStar 6000 series of unified communications enterprise and deployable solutions for the military.

The PacStar units are designed to help the military achieve its goal of moving all systems that connect directly into the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) to Internet Protocol. Based on Cisco’s Unified Communication system and PacStar’s IQ-Core software, the units will deliver voice, video and data communications to U.S. forces worldwide, company officials said. The PacStar 6000 units are housed in a rugged case designed to meet Mil-Std 810F requirements for transportation, vibration, shock and temperature.

‘The mandate that the military move to everything over IP 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, PacStar’s CEO.

In making the announcement, Cisco’s public sector group used a Web 2.0 tool, a social media release, to issue the press release. A social media release provides relevant content in a hyperlinked format and uses social bookmarking and RSS to provide background data and updates.

Borrowing from Web 2.0′s use of avatars and virtual worlds, tomorrow at FOSE Cisco is unveiling a virtual character, Fred Federal, to promote Cisco’s initiative to empower the government workforce through technologies such as wide-area applications services, unified communications, collaboration and security solutions.

Fred, a program manager for the fictional Government Joint Emergency Task Force (G-JET) in Silver Spring, Md., is a typical government worker. He acts as a liaison to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Defense Department, working on weather and seismic emergencies. Fred has his own MySpace page and his own YouTube video.

Fred and his wife Felicia Federal will be at Cisco’s FOSE booth (1701) tomorrow and throughout the three-day conference.

1st ANNUAL Review & OUTLOOK 95 Industry Leaders Throughout the Channel Offer their Predictions for 2008

Therefore, the Army Reserve Command at Fort McPherson, Ga., awarded contracts to two companies to develop an integrated solution that would allow the military to launch cellular service quickly in any area.

LGS Innovations LLC, a subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent, and Pacific Star Communications, a communications systems technology company, collaborated to create a rapid response solution.

The effort resulted in the Tactical Base Station Router, a system about half the size of a laptop PC that quickly establishes an area of cell phone coverage. It allows local communications between mobile phones and connections to landline phones and mobile phones anywhere on the traditional communications grid.

“We had a long-term relationship with the Army Reserve, as did PacStar, and we both approached the Reserve separately about providing this capability,” said Chris Stark, LGS’ business development director for the Tactical Base Station Router. “They asked our two companies to get together and get our technologies to work together, and we did it.”

RIPPLES FROM KATRINA

The project started just after Hurricane Katrina, when military commanders assisting with rescue efforts realized they needed cell phone service in addition to standard communications and networks. They wanted a transportable, deployable cellular solution that could be available in any area at home or abroad.

LGS contributed its single-box Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cellular solution, which encapsulates all cellular network functions in a box that weighs about 5 pounds.

“We like to call it cellular over IP,” Stark said.

The base station boasts the functions of a cell tower and all the switching fabric behind it on a single card inside the box. It handles all the cellular communications.

It supports standard GSM cell phone operations so the Army Reserve Command can buy phones for daily use, and when disaster hits, the router will keep those phones operational.

The product also integrates cellular switching and logic with voice-over-IP technology, enabling troops to talk to people beyond the range of the base station through standard phone connections. The base station can run either as a standalone box or as part of a larger VOIP enterprisewide system.

LGS’ technology is integrated with PacStar’s 5500 network, which supports as many as 92 users connecting with phones, laptop PCs and IP-based devices. “We provided the public switched network connection” for the router, said Robert Frisbee, PacStar’s chief executive officer. The company’s private branch exchange works like a PBX in an office setting by connecting phones to the outside world.

“The LGS technology creates this pond of cellular coverage where GSM phones can speak to other GSM phones, but it had no connectivity with the outside world,” Frisbee said. “So the 5500 links it to the outside world both for people on-site and it has the interfaces required to hook it up to the public switched telephone network.”

There are two models: The small box has a one- to two-mile range while the larger model is a 20-watt amplified macro cell that operates at the same power level cell towers typically use in rural areas. That box has a range of as much as 17 miles. However, typical operating parameters range from five to 10 miles. The boxes have standard connectors for antennas, which must be deployed at a reasonable height, such as on a building or tower.

“The strength of the technology is that instead of bringing what typically would require a 20-foot truck with switching gear in it, what we’ve done is compress that down to a single card in terms of all the switching fabric,” Stark said.

The system also offers a building-block approach. In a typical urban network, many low-power cells are deployed in a centralized switching architecture, which the Tactical Base Station Router can also do. For example, the military could construct a network using multiple routers that are connected on a standard IP backhaul and distributed across a disaster area to provide multiple coverage areas.

“There’s no centralized switch, so if [routers] lose a network, they will still operate on their own,” Stark said. “But if they’re interconnected, they’ll handle all the handover of calls as you walk through the network, and they’ll do load balancing if they’re co-located. So it’s a true cellularlike experience but enabled through IP on the backhaul.”

Staff writer Doug Beizer can be reached at dbeizer@1105govinfo.com.

As a subcontractor to SAIC, PacStar will have the opportunity to provide the Army with IT services, business process reengineering, information systems security, information assurance, network support, systems operations and maintenance, program management, enterprise design, integration and consolidation, and education and training.

“PacStar looks forward to supporting the United States Army through the ITES 2S contract. ITES will be the premiere Information Technology contract providing services and support to the warfighter into the next decade,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “PacStar’s mobile and base-level communications solutions will enable the Army to better deploy, train, support and communicate in both tactical and fixed site environments. PacStar has already begun to serve the Army through ITES-2S by providing Web portal services to the US Army in Germany.”

Project advocate Linton Wells, a distinguished research fellow at National Defense University, said the TIDES coalition is now using geospatial technology to analyze and help ameliorate the consequences of the recent cyclone catastrophe in Bangladesh.

‘We are trying to get current imagery of Bangladesh to predict where cholera will break out,’ Wells said.

The TIDES project covers many technologies that have been developed to help manage the consequences of natural and man-made disasters. The technologies cover the provision of refugee and human support in the areas of shelter, food, water, power, sanitation and other necessities of life, Wells said.

Information technology is an essential support for several aspects of refugees’ survival needs, according to technology experts who displayed various systems at a demonstration site set up at the Pentagon. Technology serves as an enabler of all the other services refugees need, participants said.

