General Dynamics C4 Systems has selected the OptiPlex 755 desktop by Dell as the computer hardware to host its Trusted Virtual Environment (TVE), a High Assurance Platform (HAP)-compliant workstation intended for classified work by government users. The workstation enables individuals to use a single computer workstation to securely access information and applications from multiple networks, at different classification levels, as opposed to limiting a computer to a single security level.

In October 2006, The National Security Agency awarded the first contract under the High Assurance Platform Initiative to General Dynamics. HAP is an information security program that employs commercial hardware and virtualization technology to manage the separation of multiple classification levels of data running simultaneously on a single computer.

"One computer allowing authorized users to work securely in multiple operating domains across the enterprise is an advancement for military and government personnel," said John Cole, vice president of Information Assurance for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "We have leveraged the advantages available in the commercial world and optimized them for military tactical environments and government workstations."

"Government customers engaged in classified work require solutions that deliver effective network security in complex environments," said Troy West, vice president, Dell Federal. "The Dell OptiPlex 755 helps simplify the user experience by providing an efficient, secure foundation for the HAP-compliant workstation."

The General Dynamics Trusted Virtual Environment workstation extends the efficiency of computing and storage capability by reducing the amount of equipment, in many cases by more than 50 percent. In addition to the Dell computing platform, the General Dynamics TVE solution bundles best-in-class commercial technology for hardware-based security mechanisms and centralized self-monitoring security technology from the Intel, along with virtualization software from VMware.

"Today's computing solutions demand higher levels of security, manageability and convenience," said Rob Crooke, vice president and general manager, Intel Business Client Group. "Intel Virtualization and Trusted Execution Technologies, components of Intel vPro(TM) technology, combine to enable programs with multiple levels of classification to reside securely on a single computer."

"VMware is committed to providing comprehensive virtualization solutions with the highest security -- from data center virtualization and management to enterprise desktop management to application lifecycle management," said Aileen Black, vice president of federal sales at VMware. "Working with General Dynamics to create the HAP-compliant workstation brings efficiency and flexibility to government agencies with the most stringent security requirements."