MBX Adds FIPS-Ready Option to Purpose-Built Hardware Appliances, Expanding Sales Channels for Software Vendors Needing Turnkey Systems

WAUCONDA, Ill., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MBX Systems today announced the expansion of its purpose-built hardware appliance manufacturing services to offer platforms designed for Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 certification. With the new option, enterprise software vendors can contract with MBX to bundle their applications on customized appliances that provide the cryptographic protections required for sale to U.S. government departments, healthcare organizations, financial institutions and customers in other regulated industries.

Available in 1U and 2U form factors, MBX's new FIPS-ready hardware platforms incorporate hardware components selected to address FIPS requirements for cryptographic modules; special chassis features that conceal sensitive parts of the system and detect attempted tampering; and component lifecycle management services that help reduce the frequency of FIPS recertification.

Appliances are built to each customer's needs in consultation with an MBX compliance engineer and initially delivered in prototype form for FIPS certification. FIPS-specific features include:

• Special mechanical assemblies that secure the chassis and plates to block unused ports.
• Custom-designed venting that blocks sensitive components from sight and tampering.
• Security screws with a specialized structure and security labeling for voiding the certification in the event of tampering.
• Tamper-evident warning stickers and foam.
• CAD engineering to ensure that the tamper-evident features will not cause overheating.

Turnkey Deployment

Like all MBX platforms, the new FIPS-ready systems provide a reliable alternative to delivering applications loaded onto general-purpose servers. MBX-built appliances delivered pre-loaded with the relevant software simplify end user deployment by eliminating the need for software configuration, and also optimize application performance by providing a consistent hardware platform tailored to the software vendor's specifications.

An optional 24x7x365 MBX remote monitoring system called SYZMO (System Zero Fault Monitoring) can be used to protect software applications from hardware-related service interruptions. MBX also offers hardware specification assistance, custom branding, full integration services including software imaging, delivery logistics, a customizable customer portal with real-time data on all aspects of the customer's appliance program, and a variety of other services that relieve software vendors of hardware management responsibilities.

MBX serves customers in more than 40 vertical industries, including archiving, network storage, data and network security, voice over IP, communications and messaging, content management, network monitoring, and spam filtering.

About MBX Systems

Founded in 1995, MBX Systems is a leader in the configuration, manufacturing and deployment of server appliances and optimized systems for application developers and service providers. MBX combines turnkey hardware programs with value-added services delivered through a dedicated account team, including platform configuration, hardware branding, inventory management, global logistics, product support, and system warranties. For more information, visit www.mbx.com or call 800-560-1195.

SOURCE MBX Systems