Army Col. Paul Bartone, a senior research fellow at the Center for Technology and National Security Policy, cited the importance of telecommunications to the well-being of displaced people. Refugees’ ability to contact or find relatives can help ease the stress they experience, said Bartone, who holds a doctorate in psychology.

He made his remarks in front of a display of telecom equipment from SeaMobile Enterprises of Miramar, Fla. The company’s exhibit featured a satellite earth station and associated switching equipment to provide connectivity that could support as many as 50 groups of people, each roughly the size of an Army company.

Wells emphasized that TIDES is a voluntary alliance of corporations, nonprofit organizations, civilian agencies and military units that provide refugee services. It does not have a corporate vehicle, he said, and it lacks a global network. Such a network might give disaster relief organizations and agencies a means of communicating and a reservoir of data about the assets available in any given region that would facilitate disaster response, he said.

Wells said some TIDES participants have discussed such a network, but no plan is under way to develop it.

The Navy, however, is not delaying the process of developing a global disaster response telecom network, said William Harrington, vice president of advanced programs at SeaMobile.

The company provides dozens of cruise ships and other facilities with mobile satellite connectivity.

He said the offshore oil industry has built a network that provides connectivity for various purposes, including telemedicine for injured or ill workers.

SeaMobile provides satellite connectivity systems to the Navy and the Homeland Security Department’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, among others, he said. The systems transmit in the Ku-band or C-band spectrum — the same allocations that TV stations use.

‘We can set up and support a [mobile satellite station] like this in 20 minutes,’ Harrington said. The company’s TIDES installation included a satellite dish and telecom switch — all of which fit into three containers that were each the size of a large footlocker.

The Navy’s disaster response network does not yet appear to have the oomph that a full-fledged IP network devoted to disasters and accessible to all the agencies that deal with them might have.

But disaster response organizations worldwide seek to capture the experience gained from disaster response operations and use it to hone the response to future events, Wells said.

Mac Nachlas, federal business development executive at PacStar of Portland, Ore., displayed a telecom switch and associated satellite that provided telephone, wireless telephone and other telecom services to the various temporary buildings that the TIDES participants had built.

TIDES leaders ‘did not provide a plan for us [telecommunications and electricity providers] to set up a network,’ Nachlas said. ‘They just told us to do it.’

‘In a matter of hours, we established connectivity among all the various sites in the village,’ Nachlas said. His comments reflected Wells’ rejection of hierarchical enterprise architectures for managing disaster relief operations.

Wells said such hierarchies create silos that hinder information exchange.

The TIDES village included demonstrations of other technologies, such as geospatial tools and advanced mobile photoelectric panels manufactured by SkyBuilt Power of Arlington, Va.

The products can be used in forward operating base environments where the military are moving into buildings in Kabul or Baghdad which may have been abandoned and which don’t have any communications infrastructure.

Portland, Ore. (October 23, 2007)—PacStarTM, a technology-based systems integrator that provides total communications solutions to military, government and commercial customers, today announced that Peggy Miller has joined the company as its Chief Financial Officer and that Bob Dunn joins the company as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Miller and Dunn will report to PacStar CEO Robert Frisbee and will be based in Portland, Oregon and Washington D.C. respectively.

“We’re excited to welcome both Peggy and Bob to our senior leadership team at one of the most significant times in PacStar’s history,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “Peggy’s experience growing and strengthening finances and Bob’s proven leadership – most recently as President of Nortel Government Solutions – building successful government sales organizations will be critical to our success as we continue to grow our business and exceed the expectations of the market.”

Miller has an established record of building businesses and strengthening finances through a series of executive-level management positions. She is a highly experienced financial professional and joins PacStar from her most recent position as a partner with Tatum, LLC, the largest and fastest growing executive services firm in the United States, where she provided strategic financial consulting services to a variety of companies. Miller is also a Trustee of Excelsior College and served as the Treasurer and Public Member of the National League for Nursing from 1999 to 2006, where she recently received recognition for her leadership in restoring the financial strength of the organization.

“PacStar is the clear leader in providing deployable communications to remote areas of the world and is part of a major market that promises to bring excellent growth opportunities,” said Peggy Miller, PacStar’s new Chief Financial Officer. “I look forward to working closely with the team to help plan and execute the company’s next phase of expansion.”

A veteran of government sales, Dunn comes to PacStar from Nortel where he was President of Nortel Product Solutions of Nortel Government Solutions, responsible for all Nortel sales of products and product related services. Prior to this position, he was the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Nortel Government Solutions after the merger between Nortel and PEC Solutions. Dunn has a 20 year career in communications, holding numerous business development and management roles for NYNEX, Northern Telecom, Bell Atlantic and Nortel Networks.

“When PacStar approached me about joining the team, I took a very hard look at their business and the market opportunity,” commented Bob Dunn, incoming Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing of PacStar. “After doing some very serious due diligence, it became clear that the technology PacStar has developed meets a critical, yet currently unmet, need in the deployable communications space. I’m looking forward to helping PacStar tap what is in most estimates a multi-billion dollar market.”

PacStar Makes Major Gains in 2007
PacStar welcomes Miller and Dunn on the heels of one of the most successful years in the history of the company, highlights include:

• Major Customer Deployments – Through September 2007, PacStar has exceeded its targets for revenue and customer wins. Two of the most significant customer deployments include the deployment of the PacStar 5500 by United States Central Command in Afghanistan that is providing the Afghanistan National Army with secure voice, data and video communications. Additionally, the United States Army Reserve Command (USARC) is using the PacStar 5500 and the LGS, a subsidiary of Alcatel- Lucent (NYSE: ALU), Tactical Base Station Router to train USAR soldiers deploying to combat zones in the Middle East, as well as supporting a number of its posts across the country for disaster relief and continuity of operations. Please visit News for more information on PacStar customer deployments.
• Significant Technology Achievements – PacStar technologies continue to be recognized as the dominant software management platforms for deployable communications. This year, PacStar strengthened its IQ-Core Software, an advanced, wizard-based, adaptable network management system that simplifies and secures complex communications systems and deployable networks, which is now being used by major government organizations throughout the world. For more information on PacStar’s IQ-Core Software
• New Round of Funding – In July, PacStar secured an additional $12.3 million that is being used to accelerate the penetration of PacStar technologies into key military and civilian markets. Additionally, the company strengthened its board by adding Matt McCooe, Managing Partner of Chart Venture Partners and Charlie Kemper, Principal at Steelpoint Capital Partners. Both McCooe and Kemper have a solid track record managing and leading rapid growth technology companies. For more information on the funding, please visit PacStar Secures $12.3 Million in Series D Financing
• Company Awards – PacStar was recognized by Vertical Systems Reseller Magazine as the sole winner of its VSR All Star VAR Awards in the public sector category. VSR commented that PacStar demonstrated excellence in dealing with government customers, offering state-of-the-art technology, superior service and support and demonstrated a clear plan for growth. Additionally, PacStar’s director of strategic initiatives was honored by Washington Technology as one of its 2007 Channel Award Leaders. For more information on the VSR or Channel Award Leader awards go toPacStar Wins 2007 Vertical Systems Reseller Magazine All Star VAR Award and http://www.washingtontechnology.com/print/22_15/31247-6.html respectively.
• New and Growing Partnerships – Partners like Cisco and LGS, a subsidiary of Alcatel- Lucent (NYSE: ALU) and others are turning to PacStar to increase the benefits their customers receive from their deployable communications systems product lines. To learn more about PacStar’s partners or to join its partner program, please go to www.test.pacstar.com.

Portland, Ore. (September 28, 2007)—PacStarTM, a technology-based systems integrator that provides total communications solutions to military, government and commercial customers, today announced that Vertical Systems Reseller Magazine has selected PacStar as the winner of the 2007 VSR All Star VAR Awards in the public sector.

“The All Star VAR recognition is saved for an elite few who have demonstrated excellence in their respective vertical sectors,” commented Albert Guffanti, Publisher, Vertical Systems Reseller. “An advisory group of VSR staff poured over the detailed entries and evaluated each nominee for their state-of-the-art technology, their superior service and support, and their plans for growth. In our minds, PacStar best satisfied all of these criteria within the public sector vertical. Congratulations!”

What sets PacStar apart from other companies offering deployable communications is its patented IQ-CoreTM Software. Through a series of intuitive wizards, the software management application enables users with limited technical experience to easily set up a complex communications system. Other competitive offerings require experts with certifications on five or more technologies. The government and the U.S. military see this as a major advantage as it simplifies set-up and operation with fewer people in the field. The IQ-Core Software reduces the likelihood of accidental system mis-configuration – a common problem in highly fluid situations like combat, troop mobilization and disaster response – and provides comprehensive, unattended monitoring and alerts for remote management of the system.

“All of us at PacStar are honored to receive the Vertical Systems Reseller Magazine All Star VAR Award,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “Serving the public sector has long been a focus for us. The knowledge we have gained gives us the unique ability to quickly respond and provide mission-critical communications solutions to military bases in the U.S. or to infrastructure- starved environments in remote areas around the world.”

In addition to winning the Vertical Systems Reseller Magazine All Star Award, PacStar’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, Josh Furrer was given a Washington Technology Government Channel Leadership Award in August. The award recognized people at companies that work directly with – and make a difference for – their customers.

The 2007 Vertical Systems Reseller Magazine All Star VAR Award is featured in its September print edition and can be viewed online at Articles.

PacStar Advanced Deployable Communications Solutions
PacStar has developed a series of advanced deployable communications solutions – represented by the PacStar 5000, 3000 and 2000 series – that provide support to government, military and disaster response personnel.

The PacStar 5000 series provides complete deployable network communications capabilities in field-ruggedized, portable cases to support up to 92 users; the PacStar 3000 series products are proven mobile communications components packaged in smaller, ruggedized, airline portable cases to support 1-5 users; and the PacStar 2000 series products are customized to meet specific needs for standalone or fully networked field communications products.

PacStar’s most advanced products offer full telephone/private branch exchange (PBX) functionality, Voice over IP (VoIP), high speed data, video, and reach back connections to networks and establish interoperability with a wide variety of satellite, microwave, cell phone and hand-held radio equipment. All products are very easy to use, giving troops in the field the ability to quickly set-up secure communications and begin operations almost immediately.

For more information on PacStar’s advanced deployable communications solutions.

PacStar has also engineered patent-pending IQ-Core Case technology that extends the life of electronic devices, reduces maintenance requirements and lowers network management complexity for mobile communications systems. The IQ-Core Case includes embedded microcontrollers that monitor internal temperatures, allow remote presence, provide visual and audio alerts and an easy-to-use menu for common operations. The ruggedized container meets strict military standards (MIL-STD-810F) for vibration, heat and shock, protecting sensitive electronic components that are often used in remote areas throughout the world.

For more information on the PacStar IQ-Core case

Portland, Ore. (July 17, 2007)—PacStar, a technology-based systems integrator that provides total communications solutions to the military, government and commercial customers, today announced that it closed $12.3 million in Series D funding. The funding will accelerate penetration of PacStar technologies into key military and civilian markets. Additionally, the round adds new investors Chart Venture Partners and Steelpoint Capital Partners to PacStar’s current list of investors. Past investors, including PacStar Board Chairman, George Stroemple, Fluke Ventures, Invest America, Frank Jungers and Benaroya Ventures also participated in the round.

“We are pleased at the capabilities our new investors and Board Members bring to the table,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “Their industry expertise and understanding of the market will help us further penetrate our target markets, expand strategic partnerships and offer the right products and services to customers around the world. It’s an exciting time for us.”

Proven Customer Success
The PacStarTM 5500 was chosen by United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) – the command overseeing operations in Afghanistan and Iraq – to provide a reliable and secure voice, data and video communications system that is easy to deploy, use and manage and could be used by the Afghanistan National Army (ANA). Additionally, PacStar provided on-site support to deploy the system and train the ANA personnel who had little to no IT experience, going so far as to translate thousands of pages of technical manuals into Dari – the language most commonly used in Afghanistan. Training on the system is made easy with PacStar’s proprietary IQ-CoreTM Software that automates all normal functions with user-friendly wizards and allows the unit to be fully operational in less than 10 minutes, eliminating the need for highly specialized IT technicians in the field.

