INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: PacStar
Robert Frisbee
Chief Executive Officer
PacStar
Q: Can you tell us about PacStar?
A: PacStar is the recognized leader in software-managed, deployable communications systems. We deliver secure IP-based voice, data and video communications to remote, infrastructure-starved environments. Our rapidly deployable communications systems are ideal for mobile and remote tactical military communications, and for disaster preparedness and disaster response communications. We support military operations in developing countries without stable communications infrastructures, and supply military bases around the world with network hardware and software.
PacStar’s most advanced deployable communications systems are Joint Interoperability Test Command certified, have been designed to operate in the most isolated and hazardous areas in the world, and have been battle-tested in the extreme conditions of Central Asia. We have worked with the military for almost a decade and are able to respond quickly to our customers, providing them with mission-critical communications solutions that impact their situation immediately.
Q: What products and services does PacStar offer to military customers?
A: PacStar has developed a series of advanced deployable communications solutions—represented by the PacStar 5000, 3000 and 2000 series—that support conventional tactical and strategic military commands and National Guard units responding to disasters.
The PacStar 5000 series products provide 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 ruggedized, airline-portable cases to support one to five users; and the PacStar 2000 series products are customized to meet specific needs for standalone or fully networked field communications products.
Our products offer full telephone/private branch exchange (PBX) functionality, Voice over IP (VoIP), high-speed data, video, and reachback connections to networks, and establish interoperability with a wide variety of satellite, microwave, cell phone and hand-held radio equipment. They are very easy to use, giving troops in the field the ability to quickly set-up secure communications and begin operations almost immediately.
PacStar products are available with air-filtration packages and advanced cooling systems in a ruggedized case. This system enables broader implementation into remote areas that do not have the air conditioning required to maintain the hardware. PacStar has designed a patent-pending solution that controls the air-flow and keeps the components cool, even when the outside temperature is as high as 140 degrees.
Q: What unique benefits does PacStar offer military customers?
A: PacStar’s IQ-Core Software is the heart of the most advanced products we offer. Customers can quickly integrate new functionality, improve reliability, and make deployable systems easier to use and maintain, even by minimally-trained personnel. For large systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers, the IQ-Core development platform speeds time-to-market with a proven, managed communications system and ruggedized case.
IQ-Core Software for advanced communications equipment and network management is an advanced, wizard-based, adaptable network management system that simplifies and secures complex communications systems and deployable networks. PacStar also offers an intelligent, flexible case technology (IQ-Core Case) for deployable communications, networking and IT equipment, with built-in high-velocity cooling and software-based monitoring and control.
Q: What are some examples of the benefits experienced by military customers?
A: Through its work with U.S. Central Command, PacStar deployed a fully functional secure voice, video and data communication system that allows the Afghan National Army (ANA) to better coordinate and respond to insurgent and anti-drug activities. Before the system was implemented, the ANA used radios the enemy could intercept, resulting in uncoordinated responses and the loss of ANA personnel and equipment. With the system, the ANA is now able to quickly, reliably and securely send intelligence and troop movement orders anywhere in the country.
Working with its partners and Army Reserve Command, Pac- Star helped field the Contingency Communications Package (CCP), which delivers full telephone functionality, VoIP, high-speed data, video, and satellite reachback connection to networks. It also establishes interoperability with cell phones, enabling rapid response to natural or man-made disasters. What is innovative about the system is that despite being a complex communications network, the CCP can be set up in a matter of minutes by soldiers with little technology experience through the use of easy to understand wizards.
Q: What areas are you working on for the future in meeting military needs?
A: PacStar is partnering with large systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers to incorporate its IQ-Core Software into current and future products to simplify the management process of complex communications networks. Through these partnerships, the military will be able to quickly and easily field battle-ready deployable communications equipment that can be operated by a range of small and large teams as well as command level units, giving tactical and strategic commanders access to the latest information. Whether it’s real-time streaming video, voice communications or data transmissions, communications technology equipped with PacStar’s IQ-Core Software will ensure U.S. warfighters have the best and most up-to-date information to accomplish their mission. ♦
