Avocent First to Achieve EAL4+ Validation for All Secure Desktop Switches

Business Wire,  March 11, 2008  

Tags: Avocent Corp., desktop

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Includes Switches with Common Access Card Support to Help Government Computer Users Comply with HSPD-12

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Avocent Corporation (NASDAQ: AVCT) today announced its entire suite of SwitchView([R]) SC desktop switches -- including models with secure USB Common Access Card support -- are now validated to National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) Common Criteria EAL4+. These are the first and only switches to attain Evaluation Assurance Level 4+ validation and the first validated switches with CAC support available for government computer users who must comply with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12. HSPD-12 mandates a common identification and access method for U.S. government employees and contractors who log into federally controlled IT systems. Level 4+, designated as EAL 4 Augmented with ALC_FLR.2, means the products include assurance requirements beyond the minimum required for EAL4, which validates that they have been methodically designed, tested and reviewed.

SwitchView SC switches allow users, such as security analysts, to safely access data stored on multiple computers -- each operating at different levels of classification -- from just one console saving time and reducing complexity.

"Avocent secure switches provide unmatched data protection and are specifically designed for government and non-government environments where information security is essential," said Dan Wolf, independent industry security consultant.

"NIAP certification assures our customers that they are purchasing products with the highest level of security," said Pete Engler, product manager for secure desktop switches. "This is particularly important for our government customers and contractors who work in the DoD and intelligence communities."

Security validation for the globally accepted Common Criteria is performed by the National Information Assurance Partnership(1). In approving the CAC support models, NIAP also raised the validation level of the entire suite of SwitchView SC secure desktop switches to EAL4+.

Avocent was the first company to receive approval for secure desktop switches in 2003 under the "Peripheral Sharing Switch for Human Interface Devices" Protection Profile created in 2000. Since that time, Avocent has been first to market with a variety of entry-level and high-end secure switches that include the following features:

* Secure USB support for ensuring security and data integrity. SwitchView SC switch USB ports are engineered to recognize only human interface devices such as Common Access Card readers, keyboards and mice.

* Hardware security features, such as tamper evident tape, chassis intrusion detection and locked memory, to prevent access to internal components.

* Custom-designed encrypted internal firmware made in the U.S. that automatically clears the keyboard buffer immediately after data is transmitted through the switch so no data is ever left in the switch.

* Support for either PS/2 or USB or both.

* Audio support.

* DVI support. Each fully secure channel supports video connections that provide 2048 x 1536 video resolution for enhanced viewing of graphical materials, including maps, photos or drawings.

Avocent is a GSA schedule contractor, number GS-35F0264K. The switches range in price from $349 to $2495.

For a demonstration by Pete Engler, product manager for secure desktop switches, of the SwitchView SC switches visit http://www.avocent.com/governmentsecureswitching.aspx.

About Avocent Corporation

Avocent delivers IT infrastructure management solutions that reduce operating costs, simplify management and increase the availability of critical, "always on" IT environments via integrated, centralized in-band and out-of-band hardware and software. Additional information is available at: www.avocent.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are forward-looking statements as defined within the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding the development of new systems and management solutions and Avocent's growth and expansion into these and other new markets. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including the risks associated with general economic conditions, risks attributable to future product demand, sales, and expenses, risks associated with product design efforts and the introduction of new products and technologies, and risk associated with obtaining and protecting intellectual property rights. Other factors that could cause operating and financial results to differ are described in Avocent's reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

(1) NIAP is a collaboration between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Security Agency (NSA) in fulfilling their respective responsibilities under PL 100-235 (Computer Security Act of 1987). The partnership combines the extensive IT security experience of both agencies to promote the development of technically sound security requirements for IT products and systems and appropriate measures for evaluating those products and systems.