Commenting on the success of the program, Lt. Gul Agha of the Afghan National Army stated, “I had never seen a computer before I started this training and was very unsure of the benefits, but with the training they explained everything to us and now I can understand the benefits. It saves so much time and manpower and makes our army as good as other armies. As an Afghan that makes me very proud.”

Additionally, PacStar and LGS, a subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), are working together to provide the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) with a rapid response cellular solution. The U.S. Army Reserve Command has positioned the LGS Tactical Base Station Router (TacBSR) and the PacStar 5500 to support a number of its posts across the country for Disaster Relief (DR) and Continuity of Operations (COOP). The system can also be used as a portable mobile communications package to support both forward deployed operations and communications capability during man-made or natural disaster support efforts.

“We needed a reliable solution that allowed us to continue to use our mobile phones even if there was a total communications outage,” said Lt. Col. Lenell White, signal operations chief, USARC. “LGS and PacStar were able to provide us with a ‘deployable network system with full cell phone capabilities that gives us the vital back-up we need to accomplish our missions.”

PacStar Strengthens Its Board
Matt McCooe, Managing Partner of Chart Venture Partners and Charlie Kemper, Principal at Steelpoint Capital Partners have joined PacStar’s Board of Directors. Mr. McCooe and Mr. Kemper bring a solid track record managing and leading rapid growth technology companies.

“At Chart Venture Partners we work closely with the Defense and Homeland Security industry,” said Matt McCooe, Managing Partner at Chart Venture Partners. “When we were evaluating PacStar, our contacts told us PacStar is dramatically changing the way communications are deployed in the field by simplifying the management process of communications networks. We are excited to be working with a company whose technology so clearly addresses a major customer need.”

Charlie Kemper of Steelpoint Capital Partners said, “Through several major customer deployments, PacStar has proven that making it easy to deploy complex communications networks quickly and reliably has wide reaching benefits for the military and first responders. PacStar provides a key component missing today in any global IP-based communications and network management system. Not only does PacStar have the key ingredients for widespread government applications, the company’s unique solutions have tremendous commercial application in the enterprise as well.”

PacStar has expanded from a $2 million to a $47 million company since its founding in 2000 and reached profitability in its second year. PacStar estimates the market for its products and services will approach $4 to $5 billion dollars worldwide.

About Chart Ventures
Partners Chart Venture Partners is a technology venture fund focusing on the homeland defense and security sectors with dual use, commercial opportunities. For more information on Chart, visit http://www.chartventure.com.

Partners Steelpoint Capital Partners is a growth oriented private equity firm. With offices on both coasts, the firm invests in expansion stage companies in technology & communications, media & marketing services, healthcare services, and consumer markets. For more information on Steelpoint, visit http://www.steelpointcp.com/.

WASHINGTON, D.C. AND PORTLAND, OR, June 14, 2007 – In time for the start of the 2007 hurricane season, PacStar and Spacenet Inc. are working together to create the Emergency Preparedness Integrated Communications (EPIC) system, a mobile emergency response solution that quickly restores emergency communications in the event of a disaster. Based on a modified PacStarTM 5500 connected to a satellite terminal, EPIC provides federal, state and local officials as well as first responders unified communications, data access, streaming video capabilities, plus wireless and satellite connectivity.

The PacStar 5500 delivers private branch exchange (PBX) integration, data and video capabilities in an encrypted environment so first responders and emergency operations can get the entire range of information they need to assess damage and begin recovery efforts.

“This exciting partnership will enable a truly important advancement in emergency preparedness,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “Communications are often among the first systems to go down when a major disaster strikes, resulting in slow response times and an uncoordinated response. Having EPIC at the ready ensures that first responders have access to reliable, easy to use communications, helping to save time and potentially lives.”

Spacenet’s high performance Connexstar satellite services for converged voice, video and data applications are an ideal complement to the PacStar 5500, providing a wireless network path that completely bypasses the local infrastructure in the case of a disaster. The satellite kit includes a fixed-dish that can be manually configured and an emergency response grade on- demand satellite service.

“PacStar has tremendous expertise in delivering advanced deployable communications,” said David Myers, Spacenet Senior Vice President of Marketing & Corporate Development. “Working together, the combined solution of PacStar 5500 networking capabilities and Spacenet’s high performance Connexstar services provide emergency responders and government officials with access to reliable satellite broadband communications.”

Intended for use in disaster areas and extreme remote locations, the EPIC solution is designed to empower first responders, military troops, or anyone else working in an infrastructure- starved environment to quickly establish or re-establish a multi-faceted communications network. The EPIC solution enables the first responder community to use existing communications hardware (analog and IP phones) to interoperate with each other. This capability creates a seamless communications network onsite with connectivity to the Internet and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via a single interface.

Unlike other communications solutions that require a six-ton truck and/or military-grade aircraft to transport, the EPIC system can be transported in an SUV, helicopter, or commercial aircraft. Two people can deploy EPIC within one hour, inclusive of the satellite connectivity.

More Work is Needed
Two years ago, the White House issued its official report on the response to Hurricane Katrina. Among the key findings: the lack of deployable, integrated and interoperable communications – the ability to quickly field working communications that allows emergency and other first responders to talk to one another via radio and other communication systems in real time – hindered rescue efforts and delayed the deployment of critical materials. In 2004, the 9/11 Commission Report concluded that a similar breakdown in communications occurred hampering response times. Both reports recommended that a system be put in place to ensure reliable communication for first responders and civil authorities.

While strides have been made, recent studies have shown that the recommendations found in the Katrina and 9/11 aftermath reports have yet to be fully implemented.

• A report published in January 2007 by the Department of Homeland Security stated that progress still needs to be made.
• In answer to a survey question posed by the United States Conference of Mayors, 80 percent of the 183 mayors said that they had not received sufficient federal resources to achieve full communications interoperability to ensure first responders would be able to communicate with state and local officials in the event of an emergency.
• Datamonitor, an independent analytics and forecasting firm reported that state and local governments will boost their technology investment by 40 percent in the next five years as they struggle to overcome communications problems that stymie coordinated emergency response efforts.

