The Global Certification Team (GCT) is proud to announce the addition of the Catalyst 6500-E to the Unified capabilities (UC) Approved Products List (APL).  The Cat6K was tested as a switch in Virtual Switching System (VSS) mode with Software Release (Rel.) 15.0(1)SY1, Tracking Number (TN) 1132001, as an Assured Services Local Area Network (ASLAN) -- Layer 2/Layer 3 Access, Core, and Distribution switch.  The UC APL Memo can be found here.

The Cisco® Catalyst® 6500 and 6500-E Series sets the new standard for IP Communications and application delivery in enterprise campus and service provider networks by maximizing user productivity and enhancing operational control. As the premier intelligent, multilayer modular Cisco switch, the Catalyst 6500 Series delivers secure, converged, end-to-end services, from the wiring closet to the core network, the data center, and the WAN edge.

For more information on the Catalyst 6500-E Series, please visit Cisco.com.

Tags: 6500, 6500-E, apl, approved, aslan, capabilities, catalyst, certification, certified, IOS, list, products, UC, unified, vss

The Global Certification team is pleased to announce the Cisco Common Crypto Hybrid Module, C3M-hybrid, has been awarded FIPS validation #1668 and is complete!  The C3M-hybrid module leverages AES-NI (C3M, #1643, completed in 2011). This is the first crypto module that leverages AES-NI.

http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/140-1/140val-all.htm#1668

The Cisco Common Cryptographic Module (C3M) is a software library that that can be utilized by many Cisco products. The module provides FIPS validated cryptographic algorithms, including advanced (Suite B) cryptography requested by USG, for services such as sRTP, SSH, TLS, 802.1x etc. Once the FIPS validated C3M is integrated into our products, GCT can engage the FIPS lab to write letters of compliance. In the future, leveraging this FIPS validation while performing HW validation will reduce cost, time and effort.

FIPS-140 is a US and Canadian government standard that specifies security requirements for cryptographic modules. A cryptographic module is defined as “the set of hardware, software, and/or firmware that implements approved security functions (including cryptographic algorithms and key generation) and is contained within the cryptographic boundary.” The cryptographic module is what is being validated.

Tags: 1668, certificate, certified, Cisco, Common, crypto, fips, hybrid

The 5940 ESR has been awarded FIPS validation #1639

The Cisco 5900 Series Embedded Services Routers (ESR) are optimized for mobile and embedded networks that require IP routing and services. They can operate reliably in harsh environments, such as those subject to power surges and extreme weather conditions.

These routers are complemented by Cisco IOS Software and Cisco Mobile Ready Net capabilities. With this technology, they provide highly secure data, voice, and video communications to stationary and mobile network nodes across wired and wireless links.

FIPS-140 is a US and Canadian government standard that specifies security requirements for cryptographic modules. A cryptographic module is defined as “the set of hardware, software, and/or firmware that implements approved security functions (including cryptographic algorithms and key generation) and is contained within the cryptographic boundary.” The cryptographic module is what is being validated.  The NIST website contains details on the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).

For further information on Global Government Certifications, please visit here: http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/government/sec_cert.html

Tags: certification, certified, defense, dod, federal, fips, mobile, public sector, router, security, swp

Cutting costs is always a priority. And if your customers need to purchase new products, they likely will want to find the best deal. Did you know that one of the best ways they can do that is by purchasing Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment?

Pre-owned equipment is Cisco hardware that has been fully refurbished to Cisco factory specifications. It’s backed by the same warranty, and has the same maintenance and support options as new Cisco products. And…Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment can be had at discounts of as much as 30% off new product prices!

But did you know that less than 5% of Cisco channel partners currently take advantage of the availability pre-owned equipment for their customers? I got the chance to chat with Maryann Von Seggern--senior director, pre-owned equipment, Cisco Capital--and she filled me in on why partners should consider Cisco Certified Refurbished Equipment for their customers’ networks, how the equipment is certified, and the financing available to partners for Certified Refurbished Equipment.

Keep reading for my full Q&A with Maryann. Read More »

Tags: certified, cisco capital, maryann von seggern, partners, refurbished equipment

Inclusion in some government lists may not be such a good thing… for example, the government “no fly list” could be a bummer as you board your flight on your next family vacation. Yet, other government lists can make or break you when it comes to doing business with the Federal Government. Last week, the award winning Cisco CleanAir technology was placed on the all important DoD Unified Capabilities APPROVED PRODUCT LIST (DoD UC/APL). The DoD APL happens to be the official product list that DoD agencies are required to work from when making new acquisitions for network equipment such as routers, switches, WLAN, voice, video etc. With the latest Cisco DoD APL certification, the Cisco CleanAir 3500 Series Access Point becomes the first DoD approved product that supports “built-in” system level spectrum intelligence in support of mission critical wireless networks.

In some ways, the DoD APL is like an exclusive club for a select group of IT vendors –either you are a club member or you stand outside the gate. The process to get products listed on the APL is no cakewalk. First, even before products can be considered for the APL process, the products must meet a series of stringent DoD requirements and certifications such as DISA STIGS, FIPS & Common Criteria. Next, a DoD sponsor must agree to represent the vendor’s products throughout the APL certification process. The actual certification process itself involves several months of rigorous interoperability and Information Assurance compliance testing.

Read More »

Tags: airforce, certification, certified, cleanair, dod, federal, government, navy, spectrum analysis, wi-fi, wifi, wireless, wlan