Dulles, VA. November 25, 2003 – Encore Networks, a developer of integrated network security products for enterprise and carrier customers, today announced the completion of interoperability testing between the Encore Virtual Private Network (VPN) appliance, the BANDIT™, and Quarry's Service Edge Switches, the iQ4000 and iQ8000. The successful testing had Encore establish and terminate encrypted tunnels over the Internet using IPSec protocols and algorithms to the standards set by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

Quarry Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells security solutions that enable confidential communications over public and private networks. The Quarry iQsec solution fits into Network Service Provider (NSP) Points of Presence (POPs), enabling carrier-based managed security services for small and medium-sized enterprises.

"Interoperability with Quarry Technologies demonstrates Encore Networks' commitment to supporting VPN standards," said Abir Hnidi, Senior Director of Technology and Applications Development for Encore Networks. "With this successful testing, we feel confident that Encore can integrate with large scale systems to meet market requirements for end-to-end enhanced security solutions for both carriers and enterprise customers."

The Encore BANDIT™ is a uniquely versatile VPN gateway that provides router/FRAD, firewall and IPSec VPN functionality, dial backup, and legacy protocol support. Encore security products dedicate hardware processors to handle the job of encrypting and decrypting messages. This ensures that routing, firewall, and other functions don't slow down when DES and triple DES encryption are in use. Hardware acceleration maintains throughput at all times, ensuring the security of mission-critical data.

"Hierarchical networks where VPN tunnels are aggregated at central sites and advanced subscriber services are applied make good sense for many network operators," said Tim Hale, Director of Product Marketing for Quarry Technologies. "The proven interoperability of the powerful Encore BANDIT™ VPN appliances with our iQ-series Service Edge Switches presents enticing design options for constructing secure, customer-focused networks."