How EPIC Works
In the event of an emergency, federal, state and local agencies will be able to call PacStar (888-872-1512) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and order the deployment of the EPIC package. The units will be pre-configured and shipped to the recommended staging area in three days. PacStar service engineers will be deployed along with the equipment to install the PacStar 5500 and Spacenet satellite service, train the responders on-site, and provide any additional support to ensure mission-critical communications are established where needed most.

About Spacenet
Founded in 1981, Spacenet Inc. is a leading provider of high-performance satellite and hybrid terrestrial networking solutions for business, government and home/small office customers in the United States and worldwide. Spacenet has a longstanding tradition of industry leadership and innovation, and today serves more than 100,000 network endpoints for customers including many Fortune 500 companies and major government agencies. Spacenet’s services include its custom satellite/hybrid network solutions for enterprise and government; ConnexstarTM VSAT services for primary, backup and disaster recovery networks; and StarBand® broadband Internet by satellite. Spacenet is based in McLean, Virginia, and operates its own end-to-end services infrastructure including network management, field services and teleport facilities in McLean; Atlanta, Georgia; and Chicago, Illinois. Spacenet is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT). Visit Spacenet at www.spacenet.com.

the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) based at Fort McPherson, Ga., with a rapid response cellular solution. The U.S. Army Reserve Command has postured the LGS Tactical Base Station Router (TacBSRTM), developed by Bell Labs and the PacStarTM 5500 to support a number of its posts across the country for Disaster Relief (DR) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) as well as a portable mobile system to support both forward deployed operations and communications capability during a man-made or natural disaster support efforts.

“We needed a reliable solution that allowed us to continue to use our mobile phones even if there was a total communications outage,” said Lt. Col. Lenell White, signal operations chief, USARC. “LGS and PacStar were able to provide us with a ‘deployable network system with full cell phone capabilities’ that gives us the vital back-up we need to accomplish our missions.”

USARC provides trained and ready units and individuals to mobilize and deploy in support of the national military strategy. USARC is comprised of over 20 commands, each with an individual mission and function that contributes to the accomplishment of USARC’s overall mission.

“The TacBSR is designed to meet the unique cellular needs of Federal, State, and Local governments including disaster response and deployed government communications,” said Ron Iverson, CEO, LGS. “Working with PacStar, LGS is able to leverage its strong experience in providing high-performance mobility equipment and together apply our specialized government expertise to deliver the U.S. Army Reserve Command with a solution that is optimized to meet their specific needs.”

The result of 6 years of development in Bell Labs, the TacBSR provides a single box GSM Cellular solution – encapsulating all cellular network functions in the smallest form factor in the industry (as small as 5 lbs). It also includes Voice-over-IP backhaul capabilities that allow multiple TacBSRs to be networked in a very simple, easy to deploy and manage, flat architecture employing commodity IP networks to inter-connect – providing “Cellular-over-IP” functionality.

The combination of technical resources of both LGS and PacStar provides customers with a full- featured, deployable command system capable of supporting advanced IT requirements (voice, data, video) and incorporates a highly portable GSM cellular system. A network of these deployed communications centers – integrating PacStar’s 5500 and the TacBSR — can easily provision sufficient communications to support a disaster area or coalition forward operating base communications for a large number of users across a wide geographic area.

The PacStar 5500 is a self-managed, feature-rich and highly secure deployable communications system contained within a lightweight and rugged case, and intended for use in disaster or remote areas, or war zones. The embedded IQ-Core(TM) Software simplifies the user interface and eliminates the need for specialized IT staff in the field, reducing operational risk and rendering the PacStar 5500 an ideal solution for remote, unstable and/or high-risk environments where rapidly deployable teams are paramount.

“The PacStar 5500 is a powerful choice for partners like LGS, said Robert Frisbee,” CEO of PacStar. “By integrating LGS’s TacBSR with the PacStar 5500’s advanced deployable network communications capabilities, we were able to provide the U.S. Army Reserve Command with the right solution that fulfills mission requirements in difficult environments.”

Typically, government customers rely on commercial cellular service providers for cell phone communications. However some situations have unique location, timing, availability and security concerns that cannot be met by commercial providers. These include field deployments in remote locations of the world, disaster recovery missions, Reverse 911, search and rescue operations and backhaul capability for a wide variety of environmental sensors.

About LGS
LGS, a subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), designs and delivers Transformed Communications and R&D-based technology solutions to the U.S. government community. Leveraging the world-class R&D of Bell Labs and innovation of Alcatel-Lucent, with global reach and expertise, LGS challenges itself to solve the unsolvable and deliver secure, reliable, standards-based solutions to its customers. For more information about LGS visit www.LGSinnovations.com.

Washington D.C., and Portland, Ore. (March 20, 2007)–PacStarTM is pleased to announce that the PacStarTM 5500, an interoperable, deployable network communications system, has received the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Interoperability/ Supportability Certification. The PacStar 5500 was evaluated for Net-Centric Operations and Warfare interoperability and is certified as interoperable for joint use in accordance with its Joint Staff Certified Tailored Information Support Plan (T-ISP). In addition to being compatible with Department of Defense (DoD) systems, JITC certification ensures that DoD organizations and military intelligence assets are using the most reliable, robust and secure products and services available.

Designed to meet the needs today for soldiers in the field, the 5500 is fully compatible with existing DoD tactical communications systems. The arduous DoD testing verifies that the PacStar 5500 meets strict requirements for security, interoperability and functionality for DoD operations worldwide. Defense department organizations now have access to a secure communications system that is easy to set up, operate and maintain. The 5500 delivers full telephone functionality, Voice over IP (VoIP), high speed data, video, and reach back connections to networks. It establishes interoperability with a wide variety of satellite, microwave and hand-held radio equipment.

“We have designed the 5500 specifically for troops in the field. It is built tough, delivers comprehensive capabilities, can be carried by two people and managed by one,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “JITC certification proves that the 5500 meets the highest standards required by DoD and affirms our approach to deliver on the military’s mission to deploy the best technology solutions that enhance the capabilities of our warfighers.”

The PacStar 5500 delivers secure communications to DISN, NIPRNET & SIPRNET networks. The 5500 has an easy-to-use interface that greatly reduces training requirements. Deployed troops are able to quickly set-up secure communications—giving forward deployed units the ability to report back and communicate critical information, receive real-time intelligence and changes to orders without interference.

