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Logica implements first security accredited Wireless LAN in Defence

Ministry of Defence Trading Fund, Defence Support Group (DSG), is first to benefit under the new CESG rules

Logica, one of Europe’s leading IT and business services companies, today announced that it is the very first organisation in the UK to have installed a CESG validated wireless network adhering to the new ‘Manual Y’ security standards for handling of RESTRICTED data.

The wireless network was installed at DSG’s Donnington site in Shropshire, which repairs and maintains equipment for the UK Armed Forces in order to improve its stores management process. The secure deployment of wireless in the stores warehouse is expected to result in early benefits including significant cost savings through faster fulfilment of spare parts orders and improved accuracy of stock data.

The ‘Manual Y’ standard was published by the Communications Electronic Security Group (CESG), the UK Government’s National Technical Authority for Information Assurance, in January 2007. It details for the first time, how wireless security should be implemented on RESTRICTED level projects, which means that defence organisations can now fully realise the benefits of wireless technology previously enjoyed by the commercial sector. It not only covers the wireless technology, but also the surrounding processes such as disaster recovery and system configuration.

Logica worked with Aruba Networks to deliver the system to DSG (which was created recently following the merger of ABRO and DARA), with Aruba providing the wireless network, and Logica providing a full service including project management, installation, testing and security consultancy, a Manual Y compliance report, and security validation of CESG’s Manual Y process. This was followed up with Logica assisting DSG in their discussions with the Defence Security Standards Organisation (DSSO) Accreditor to certify the wireless network for use with RESTRICTED LIVE data at the physical site.

Malcolm Smith, DSG’s Head of Information Systems based at the Agency’s headquarters in Andover said: “As a supplier of vehicle and equipment services to our Armed Forces we are constantly looking at ways to make our organisation run more efficiently. The benefits of wireless are well documented in warehousing environments, so that when CESG published the Manual Y standard, allowing us to implement, we were quick to respond. “

Gary Lay, Director for Logica’s Defence business, said: “The CESG accreditation process for Manual Y is extremely thorough and means that organisations operating at restricted levels, including public sector, defence and training establishments, can now experience the benefits of wireless networking that the commercial sector has enjoyed for so long. Logica has one of the largest, most respected and innovative security practices in Europe and this reputation is cemented by us being the first to implement a Manual Y solution.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About DSG
DSG is a Government (Ministry of Defence) Trading Fund established on 01/04/08 from the merger of the former ABRO (Land) and DARA (Air) Trading Funds.  DSG’s business focus concentrates on the provision of high quality repair and maintenance services to the UK military.

For further information about DSG visit: www.dsg.mod.uk

About Aruba Networks
People move. Networks must follow. Aruba securely delivers networks to users, wherever they work or roam. Our unified mobility solutions include Wi-Fi networks, identity-based security, remote access and cellular services, and centralized network management to enable the Follow-Me Enterprise that moves in lock-step with users:

• Follow-Me Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi networks ensure that users are always within reach of mission-critical information;
• Follow-Me Security: Identity-based security assigns access policies to users, enforcing those policies whenever and wherever a network is accessed;
• Follow-Me Applications: Remote access solutions and cellular network integration ensure uninterrupted access to applications as users move.

The cost, convenience, and security benefits of our unified mobility solutions are fundamentally changing how and where we work. Listed on the NASDAQ and Russell 2000® Index, Aruba is based in Sunnyvale, California, and has operations throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions. To learn more, visit Aruba at http://www.arubanetworks.com.

About Logica
Logica is a leading IT and business services company, employing 39,000 people across 36 countries. It provides business consulting, systems integration, and IT and business process outsourcing services.  Logica works closely with its customers to release their potential - enabling change that increases their efficiency, accelerates growth and manages risk.  It applies its deep industry knowledge, technical excellence and global delivery expertise to help its customers build leadership positions in their markets. Logica is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext (Amsterdam) (LSE: LOG; Euronext: LOG). More information is available at www.logica.com.

For more information about Logica’s wireless LAN services including assessment, hardware installation and accreditation, please email defence.uk@logica.com

Press contact
Nicky Rich
Marketing manager, space and defence
Logica
Tel: +44 (0) 78 345 83185
Email: nicky.rich@logica.com