Industry Interview: TeleCommunication Systems Inc.
MIT 2010 Volume: 14 Issue: 4 (May)
Q: What types of products and services does TeleCommunication Systems [TCS] offer to military and other government customers?
A: TCS has established a proven track record for more than 25 years as a trusted provider of communication technology solutions to solve the government’s toughest technical challenges, under conditions that demand the highest level of reliability, availability and security. To ensure mission continuity, TCS offers a family of deployable communications solutions, Swift- Link, and complete end-to-end managed services for converged (IP-based) voice, video and data solutions to military and government organizations requiring seamless, highly secure connectivity between fixed sites and remote operations. Managed services include private, shared and outsourced network management through its global network, TCS-owned and operated satellite teleport infrastructure, 24x7 SwiftLink Operation Center and global field service force.
TCS brings unique technology problemsolving expertise to its professional service offerings for the public sector. From continuity of operations and information assurance, to cybersecurity and integrated logistics support.
Q: What are some of the most significant programs your company is currently working on with the military?
A: TCS SwiftLink Satellite Communications Systems and related support services bring broadband services up to the edge of the battlefield. Using both commercial and military satellites, the SwiftLink systems extend the reach of the global information grid by enabling Defense Switched Network VoIP and Secure VoIP, as well as SIPRNet and NIPRNet connectivity to our soldiers.
Among TCS’ most recent offerings, which are widely deployed with warfighters, are the transportable SIPR/NIPR Access Point [SNAP], and Wireless Point to Point Link [WPPL] systems. SNAP VSAT systems provide beyond line-of-sight [BLOS] transportation of all types of IP data, both secure and non-secure, to include VOIP, data and video to remote, austere camps with little to no organic support capabilities. The Swift- Link WPPL enables warfighters to close the gap on the “last digital mile,” pushing data services to the network edge using a low cost alternative, or to complement, more expensive BLOS satellite communications. SwiftLink solutions, especially the small baseband and executive kits, are used by non-conventional forces because of the variety of small form factors available. The compact features and size of TCS’ secure data network kits, a Single User Executive Travel Kit and the SDN-Lite 2300, allow a small team easy transport on a commercial airline as a carry-on and is easily stored in an overhead compartment.
SwiftLink solutions have been used for several years now by the military transition teams to train Iraqi and Afghanistan military and police forces throughout the vast region of these two countries. These systems are ideal for this kind of mission because they can be easily transported by land, air or sea and operated without the need for specialized skills/ MOS. Explosive ordinance disposal teams use SwiftLink VSAT terminals to transmit images and to download defeat instructions from the analysts who remain in communication with the operational teams. Other security forces use the SwiftLink systems to access criminal and terrorist databases, instantly exchanging biometric data and sharing real-time video from one or multiple sources.
SwiftLink solutions are also in wide use by mainstream combat forces such as deployed Brigade Combat Teams and are a mainstay of their daily communications missions. SwiftLink supports today’s common operational scenarios and deployments that support remote forward operating bases and combat outposts, where the only transportation in and out is by air.
Q: Are you currently developing new products and services relevant to military and government customers that you hope to bring to the market in the future?
A: Earlier this year, TCS announced the SwiftLink Tactical Transportable Tropo [3T] system, a small and lightweight troposcatter solution with the most robust tropo technology available on the market. Teaming with Comtech Systems, this solution enhances the TCS product portfolio by adding BLOS capability to its VSAT flyaway family.
TCS also recently launched the Executive Communications Rucksack Package addition to the TCS SwiftLink family of baseband kits. At approximately 6.5 pounds, this package is the smallest, lightest SwiftLink.
In cybersecurity, TCS’ Art of Exploitation University will open in of 2010 to provide government attendees with an enhanced blended learning approach [hands on and instructor led] to computer network operations training in the fields of cybersecurity and analysis, computer penetration testing, red teaming, vulnerability analysis and exploitation. Classes are taught by individuals with specific mission experience enabling them to relate directly to the challenges faced by attendees.
Q: How is TCS unique in comparison with other companies in your field?
A: TCS uniquely offers customers higher quality products and services with the unique agility and true end-to-end solutions of our $300 million company. We have our own line of products [SwiftLink], communications infrastructure, deployed support staff, geo-redundant NOCs, and large integration facility. We’re global. As military veterans, TCS executives understand the needs of our customers. Our complete suite of proven, battle-tested deployable SwiftLink products, combined with our TCS infrastructure of teleports, ISO-certified NOC/SOCs and professional services, enables us to support government from the face of the dish to the desktop. Nobody else offers this unique value proposition. ♦