JITC supports soldiers in their efforts to manage information on and off the battlefield. JITC evaluates information systems, reducing risk to personnel by providing value-added process and product evaluations, operational assessments, and technical assistance throughout the life cycle of DoD systems. Additional information on JITC can be found at http://jitc.fhu.disa.mil/.

In addition, PacStar has delivered to United States Central Command (US CENTCOM) in support of the Afghan National Army (ANA) a communications network consisting of multiple PacStar 5500s to support counter-terrorism, border control activities, and anti-insurgency operations while at the same time facilitating the transfer of communications responsibilities from USCENTCOM and NATO to the ANA.

Washington D.C., and Portland, Ore. (March 20, 2007)—PacStar, a technology- based systems integrator that provides total communications solutions to the military, government and commercial customers, today announced the availability of the PacStar 3500, a deployable network communications terminal that produces the secure communications environment of a small office anytime and anywhere in the world.

The PacStar 3500 was created to give remote military teams, border patrol agents and emergency first responders, a cost effective, robust, interoperable and easily transportable secure communications solution. Users benefit from an intuitive mobile satellite office capability that is easy to set-up and maintain. The PacStar 3500 will be available for demonstration March 20-22 at the FOSE 2007 Conference at the Washington DC Convention Center in Washington DC.

“Our commitment is to delivering advanced communications equipment that helps our soldiers, first responders and the government complete the mission,” said Robert Frisbee, chief executive office, PacStar. “Unlike competing solutions, the PacStar 3500 is simple to operate, giving users with limited technology experience the ability to be up and running in a matter of minutes. The 3500 also provides immediate situational awareness, so that soldiers and emergency responders can take action more effectively because they have the most current information on the surrounding environment.”

Introducing the PacStar 3500 The PacStarTM 3500 is a deployable system that creates the communications capabilities of a small office, anywhere in the world. It is based on a hardened laptop, satellite modem and military approved firewall, all integrated into an easy-to-use package. With components designed and built to U.S. military specifications, the 3500 meets the needs of an individual or small team for voice and data connectivity. Through its satellite mini- dish (included), the unit sends and receives both voice and data.

As simple to transport as a piece of luggage, the 3500 is a compact, integrated communications solution that is easy to stow and easy to deploy. When the team is at a remote site without phone infrastructure, the 3500 enables them to communicate both locally and globally. For situations where mobility is critical, the 3500 delivers an advanced capability in an easy-to-use form factor. No need to connect or configure in the field. Just open, power up, and go.

Meeting the Needs of Tomorrow’s Force Structure
In the President’s 2007 budget, “Modularity” (mobility, flexibility, and capability to operate autonomously) was specifically called out as a major defense initiative to be funded. The PacStar 3500 meets the requirements and can be deployed independently or as part of an integrated communications package. When used in conjunction with the PacStar 5500, the military and government receive a powerful and secure advanced deployable communications solution that provides voice and data services and small office functionality in the most remote regions of the world.

Additional Products
In addition to the PacStar 3500, the company develops and markets additional solutions geared to the military and government. The PacStar 5000 Series includes the PacStar 5500 system, a self-managed, feature-rich and highly secure deployable communications solution that includes wireless and wireline connectivity for both local and wide area networks. Unique to the 5500 is PacStar’s patented IQ-CoreTM software, which automates the difficult requirements of set-up and configuration and eliminates the need for specialized IT staff in the field, making the 5500 easy to use and manage. The system is portable, hardened, meets military standards and delivers high bandwidth capabilities anywhere in the world and is an ideal solution for use in war zones, disaster or remote areas.

Portland, Oregon., September 8, 2006 – PacStar^TM announced today that the PacStarTM 5500, an interoperable, deployable communications system, has received an Interim Certificate to Operate (ICTO) from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The certification means that the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) has tested the 5500 and determined that it adheres to the joint interoperability standards of the Department of Defense. All certified systems must provide and accept data, information, material and services in an accepted format in order to operate effectively together. This ensures that all DoD systems will be able to work cooperatively and that data and information will not be lost or distorted when moving from one system to another.

DoD clients can now deploy and connect to the DISN, NIPRNET & SIPRNET with the 5500. In the approval, the Joint Staff validated that the Army has an urgent operational need for the PacStar 5500 in order to extend DISN voice, video, N/SIPRNET services via SATCOM to forward units.

“We are proud to receive the ICTO for the PacStar 5500,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “It is important for military communications to be seamless and this certification validates the unit’s interoperability and effectiveness.”

The PacStar 5500 was tested during the Department of Defense Interoperability Communications Exercise (DICE ’06). The exercise placed the 5500 in real-world military scenarios where the unit proved its interoperability with other systems and its capability to provide voice, data and internet services in the field.

PacStar has earned certification under DoD Directive 6212.01D, “Interoperability and Supportability of Information Technology and National Security Systems.”

JITC is the preeminent information systems evaluator for the Department of Defense. The command reduces risk to the war fighter by providing value-added process and product evaluations, operational assessments, and technical assistance throughout the life cycle of DoD Systems.

Portland, Oregon, July 6, 2006 – The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) accelerated the transfer of Afghan security communications responsibilities to the Afghan National Army (ANA) by selecting Portland, Oregon based

PacStar™ to deploy seven of its highly portable, quickly deployable, secure communications systems to the ANA. The ANA will use PacStar’s 5500, which delivers wired/wireless voice, data and video to any location from anywhere in the world, to create a communications infrastructure to support counter-terrorism and border control activities, along with other key anti-insurgency responsibilities.

“There is political talk and media coverage about the importance of transferring responsibilities now shouldered by U.S. and coalition forces in both the Afghan and Iraqi theaters. We at PacStar are proud to be able to facilitate that transfer,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. “We believe that as this deployment proves successful, PacStar technology can support further efforts to transfer responsibilities for security to our partners in the Middle East. This technology can therefore help build the new infrastructures of technology and peace in areas that are ravaged by war.”

The company will adapt its advanced networking technologies for the ANA application, including translating the user guides and instructional materials into Dari, the most widely spoken language in Afghanistan. PacStar will be responsible for training and equipping the ANA forces to deploy and manage the 5500 products and the networks they run.

