Status Stays Secure

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday February 25, 2003

THE Hunter's reputation as a leader in specialist technology has been further boosted by CNN/Techcel creation of a secure high performing data connection for a major defence industry supplier.

The Mayfield-based technology firm specialises in providing tailored computer networking and Internet communications services to business.

CNN/Techcel was established 16 years ago and is headed by general manager Nigel Stitt.

The firm has been a leader in the provision of communications solutions not only within the Hunter but nationally for the past five years.

Mr Stitt said the task in the latest contract was to design an advanced and secure virtual private network for major defence contractor Tenix Defence Pty Ltd.

The largest Australian-owned defence prime contractor, Tenix holds the contract for the RAAF's F/A-18 maintenance, diagnostics and service life monitoring system, where it provides services including software development, data management and fatigue reporting for the F/A-18 Hornet.

"Tenix needed a secure, high-performing data connection between its facilities at the RAAF Base Williamtown and its office in Melbourne," Mr Stitt said.

"At the same time it had to be able to provide remote access for personnel while away from their normal localities."

Mr Stitt said the CNN/Techcel-designed system was based on a CISCO platform that required endorsement from the Defence Signals Directorate in Canberra before installation.

A combination of ADSL and ISDN was used to provide the Tenix site connection to CNN with local dial-up access for any remote individual users through the CNN national network.

"While the technology is important, the real challenge for us was to provide systems that offer solutions for the client," Mr Stitt said.

"In this case it was about systems that ensure secure delivery of information.

"It's about helping to deliver bottom-line outcome for clients in terms of performance, security and cost and using the appropriate technologies.

"I believe this attitude is part of what CNN/Techcel is contributing to the growing reputation of the Hunter as a leader in technology solutions."