TAMPA, Fla., 30 Dec. 2006. Engineers at Fortress Technologies, maker of secure wireless networking solutions, have developed a next-generation Rapid Response Communications Kit for the Texas National Guard.

Rapid Response Communications Kits are mobile systems that enable secure wireless communications during emergency response situations, allowing the Texas National Guard to quickly establish voice, video, and data communications in environments that have no available infrastructure.

The Texas National Guard purchased the first of these systems, which integrates secure Wi-Fi for local access with secure WiMAX for reach-back.

PacStar will integrate Fortress' wireless and security products and Nortel WiMAX solutions from Nortel Government Solutions* into a ruggedized case, offering the ability to transmit/receive email, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and video feeds securely between Guard members at the scene of an incident and other organizations statewide.

The Rapid Response Communications Kits streamline the response to, and management of, a disaster situation by immediately opening lines of communications between multiple agencies -- such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), state/local/county agencies and other first responders.

"During emergency incidents, the Army National Guard must maintain order while ensuring every step is taken to protect the lives and property of the individuals affected," says John Dow, vice president, Business Development and Marketing, Fortress. "Given its large border on the Gulf of Mexico and vast flatlands, Texas is a hot spot for hurricanes, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. Its National Guard unit must be prepared with the most reliable and efficient response technologies available."