“This training is simplified because our proprietary IQ-CoreTM Software automates all normal functions with user-friendly wizards, eliminating the need for highly specialized IT technicians in the field,” Mr. Frisbee explained. “It also makes the system easier to transfer to another culture. One icon in the PacStar 5500 is worth a thousand words – teaching the functions of one icon is a lot easier than training literally thousands of pages of user manuals required for most systems.”

The 5500 system employs single button, self-managed functionality which allows the unit to be fully operational in less than 10 minutes, freeing field staff for other tasks while providing necessary secure communications between troops.

PacStar is already delivering flexible communications technology for use in Afghanistan. In June, the company began supplying 62 PacStar/WWNS 3110 satellite system units to NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Kabul for security, surveillance and drug interdiction missions. The 3110 is contained in a suitcase sized transport package, is rapidly deployable throughout Afghanistan’s varied terrain and provides the communications capabilities of a small office from remote areas to anywhere in the world.

WASHINGTON & PORTLAND, Ore. – (BUSINESS WIRE) – Feb. 22, 2006 – PacStar(TM) today announced the availability of the PacStar 5500, a self-managed, feature-rich and highly secure deployable communications system contained within a lightweight and rugged case, and intended for use in war zones, disaster or remote areas. The PacStar 5500 supports the need for situational awareness and information superiority in the field, empowering military units and field operations with reliable and secure command, control and communications (C3) capability anywhere in the world.

Unlike similar products that may require a six-ton truck and/or military-grade aircraft to transport, the PacStar 5500 can be transported in a Humvee or helicopter, carried by two people and set up in ten minutes with single-button operation. The PacStar 5500 is being publicly launched and will be available for demonstration purposes on February 22 and 23 at the AFCEA Homeland Security 2.0 Conference in Washington, D.C.

“During the past several years, changing warfare requirements, disasters, both natural and man-made, and globalization have made apparent the need for communications that can be deployed beyond the reach of traditional networks,” said Robert Frisbee, CEO and President, PacStar Communications. “Our intention in developing the PacStar 5500 was to fill a critical gap in existing communications infrastructure by providing a product that offers full C3 capability no matter how remote, rugged or temporary the location may be – and with the reliability and ease of use required under the most severe conditions.”

Communications to Support the Future Force

The requirement for “agility” is the key imperative of The “Quadrennial Defense Review Report” (QDR) published by the Department of Defense on February 6, 2006. The QDR specifically highlights mobility capabilities as a key element in the transition from a “large institutional force to a future force that concentrates more operational capabilities at the front line.” Moreover, “secure broadband communications into denied or contested areas to support penetrating surveillance and strike systems” is identified as a key tool in “shaping the choices of countries at strategic crossroads.”

In line with these recommendations, the president’s 2007 budget earmarks $5.9 billion to support the need for “additional equipment including armored humvees, soldier protective armor, trucks, advanced night vision and communications equipment, light arms, and artillery” that will support “the brigade combat teams developed as part of the Army’s Modularity initiative.”

Introducing the PacStar 5500 With IQ-Core(TM)

The PacStar 5500 was developed to support the Department of Defense’s need for technology that more effectively meets the requirement for modularity and mobility. It is a highly portable and rapidly-deployable communication system developed to provide military units, government agencies and civilian crisis responders with networked communications capability anywhere in the world.

The PacStar 5500 delivers high-bandwidth voice, data and video communications, IP networking, file sharing and print services in compliance with the most rigid security requirements delivered across any technology platform via a secure network. Specifically, the PacStar 5500 provides:

– Wireless/wireline LAN, PBX and WAN connectivity;

– Communication to backbone networks via satellite, microwave, free space optics or Public Switched Telephone

Network circuits;

– Wireless communications that are FIPS 140-2 or NSA Level 1 compliant; and

– Adherence to platforms and codes currently in use by military and commercial contractors.

What makes the PacStar 5500 unique is IQ-Core(TM) software, comprehensive self-management software designed to simplify the user interface and eliminate the need for specialized IT staff in the field, reducing operational risk and rendering the PacStar 5500 an ideal solution for remote, unstable and/or high-risk environments where rapidly- deployable teams are paramount.

Specifically, IQ-Core software:

– Is easy to use

– Replaces hundreds of management screens with wizards

– Automates complex tasks

– Provides context-sensitive online help

– Provides proactive monitoring

– Monitors all components and services

– Sends system alerts to specified administrators

– Manages all system status logs

– Manages configuration

– Saves system configurations

– Enables backup restoration in minutes

– Encrypts passwords and configurations

“Our company has built a reputation for developing creative engineering solutions to complex problems,” added Mr. Frisbee. “We specifically developed the PacStar products in response to our customers’ most pressing pain points – the need for secure access to information that empowers them to complete their mission – whether they are war fighters, crisis responders, government officials or corporate executives.”

Additional Products

In addition to the PacStar 5500, the company develops and markets additional products geared to deployed military or civilian teams. The PacStar 3000 Series is comprised of:

– The PacStar 3100: a mobile satellite-based system that provides immediate communications worldwide for individuals or small teams; and

– The PacStar 3200, a portable, “fly-away” kit that quickly extends the wired network for remote deployments.

Upcoming Demonstrations

PacStar will be demonstrating the PacStar 5500 in booth 806 at the AFCEA Homeland Security Conference 2006: “Building Resilient Communities” on February 22 and 23 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

PacStar will be demonstrating the PacStar 5500 at the AFCEA Belvoir – PEO EIS Industry Day, on March 16 and 17 at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinella Road, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852.

Among the nation’s fastest growing companies, privately held Pacific Star will use proceeds from this round of financing to bring its new MAGi products to market, which uses broadband technology to enable last-mile communications for emergency, corporate and military personnel and operations.

“This successful round of financing supports our new suite of products that deliver advanced communications to remote, threatened and temporary locations,” noted Robert Frisbee, Pacific Star Communication’s CEO and President. “Pacific Star will make a substantial contribution to corporations, government entities and disaster recovery personnel faced with the need for fast, reliable, around the clock communications.” Frisbee noted that as the product has evolved, the Company has watched the chaos caused by poor communications during Tsunami recovery in Asia, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the earthquake in Pakistan. “It has been painful to watch as our product has completed its beta testing and is on the verge of commercialization. We know we can help improve the outcome of these recovery efforts. Now, with the support of this financing, we can make these dreams a reality,” said Frisbee.

