NEC Announces Mobile Voice and Data Unit, Enabling Secure Communications During Disaster Recovery

Business Wire, March 20, 2007

Disaster recovery system improves emergency communications for government agencies

WASHINGTON -- NEC Unified Solutions, Inc. (NEC), a leader in VoIP and data communications, today announced the release of its Mobile Voice and Data Unit, a disaster recovery system that provides wireless voice, data and video communications to government agencies and first responders during emergency situations. Enabling quick deployment of remote Internet and voice capabilities through satellite access, Mobile Voice and Data Unit offers a comprehensive and self-contained suite of communications products to help government organizations preserve business continuity and support disaster recovery and response efforts during emergency scenarios, including threats of terrorism, natural disasters and communications infrastructure failures.

During a crisis, network sustainability is vital to an organization's operations to ensure that citizens and staff have access to critical information and communications. In addition, disaster recovery plans must address the possibility of long-term network downtime. Mobile Voice and Data Unit, a VoIP-based system, leverages NEC's UNIVERGE[R] SV7000 MPS to support temporary or long-term voice and data networks, as well as WL1500 wireless access points, DTerm Phones and wireless handsets to provide agents with voice communication around campus. With these capabilities, NEC can provide a solution for an organization's unique emergency management plan and vulnerabilities, as well as offer onsite configuration and deployment services to customize the customer's system and match their existing network infrastructures.

Following the devastation Hurricane Katrina inflicted on the Gulf Coast, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was called upon to assist with rescue and response efforts and mitigate threats on public health and the environment. To complete these tasks, the EPA required a command post and voice and data communications infrastructure for all first responders on the scene. The EPA worked with NEC and Nu-Vision Technologies to complete a site assessment and deploy a voice solution for 200 EPA agents. In addition, 15 wireless access points were deployed to cover the command center campus and provide needed data connectivity for the agents.

"When responding to a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Katrina, it's critical that our first responders have immediate access to information and communications upon arrival," said Eric Paisley, telecommunications manager, Emergency Response team, EPA. "After quickly deploying NEC's wireless technologies, we were able to have a voice and data network and command center in place prior to the agents' arrival, providing them with instant communications and allowing them to focus on the relief efforts."

"During any time of crisis, including natural disasters, terrorism and civil emergencies it's critical that government agencies are immediately able to communicate with constituents," said Paul Lopez, general manager, Marketing for NEC Unified Solutions. "Being able to rapidly implement a disaster recovery system can directly minimize dangers to public health and safety and loss of life. NEC is committed to helping public organizations and government agencies provide the highest level of communications continuity to citizens and staff, when it matters the most."

NEC's Mobile Voice and Data Unit is available in two preconfigured bundles for first responders and disaster recovery scenarios. The First Responder bundle allows a branch office to connect to the headquarters, and is configured for more frequent and shorter duration responses. Mobile Voice and Data Unit is also available as a stand-alone and self-sustaining system, configured for a longer duration of events with increased access to desktop phones and a voicemail system. Customization of the MVDU is also available. All bundles house the equipment in military-grade portable cases and include the satellite communications equipment and service.

Mobile Voice and Data Unit is available immediately.

About NEC Unified Solutions, Inc.

NEC Unified Solutions Inc., a global leader in VoIP and data communications for the enterprise, delivers the industry's most innovative suite of products, applications and services that help customers achieve business value through technology. NEC Unified Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America, offers the most complete range of communications services and solutions, advanced product platforms and applications, and an open migration path to protect investments. NEC Unified Solutions, Inc. serves Fortune 1000 customers across the globe in vertical markets such as hospitality, education, government and healthcare. For more information, visit www.necunified.com.

UNIVERGE is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation.