GarrettCom, Inc., Fremont, Calif., and Bow Networks Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, unveiled an expanded version of their unified NERC CIP cyber security solution for power utility facilities at DistribuTECH 2009. The GarrettCom CrossBow Architecture provides an integrated environment for supporting CIP cyber security requirements for North American utilities wanting to meet the July 1, 2009, NERC CIP standards compliance deadline.
The GarrettCom/Bow marketing and technology alliance, first announced at DistribuTECH 2008, has resulted in a highly integrated, purpose-built substation security solution that has been installed in utilities across North America.
The CrossBow architecture achieves four major objectives:
- Provides a straight path forward to NERC CIP compliance, accommodating a wide range of existing networking technologies, substation automation vendor systems, and substation devices (IEDs).
- Simplifies ongoing administration, change control and compliance reporting.
- Provides a wide range of reliability options for the cyber security system itself, reflecting the new critical role of that cyber security now plays in keeping the grid operational.
- Close integration with GarrettCom's Magnum line of substation-hardened switches and routers.
The GarrettCom CrossBow Architecture includes the CrossBow Secure Access Manager, announced one year ago, as well as the CrossBow Station Access Controller, Magnum DX 1000 substation-hardened IP router/firewall and Magnum Global Manager. The CrossBow architecture is also integrated with many other networking devices, substation automation systems and Enterprise-level cyber security applications.