“We invest in innovative, growth companies with experienced management, making Pacific Star an integral part of our portfolio,” said Denny Weston, senior managing director, Fluke Venture Partners. “Our research of the marketplace demonstrated that Pacific Star is far ahead of the competition when it comes to meeting the critical need for emergency communications across the globe.”

Pacific Star has expanded from a $2 million to a $47 million company since its founding in 2000 and reached profitability in its second year. PacStar estimates the market for its new products will approach $4 to $5 billion dollars worldwide

About Fluke Venture Partners
Fluke Venture Partners is one of the oldest and most experienced active venture capital firms in the Pacific Northwest, with a long tradition of assisting the region’s entrepreneurs in building successful and enduring enterprises. Over more than two decades, and through up and down cycles, FVP has funded a deliberately diverse portfolio of promising high-growth technology, healthcare and consumer-oriented opportunities. Its team has been integrally involved in early- stage financings for such successes as Aldus, Coinstar, Eagle Hardware & Garden, Innova, Starbucks and Tegic Communications. Fluke’s current Fund includes investments in Seattle- based Klir Technologies, PayScale, Inc., Pacific Star Communications, and Portland-based Phoseon Technologies. For more information visit www.flukeventures.com.

About Benaroya Ventures
For nearly two decades, The Benaroya Companies have been among the region’s leading private venture capital firms. We enter into active relationships with the companies we fund — vital, promising businesses that demonstrate bold vision, great market potential, and strong financial discipline. For more information, visit www.benaroya.com.

About InvestAmaerica
InvestAmerica is a nationally recognized private equity/venture capital investment management group with nearly 100 cumulative years of fund management experience. The Principals founded the InvestAmerica brand in 1985 with the establishment of InvestAmerica Venture Group, Inc. Since 1985, the Principals have successfully managed and grown the InvestAmerica private equity/venture funds with investments throughout the United States. The InvestAmerica group is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with regional offices in Kansas City, Missouri; Vancouver, Washington; Fargo, North Dakota and St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.investamericaventuregroup.com.

PacStar, a Portland-based telecommunications company, helped organize the event for the 1st ID. Key support came from VBrick Systems, a manufacturer of video broadcast streaming products and Akami Networks, a leading provider of bandwidth solutions. These companies’ volunteered services and equipment to provide live video broadcasts from High Schools in Germany to parents in Iraq. Milestones include:
• PacStar and VBrick approached 1st Infantry Division and 98th Area Support Group about delivering live video from schools throughout Germany to Army units in Iraq.
• PacStar and VBrick Systems recruited Akamai, a leader in high bandwidth solutions to join the team.
• Satellite bandwidth was provided by Tachyon.

How it Works:

1. A video camera was placed in high schools and connected to VBrick encoders. Live streams were available within minutes.
2. The MPEG-4 stream was directed to Akamai’s Content Distribution network.
3. Akamai created a hyperlink on the web for users to view the video.
4. Deployed parents in Iraq simply logged onto a secure website and clicked on their children’s high school to view live video of the ceremony.

“It’s a great idea we proposed to our Army client,” said Ramzy Hattar, the PacStar executive who coordinated the effort. “We were delighted to play an organizing role. It was exciting to connect these families using technology and volunteered capabilities from our key vendors.”

PacStar integrates telecommunications equipment for US federal and telephone company clients. “We are a global company. We specialize in delivering sophisticated equipment into challenging environments,” said Robert Frisbee, president of Pacific Star. “We know how to support clients globally. It was a natural for us to participate in this event.”

PacStar was spun off from Trans Pacific Export — a partnership run by George Stroemple who is also Chairman of the Board of PacStar. Pacific Star has offices in Korea, Japan, Germany, Washington DC, Texas, Oregon and California.

About Pacific Star Communications
PacStar, headquartered in Portland, Oregon provides advanced network hardware, software and services to corporate/enterprise customers. The Company’s specialties in the commercial space include wireless networking, data security, and high-speed switching and routing networks. For more information, please visit www.test.pacstar.com.

Press Contact:
Phil Armstrong
Zeno Group
202.965.7800
Phil.Armstrong@ZenoGroup.com

Portland, Oregon, May 11, 2005 – Pacific Star Communications (PacStar), a Portland-based telecommunications company, and WaveRider Communications Inc. (OTC BB: WAVC), the leader in non-line-of-sight wireless broadband technology, today announced the first regional implementation of new radio technologies that promise to bring enhanced broadband services to customers.

The first Pacific Star customer to purchase WaveRider products through the agreement is OnlineMac, a WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) in Oregon. Pacific Star is working closely with OnlineMac to expand the WISP’s existing WaveRider network, which currently serves more than one hundred subscribers. Pacific Star will also market WaveRider’s solutions to its ILEC, ISP, and CLEC customers throughout the Western United States and International markets.

“Our customers are increasingly using wireless solutions to expand their communications networks and to deliver the broadband services their subscribers want,” said Mike Jaeger, Account Executive, and Pacific Star Communications.”WaveRider’s non-line-of-sight products are ideal for states like Oregon, Washington and Idaho and other areas with dense tree coverage that prohibits the use of many other wireless products. The WaveRider system enables service providers to extend broadband services to areas and customers that have few or no broadband options whatsoever, delivering a significant competitive edge to our clients.”

“WaveRider’s depth of experience in developing and deploying wireless networks for telecommunications companies, combined with its planned product development strategy has given us the confidence to recommend WaveRider’s products to our customers now. We know WaveRider’s systems will give our customers the performance they need today, and will meet their needs as they continue to grow,” added Ampy Buchholz, Pacific Star’s Director of Engineering.

“Pacific Star is known worldwide for delivering the services and equipment telecommunications companies need to build and expand their networks and capitalize on emerging business opportunities,” said Charles Brown, Executive Vice President, WaveRider Communications Inc. “With customers in 50 states and in 50 countries around the world, Pacific Star is recognized by the global telecommunications industry for its expertise in deploying wireless networks and integrating the tools needed to use these networks to their full advantage.”