Page 23: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (October 1999)

Software Solutions

USCG Uses 3Com Technology To Launch Virtual Private Networks

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is deploying Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) based on 3Com's wide area net- work (WAN) systems). 3Com, which secures high speed communications between shore facilities and vessels docked at port facilities around the world, uses VPN connections. These connections allow the agency to quickly transmit mission-critical and pertinent administrative information from its land-based location to ships at any port where USCG vessel dock.

The process, which was first utilized in June on the cutter Dependable, will soon be branched out to all of the

USCG's 250-plus vessels. Based on 3Com's SuperStack II NetBuilder SI routers, the $1.1 million investment fol- lows the implementation of the Standard

Workstation III Local Area Network (LAN) Cabling Project that occurred last year. At that time, the agency intro- duced 3Com Fast Ethernet networks to its complete fleet, as well as many land- based facilities.

In addition to its high speed solution, the premier system is formatted to a tee of the specifications of the agency's

Telecommunications and Information

Systems Command (TISCOM) in

Alexandria, Va. and is compatible with

Microsoft Windows NT systems.

Working with TISCOM to understand the requirements of ship-to-shore con- nectivity, 3Com developed a solution via its proven VPN, which was equipped with all the USCG requirements. The two companies worked together in the simulation of the ship-to-shore and

McNeel Introduces New Version

Robert McNeel & Associates present- ed its newest ware - Rhinoceros (Rhino) 1.1, a new version of the company's

NUBR (non-uniform rational B-spline) modeler for the Windows platform.

Available later this fall, Rhino 1.1 is a conceptual design and modeling tool for industrial, product and scene designers; while bringing accurate, free-form curve, surface and solids modeling to demanding users. Resulting form its accuracy and ease of modeling free form curves, surfaces and solids, Rhino is an efficient companion to many CAD,

CAM, CAE, 3-D, digitizing and rapid prototyping products.

Circle 56 on Reader Service Card

WAN environment at TISCOM with three SuperStack II NetBuilder SI routers demonstrating the routers' tun- neling capabilities. Following, the

USCG performed a successful live pre- sentation on Dependable, which subse- quently led to TISCOM's purchase of 3Com VPN systems.

Although ships currently must be docked for a VPN to be implemented, the USCG is looking into outlets for possible underway ship-to-shore con- nectivity and ship-to-ship VPN connec- tions.

Circle 50 on Reader Service Card

U b HHi'iiii'n

And that's where the FirstWave/Newpark Shipyard

Network™ comes into play. With six yards — three in Houston and three in Galveston — we have the capacity and the proven skills to help any operator comply with OPA '90.

We'll steer you through the economics of compliance.

The specialists at FirstWave/Newpark

Shipbuilding understand the economic challenges you face. We'll show you how double-hull conversions can likely bring your vessels into compliance at the lowest cost in the shortest amount of time. If the numbers favor new construction, you'll get the highest quality at a competitive price. Either way, our experienced project managers will deliver exactly what you want — on time, on budget, no surprises.

We can do it because we've done it.

In 1994, FirstWave/Newpark performed one of the first double-hull conversions of an ocean barge — the Allied

Marine Industries tank barge Hugh. Here's what

Kelly L. Law of Allied says, "Everyone involved at First Wave was very knowledgeable about all aspects of the con- version, and this enabled us to get quick and reliable responses.... Since the conversion, the Hugh has operated flawlessly as a double-skinned tank barge."

For more information, just call Chris Orth at 713.967.6345 or e-mail [email protected]. We'd like the opportunity to guide you through the economics of OPA '90 compliance.

Fir stWave

MNEWPARK SHIPBUILDING. 2102 Broadway, Houston, TX 77012 5 1999 FirstWave. All rights

October, 1999 Circle 237 on Reader Service Card 23