CGI wins contract for NATO mobile communications solution

CGI, a Montreal-headquartered IT consulting firm, has won a contract with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to deliver the Hermes project, a mobile communication solution for the defense alliance’s leaders.

CGI will deliver the project alongside partner Secunet, a German cybersecurity firm. The partnership combines CGI’s managed services expertise with Secunet’s secure inter-network architecture (SINA) technology.

Hermes is a scalable IT solution for NATO executives and selected target groups that enables secure mobile communication on specially protected equipment. It comprises secure hardware and software that allows for the exchange of classified information irrespective of the user’s location – a marked shift from current static, secure communications.

“Now more than ever, NATO must be able to act quickly and flexibly. Those who can work with highly classified content even while mobile have a clear strategic advantage,” said Marcel Taubert, VP for defense and space at Secunet.

CGI and Secunet will lead implementation and managed services for Hermes operations. The Hermes service operation centre (HSOC) will include a permanent monitoring system with a security operation centre, 24/7 on-call support, worldwide on-site assistance, and user training.

CGI will oversee the setup and operation of a secure VPN, while Secunet will provide specialized hardware and encryption components.

“We have presented a solution that combines state-of-the-art security architecture with the high dynamics of mobile deployment scenarios, while also improving interoperability. The close and trusting cooperation with NATO remains a key factor in our success,” said Jens Elstermeier, head of business development for defense and intelligence at CGI in Germany.