Allegheny Energy Deploys Advanced Perimeter Security Technology from Augusta Systems

MORGANTOWN, W.Va., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegheny Energy, Inc. (NYSE: AYE) will deploy ThreatViewer(TM) for perimeter security at one of its north central West Virginia substations, Augusta Systems, Inc. announced. Augusta Systems ThreatViewer is an integrated security product that provides remote sensing capabilities in industrial and homeland security efforts.

The product, optimized for use at the substation, features 360-degree imaging technologies, image data processing capabilities and wireless communications capabilities. These features will enable Allegheny Energy security personnel to remotely monitor the substation and its perimeter in real time as ThreatViewer captures and processes surveillance data and transmits it to personnel at operations centers and in the field. The 360- degree imaging technologies will enable Allegheny Energy personnel to "see" in all directions at once.

"Maintaining security for our facilities is a major focus at Allegheny Energy. The deployment of ThreatViewer at the substation is indicative of the commitment we have made to infrastructure security," said Scott Webber, director of system security for Allegheny Energy. "We are proud of our efforts to maintain high standards for physical security and we will continue to pursue new methods and technologies for improving the security at our facilities."

In utilizing ThreatViewer at the substation, Allegheny Energy will examine the product's feasibility for wider-scale deployments across the company's power generation and transmission and distribution assets. The product was deployed for similar critical infrastructure protection efforts during 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game events in Pittsburgh. It is also being used in projects related to military facility protection, maritime security, and other applications.

Allegheny Energy will also examine the feasibility of integrating ThreatViewer with the substation's other surveillance devices and access control systems into a fully integrated security system. The company will utilize another Augusta Systems(R) product, SensorBridge(TM), which powers ThreatViewer system software, for these sensor data integration efforts. SensorBridge software components for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 enable rapid integration, intelligent processing and enterprise utilization of sensor data.

"Security convergence is a major concern for businesses. Integrating the various security systems and sensors with each other and with the enterprise IT network can be a real challenge," said Patrick Esposito II, chief operating officer of Augusta Systems. "ThreatViewer can help Allegheny Energy to collect important imagery data remotely. SensorBridge will help the company to integrate that data with other critical security data for use across the enterprise. We're proud that Allegheny Energy has agreed to work with us to enhance their substation security efforts and protect critical infrastructure within our nation's electric power grid."

Allegheny Energy

Headquartered in Greensburg, Pa., Allegheny Energy is an investor-owned utility consisting of two major businesses. Allegheny Energy Supply owns and operates electric generating facilities, and Allegheny Power delivers low- cost, reliable electric service to customers in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. For more information, visit our web site at http://www.alleghenyenergy.com/.

Augusta Systems

Augusta Systems, Inc. provides technologies to enable rapid integration, intelligent processing, and enterprise utilization of sensor data. The products extend enterprise networks to the level of sensors and sensor networks. These technologies enable the most efficient and effective convergence and use of sensor data in numerous applications, including security, monitoring, automation, and asset tracking, among others.

The company's core products are SensorBridge and a soon-to-be released, reconfigurable sensor network appliance for distributed, intelligent processing at the edge of the network. SensorBridge is a suite of software components for Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 that enables rapid integration, intelligent processing, and enterprise utilization of sensor data within an integrated development environment. Augusta Systems also offers SensorBridge and the sensor network appliance in conjunction with partner technologies to develop advanced end-user sensor and control systems and network products. One such product is ThreatViewer, which provides remote monitoring capabilities for industrial, military, and homeland security.

Augusta Systems technologies enable sensors relying on a variety of protocols and systems, including wireless sensor networks (featuring ZigBee and other protocols), RFID systems, and imagery devices. The technologies support IPv6, physical/IT security convergence, M2M communications, network- centric systems, and more.