Blue Ridge Scores $5M

CHANTILLY, Va. -- Blue Ridge Networks announced today that it is entering the wireless security market with its suite of secure communications products and services. Blue Ridge's BorderGuard products and services achieve completely secure, always on data connectivity whether users are roaming around the world or utilizing 802.11 in a corporate WLAN environment. The company also announced that it has signed Akridge, a leading commercial real estate services firm, as the first customer for its wireless feature set.

Blue Ridge's solution features exactly the high security and simplicity for which Akridge was searching. Having recognized the value of wireless early on, Akridge built the first operational 802.11 wired commercial building in the Washington D.C. area. As an occupant of this building themselves, Akridge took advantage of the wireless ready offices and was looking to set up their own corporate WLAN. However, they knew they had to first find suitable security to protect their corporate information if it was going to be accessible via a wireless network.

"Our director of IT has been very impressed with the security features offered by Blue Ridge" said Matthew Klein, President of Akridge.

"Blue Ridge is committed to providing our customers peace of mind no matter where or how they connect to their networks," said Robert Hartnett, Chairman and CEO of Blue Ridge Networks. "The explosion of wireless solutions in the market has led to a convergence between mobility and security. While mobile workers enjoy enhanced productivity, the multiple network environments they work on - from LAN to dial to wireless- create a myriad of different processes employees must follow and security risks to the enterprise. Blue Ridge is focused on optimizing our secure communications platform so that the technology is easy to use, and workers are infinitely connected, yet inherently secure."

Impressed by the high level of security and the ubiquity that Blue Ridge delivers, Akridge now offers the technology to its Clients. "Our Clients all have different network needs so they need a flexible solution like this," said Klein. "In addition, the security Blue Ridge offers is unparalleled."

To further develop the features required to optimize and secure mobile networking, Blue Ridge Networks recently closed a $5 million dollar Series C round, led by new investor Rock Maple Ventures L.P. and current investors SpaceVest, North Atlantic Capital Corporation, and The Hodson Trust. These new features include:

Ending the year profitable and cash flow positive, Blue Ridge will be the industry leader in wireless with the first truly seamless security solution that delivers infinite connectivity across all network platforms.

Blue Ridge Networks Inc.