GE: GE Security Announces Next Generation Container Security Solution to Further Increase Security of Cargo and Ports

GE Security and its global partners today announced the release of the latest version of the CommerceGuard™ System, which is designed to further increase security of cargo containers and ports by addressing dangerous vulnerabilities in today’s global supply chain.

Version 3.0 extends CommerceGuard’s container security system with new, ultra rugged readers; automated XML data feeds for use by customers to track the status and location of their shipments, and a secure protocol for highly reliable wireless messaging. Security is assured by encrypting all data communications and authenticating all hardware transactions and authorized users. Extensive lab and field tests conducted by independent third parties show wireless communications for the system exceed 99% reliability, and the sensor detects container breaches with a false positive rate that is less than 1 percent.

“The U.S. Congress has identified a lack of maritime security as one of our country’s greatest vulnerabilities and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security continues to seek technologies that can safeguard maritime container shipments,” said Randy Koch, president and CEO, CommerceGuard. “The supply chain’s weakest link is the transport of containers from the factory point of origin to a foreign port. CommerceGuard addresses this vulnerability today by detecting and reporting security breaches while the containers are in-transit.”

“It’s crystal clear that more progress needs to be made with port and container security,” said A. Louis Parker, president and CEO, GE Security. “GE Security is committed to making the world a safer place and we are pleased, along with our three multinational partners, to demonstrate this commitment by fielding this new generation of CommerceGuard products that can immediately and materially improve the security of cargo containers and the world’s ports.”

The latest version of the CommerceGuard System delivers state-of-the art technology in a container security device (CSD) that can detect and report intermodal cargo container intrusions. The CSD is uniquely located inside the container for protection from sabotage as well as the harsh maritime environment. CommerceGuard is the first, market-ready global supply chain security system that can deter and detect theft, smuggling and international terrorism by integrating container security devices with a global information network.

Point-to-point tracking data from the CommerceGuard system is available to customers at no extra charge. Shippers and logistics professionals use the data for supply chain visibility. Shippers, carriers, and ports that currently operate the CommerceGuard System to protect and track assets include Starbucks Coffee Company, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp., and the Virginia Port Authority.

The CommerceGuard 3.0 products are available worldwide through a global business collaboration consisting of GE Security (NYSE:GE), Mitsubishi Corporation (TSE:8058), Samsung Corporation (SEO:000830), and Siemens Building Technologies (NYSE:SI). The CommerceGuard Information Network is globally established in fourteen international seaports, and is slated for additional expansion through ports in 2007.

The CommerceGuard container security device is positioned inside an intermodal cargo container and registers any opening of the container door. Fixed and handheld readers at critical points along the supply chain collect container status from the device and report it using the CommerceGuard Information Network. This information provides cargo owners greater security while tracking the location and status of shipments as their containers move through the supply chain. Tracking data is available at no additional charge as part of the CommerceGuard service. Should an unauthorized door opening occur, it is recorded as a tamper event and alerts are sent to appropriate officials. Cargo owners, authorized logistics providers and appropriate government authorities can securely access the security and tracking data from any Internet browser. GE Security holds the sales and distribution rights for the CommerceGuard system in North America and certain other regions.



About CommerceGuard
The CommerceGuard container security solution, jointly owned by GE Security, Mitsubishi Corporation, Samsung Corporation, and Siemens Building Technology, features the first market-ready container security device (CSD) that is located inside an international cargo container and registers openings of the container door. Fixed and handheld readers record its status in the CommerceGuard Information Network that can be accessed at no additional charge by customers and government officials anywhere in the world.